This week, Apple extended a repair program that was launched in 2019. The service applies to MacBook Pro 13″ models that have a backlight problem.
Apple launched a repair program on May 21, 2019 started, which relates to certain MacBook Pro 13″ models. The whole thing became known as “Flexgate”. Flexgate is a fault in the backlight of certain MacBook Pro models. If a device is affected, a stage light-like effect occurs in the lower part of the display. However, there have also been cases where the entire backlight has failed. Apple itself writes the following in the support document:
Apple has determined that a very small percentage of 13-inch MacBook Pro displays may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
– The display backlight permanently or sporadically illuminates vertical areas along the entire bottom edge of the screen
– The display backlight fails completely"
MacBook Pro 13″: Apple extends the flex cable
In 2019, iFixit reported that the backlight issues were caused by a delicate flex cable. This connects the circuit board to the screen and can wear out and then break due to repeated opening and closing of the device. Although Apple only officially acknowledged the problem in 2019, the company seems to have identified the cause earlier. Back in 2018, the length of the cable in question was extended by 2 mm in new devices. Now Apple has extended the repair program worldwide. This means that qualified MacBook models are now covered for up to five years after the original purchase date or up to three years after the start date of the program.
These MacBook Pro models are affected
Until recently, the limit was four years from the original purchase date. To find out which model you have and whether it qualifies for the program, select the apple in the top left and the "About this Mac" option. Qualified models include the MacBook Pro (13", 2016, four Thunderbolt 3 ports) and MacBook Pro (13", 2016, two Thunderbolt 3 ports). Anyone affected can get a free repair from Apple or an Apple-authorized service partner. Apple goes on to discuss a possible refund. It says:
If you believe your MacBook Pro was affected by this issue and you paid to have the display repaired, you can contact Apple and request a refund.
Further information and links to corresponding contact forms can be found here. (Photo by Yurolaitsalbert / Bigstockphoto)
