Skip to main content

‘Flexgate’ is the latest controversy plaguing some MacBook Pro owners

Macbook Pro 13"/15" 2016-2017 Flexgate. LCD stage light goes black after tilting.

If you own a recent MacBook Pro model from 2016 and onward, you’re in for a new controversy. The repair experts at iFixit have recently uncovered a new “Flexgate” issue with MacBook Pros after some consumers reported a “stage light” effect, where the backlighting on the device would fail and cause the bottom of the display to become slightly distorted.

Though it’s not clear if the problem is widespread, according to iFixit, the stage light effect is caused by flaws with a cabling system that Apple uses to attach each MacBook display to the internals of the laptop. In MacBook models from 2016 and newer, Apple switched to a new flexible and thin ribbon cable, which over a long period of time can face fatigue and eventually tear as the lid is repeatedly opened and closed on the laptop. Even worse, the cables are part of the display, so it cannot be replaced easily, and a fix would cost upward of $600. Continued use of MacBooks with the damaged cables would also eventually cause full backlight shutdown if held open more than 40 degrees, eventually causing complete failure of the display.

“But as always, the devil is in the details,” iFixIt explains. “Apple opted for thin, fragile flex cables as opposed to the beefier wire cables used in previous designs that could be routed through the hinge instead of wrapped around it, helping mitigate the stress of repeated openings and closings. But the bigger problem is that, in an apparent effort to make the display as thin as possible, Apple designed the cables as part of the display.”

A website dedicated to Flexgate provides more details on the stage light effect, and a call to action for MacBook owners to sign a petition so Apple can fix the problem under an extended warranty program. At the time of press, it has gathered more than 4,900 signatures. Apple has yet to acknowledge this latest issue, but this wouldn’t be the first controversy it has faced. Previously, the second-generation butterfly keyboards on MacBook Pro models suffered failures if dirt or debris were lodged under the keys caps. Apple addressed that issue with an updated design and offered extended warranties for consumers complaining of the issue.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
The HP Envy 16 costs less, but the mighty MacBook Pro 16 retains its top spot
The MacBook Pro with the default wallpaper, which hides the notch.

There's no doubt that Apple's MacBook Pro 16 is one of the best laptops you can buy today. It's incredibly well built, offers plenty of power to go with the best efficiency, and its display, keyboard, and touchpad are superior.

But, it's also incredibly expensive. That's where a laptop like HP's Envy 16 2023 comes in. It's also quite fast and well-built, with a gorgeous display option. And it's a lot less expensive. Can it topple Apple's mighty MacBook Pro?
Specs and configurations

Read more
Apple’s big M3 MacBook event could be in danger
Apple CEO Tim Cook looks at a display of brand new redesigned MacBook Air laptop during the WWDC22

We’re only about a couple weeks or so out from Apple’s September event, where the company will unveil its iPhone 15 and a slate of brand new Apple Watches. But if you’re holding out for a new MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, don’t get your hopes up -- these laptops, which are rumored to be outfitted with one of the most significant chip upgrades in years, aren’t expected to come until October.

According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the show will be the first time the public casts eyes on the iPhone 15 range, as well as the Apple Watch Series 9 (and potentially a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra). It’ll follow the now-established pattern of a prerecorded video followed by an in-person hands-on session.

Read more
The Dell XPS 15 has one major advantage over the MacBook Pro
The screen of the 2021 MacBook Pro.

It's no secret that 15-inch laptops (and bigger) are the powerhouses of portable computing. They're used for gaming, content creation, video editing, and serious work.

Two of the best laptops are the Dell XPS 15 and the Apple MacBook Pro 16, each of which recently received updates to faster CPUs and GPUs, but otherwise remained mostly the same. Both are excellent laptops that offer great performance, outstanding build quality, and excellent input options -- but which one is right for you? Well, if it comes down to price, the XPS 15 the much more affordable option. That alone will make the decision easy for some people.
Specs

Read more