Applies to:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
Component affected:
- Display cable
Symptoms:
- Stage light on display
- No backlight when the display is opened past a 45 degrees angle
- No backlight at all
Note: these symptoms appear to affect the Touch Bar models more then the non Touch Bar models.
Apple Repair program:
None. Apple has addressed the issue but has not acknowledged fault to the public. As such anyone affected by this hardware design issue has had to pay for repair out of their own pocket.
UPDATE: On May 21st 2019 Apple released a repair program that covers two of the affected models. The 2016 13″ models.
Link: https://www.apple.com/support/13-inch-macbook-pro-display-backlight-service/
The program covers eligible MacBook Pro models for 4 years after the first retail sale of the unit.
The now covered models were discontinued in June 2017, that gives the repair program a maximum time of up until June 2021.
The Issue:
The display cable is too short which causes it to fail over time as the display is opened/closed. Apple is aware of the issue and in 2018 started putting cables on their displays that are 2mm longer, giving the cable enough space to flex as the screen is opened/closed. read more about this here: 2018 MacBook Pros Try to Solve Flexgate Without Admitting It Exists.
The Fix:
If your Mac is one of the now covered models under the repair program, of course take it to Apple for service. For everyone else; As the cable is part of the display assembly, replacing the cable means replacing the entire screen. This costs, at the time of writing, around $700 and is not covered under warranty or an Apple repair program. Replacing the display means you get the same short cable which will fail again in time.
Petition:
Hold Apple accountable. They know of the problem and should offer a repair program for it and refund anyone that paid for the repair up until that point.
Class Action Lawsuit: MacRumors info // PARRIS Law Firm announcement