Understanding Flexgate: MacBook Air (M1, M2) & Pro (16, 18, 2019) Issues

Introduction to MacBook Flexgate

The Apple MacBook has been receiving a lot of praise for its stylish looks and excellent performance as of late.

Experiences with a MacBook are mostly awesome for beginners who’ve just started using a MacBook.

It’s undoubtedly a powerful machine and operating system to work on, according to Akin Chaktty.

However, with these innovations have come some technological concerns, hiccups that’s most notably associated with the display unit.

This issue that’s common to the display on most MacBook computers has been termed “Flexgate.”

Today, you will learn more about the Flexgate issue, how it affected different MacBook models, and how Apple fixed it.

What causes the Flexgate issue?

A hardware problem known as Flexgate first surfaced in 2016 and persisted with later iterations of Apple’s MacBook line of computers.

Like I said, this issue mostly affects the display assembly and the fragile ribbon wires that link the screen to the motherboard.

These tiny cables can fray and wear out with time from opening and closing the laptop lid, which might cause display issues.

While screen issues are common to laptops from different brands due to this mechanism, Flexgate is synonymous to MacBook computers.

The fundamental problem starts with the design of the display cables, even MacBook admitted this.

In certain models, these wires are too short, putting too much strain on them whenever the laptop is opened and closed. This stress results in cable damage and display issues overtime, according to Techpally.

What Apple Has to Say about this issue?

Apple recognized the problem long ago, and launched a repair program aimed at impacted MacBook models in reaction to the extensive complaints and coverage of Flexgate.

If your MacBook is found to have Flexgate within a certain time range, it would be eligible for a free display replacement under this program.

Terms and conditions apply though as there are more to this, such as where you bought it from, your location, usage, and others.

Homemade Solutions and the User Community

Since getting your Flexgate issue fixed by MacBook, getting a new computer or other measures to correct your ugly experience are not always easy as said, customers looked for alternatives to Apple’s repair program.

Also, you don’t understand the severity of the problem, the stress or the money it could cost you.

Some members of the online community of MacBook users and repair experts devised do-it-yourself solutions, such as attaching extra support to the current cable or switching to a more sturdy flex cable.

MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program Details

Apple voluntarily recalled some 15in MacBook Pros on 20 June 2019. The company said that the battery could overheat, posing a safety threat.

Apple stated in a press statement that “because customer safety is our top priority, we ask customers to stop using 15-inch MacBook Pros affected by this issue.”

Apple’s website explains the battery issue with the 13-inch MacBook Pro. It suggests that an internal component of certain 13-inch MacBook Pro could fail, causing “the built in battery to expand”. Apple claims that this is not a safety concern.

The company will provide free replacement batteries for eligible products.

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How to check if your MacBook Pro has been recalled

You may be affected by the battery recall if you own a 15in MacBook Pro purchased between September 2015 – February 2017. This model is known as MacBook Pro Retina (15-inch, Mid-2015). If your 15in MacBook Pro unit was purchased between September 2015 and February 2017, it may be included in this battery recall. You can find the serial number by clicking the Apple Logo, then choosing About This Mac.

Visit Apple’s site here and see if your computer is eligible for a battery replacement. You can check if your computer is eligibles by entering the serial number. The switch will be provided free of charge if you qualify.

The problem is only with 13-inch MacBook Pros that were not equipped with Touch Bars between October 2016 and 2017. Enter your serial number into Apple’s site to see if your Mac has been affected.

MacBook Pro 2016-2017 battery replacement

It may sound similar, however, this is a battery that cannot charge more than 1%. This does not pose a fire hazard. It’s less dangerous but it is still very annoying.

Apple has confirmed that only a small percentage of the MacBook Pro models released in 2016 and 2017 have experienced the problem .

Apple’s Support Document will tell you if your device is eligible for a free replacement and how to get it.

MacBook Air logic board problem

Apple announced in 2019 that certain 2018 MacBook Air models could have a logic board problem, which may require a replacement.

Emails will be sent to owners who are eligible for the program.

Apple has not provided any specifics about the problem, but it appears that the logic board will be replaced. Apple does not have an official program to address this problem, but it will replace the logic boards for free when its staff determines that the device is affected. Apple should offer this for up to four years after the date of purchase.

MacBook Pro display issues

Apple is offering a service program to fix the backlights of 13in MacBook Pros purchased between October 2016 – February 2018 as of May 2019. This includes MacBook Pros from 2017.

MacBook Pro backlight service program details

Apple laptops that are affected may include:

• Display backlight intermittently or continuously shows vertical bright spots along the bottom of the screen
• Display backlight stops working entirely

A flex cable too short caused the problem. MacBook Pro models made after 2018 are not affected because a longer cable was used.

Apple launched this service program in 2019 Apple will extend the service plan in 2021. It is now valid for 5 years after the date of purchase or 3 years following the date the program was launched (May 21, 2019), depending on which is longer.

How to check if your MacBook Pro has been recalled

Apple will provide free service for laptops that meet certain criteria. Apple will service qualifying laptops for free.

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

Click on the Apple Logo in the upper left corner and select About This Mac to find out if you Mac is eligible.

Apple has more information on its website.

MacBook Air, MacBook Pro & MacBook keyboard issues

Apple laptop keyboard problems were widely publicised from 2016 until early 2020. These issues are detailed in this separate article: MacBook Keyboard Issues.

MacBook keyboard service program

The keyboard design on these MacBook laptops was the cause of the problem. The keyboard design, also known as the Butterfly Design, could cause keys to stop working if dust was trapped underneath. To fix the problem, the keyboard had to be replaced.

Apple launched a program to replace keyboard’s that were affected by the problem. Apple’s site has more information on this program.

You may encounter the following problems if your MacBook laptop is affected:

• Repeating letters and other characters
• No letters or characters
• Sticky keys

Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers will replace the keyboard, or a few key or the entire keyboard, for free if your Mac qualifies.

How to check if your MacBook Pro has been recalled

Apple’s site has a list of all recalled Mac laptops. They include:

• MacBook: 2015, 2016, 2017
• MacBook Air 2018/2019
• 13-inch MacBook Pro: 2016, 2017 and 2018 (two or four Thunderbolt port)
• 15-inch MacBook Pro: 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Click on the Apple Logo in the upper left corner and select About This Mac to find out if you Mac is eligible.

Recall of MacBook Pro SSDs to prevent data loss

The SSD in the non-Touch Bar 13in MacBook Pro models sold between June 2017 to June 2018 may be affected, causing you to lose important data.

MacBook Pro SSD service program details

Apple stated that “a small number of 128GB or 256GB Solid-State Drives (SSD) in 13in MacBook Pro units (non Touch Bar), may have a problem that could result in data loss or failure of the drive.”

Apple’s site has more information.

How to check if Apple will repair your MacBook Pro

This issue affects 13in MacBook Pros sold between June 2017 to June 2018. Apple has sent an email to those who own the affected models, assuming they are registered with Apple.

This model is the 13in MacBook Pro 2017, with two Thunderbolt 3.

You can check if you are eligible by entering your serial number on Apple’s site (click the link above).

Apple will repair the problem for free if you are eligible. More information can be found here.

MacBooks: Other Problems

We will list some other problems that Macs can have, and if we know of any fixes, we will let you know.

MacBook Pro popping speakers

Almost immediately after the 2016 MacBook Pro was delivered to users, loud popping and crackling noises were reported on online forums. The noises were initially believed to only occur when the user boots up Microsoft Windows via Boot Camp. One Macworld reader commented that:

“I own a 2017 MacBook Pro, and my speakers have been replaced twice because they were popping. It was all MacOS, I hadn’t installed Windows. It is 100% hardware and not BootCamp’s fault.”

Some users reported that the MacBook Pro speakers had been permanently damaged when Windows booted. The speakers would no longer work after they booted into macOS. This seems to affect the right speaker.

The problem does not seem to be resolved. There are reports that suggest the 2018 MacBook Pro also has issues with its speakers.

There have been reports of users experiencing crackling sounds from their speakers even when the volume is low.

How can this issue be corrected in the future?

While do-it-yourself solutions can work in the short term, Apple’s new design that eliminates the display flex cable’s core problem is still the best option, chaktty advised.

Incorporating a stronger, longer-lasting cable into subsequent MacBook models would reduce the likelihood of Flexgate happening again and improve the devices’ overall endurance.

Conclusion

The cautionary tale of Flexgate, which has persisted throughout the evolution of MacBook design, emphasizes the significance of long-term reliability and user-focused design in portable electronics.

Although Apple has taken measures to resolve the matter, the lasting impact of Flexgate highlights the importance of continuous quality assurance and customer service in the IT sector.

Keep yourself updated on any hardware issues, such as Flexgate, for MacBook users, especially those with older machines.

If you experience any symptoms, seek assistance soon. Subsequent MacBook models are expected to demonstrate improved durability and reliability, reducing the frequency of issues connected to displays as Apple keeps improving its selection.home