MacBook Pro 15 inch 2017 Flexgate / Stage Light problem

I have the same problem with my MacBook Pro 13' 2017. When I went to the repair they said my MacBook was not eligible and charged me around 70 reais (20U$) to open it and 5,000 reais (1,250U$) to change for a new display, for this price I can buy a new one in USA, but I'm from Brazil and here the MacBook Pro costs something around 2,800U$ for the enter model with 13 inches.

So, I didn't change my display, my MacBook still has this white backlight problem and it doesn't open further than 80º because the image turn in black.

I have never been so disappointed with a purchase in my life. That was the worst experience with a company in my life, I will never recommend a product like this to anyone.

Yes, I have the same issue and brought it to the Apple store today. They said it costs $765! Apple should be responsible for this problem. I bought the MacBook Pro 15 inch 2016 for $1800 and now it is just a huge waste..

For the record: I'm having Flexgate on my Macbook Pro 15 inch 2016, too!

I'm having the lighting problems since beginning of 2020 and I don't think the display will last much longer before turning black entirely.

Me too, 2016 Year End Touch Bar 15" Model, bought on 2018 December, used for 1.7 year, and now, the screen just blackout when open till certain degree... really hope Apple would include 15" to the free service program too, apparently 13" & 15" are facing the same issue here

Yeah, it's absurd that Apple doesn't acknowledge this problem for the 15" model, despite having the very same problem.

When I was at the Apple Store for repair the Genius diagnosed that I have the stage light problem. When I asked if Apple covers the repair he said that Apple doesn't know this problem exists for the 15-inch model.

What? Didn't you just say my 15" MacBook Pro has this problem?

I mean, at least Apple knows now, right? ... Right?

Long story short, unless a lawsuit forces Apple to react I think they will hold on to their tactic of denying it, unfortunately.

Exactly! Why the loyal customers who pay for more buying the 15 inch model but doesn't deserve to have the service program like 13 inch do? Does that means we should go for the cheaper model so we'd have service program to cover due to Apple's design flaw?

Same problem here on my late 2016 15" MBP. I took it in with curbside service and the technician broke the news to me that the display needs to be replaced. Super disappointing that the current service program does not cover 15" models.

I am just amazed that Apple has not yet responded to this with a free fix! I am sure that they must have many of their own employees who have had this problem occur to their 2016-2017 15" MacBook Pro laptops, in addition to all the complaints seen on the net and the ones they have received directly by phone or by email.

I refused to fix my laptop when this problem occurred to me a few months ago and I am still waiting to hear from Apple. In the meantime, I hooked it to an external monitor or use it with the lid open at 45 degrees (when I really have to move it around).

I still hope Apple will do the right thing...

I am from Mumbai, India.

My 2017 15 in Macbook Pro TB developed this issue in March 2020. Due to the lockdown, I could not take it our local AASP. So I used it hooked up to my PC display.

After the AASP resumed operations, took it to them on July 15th. They have now quoted INR 67100.00/ USD 895 for the screen replacement. I am aware that the 15 inch MBP is not covered now under the program. Contacted Apple Support today and had a chat with them. After a while into the chat (it was going nowhere), I was referred to a senior advisor who point blank denied support.

I am now wondering what to do. Should I spend the USD 895 and just wait for a refund hoping Apple will eventually include the 15 in in the program?

I am 56 years old and have been using a Mac since 2010. My sons both use MBPs and they have had no issues barring a speaker failure, which I fixed myself using parts from Ifixit.

This is my second MB after my 2010 MBP had a MLB issue in 2017 for which I could not get a replacement part as the AASP said they do not support that model anymore.

My faith in the Company is really shaken after this. Their products are great ( I own many) but they really are going to lose their customers if this is the approach they adopt. It is clearly a design issue for which they are at fault and they must have the grace to accept full responsibility.

Another "me too" post unfortunately. I have a 2016 15" Macbook Pro... Apple quoted me £792.50 (over 1000 USD) to repair the problem. That's almost the price of a new macbook air... This laptop is mostly used via a dock and is stationary most of the time... how is that fair :(

Just replacing another 15inch with the same problem this will be the second for me. How can Apple not warranty such a defect it very unbelievable.

and the cost for repair is very high. I wonder if can they recycle the old screens. Such a waste!!

My technician offered to repair the cable (it was in Ethiopia they can fix anything down to the SC !!. Ie rebuild all laptop batteries with new cells, design and make ribbon cables on the fly. It's incredible what they do. I have nothing but praise for them. However I decided to go Apple repair.

I donated the laptop to my friend working for a non-profit charity they do not have the money for such computers. Needless to say it was very expensive I had ship out of Africa take it to be repaired and return to Africa. Lots of paper to avoid being taxed as it was originally donated and tax free. It had to exported and re-imported

So massive headache.

My point being I got him an Apple at the extra cost just to avoid this issue. If you have an Apple you should be good to take it on an expedition or to a remote camp. We all do not have the luxury of dropping into the Apple lounge bar!

I sure the marketing will want to see us take an Apple on every remote expedition.

They should include in the fine print Good for Expeditions Please note only open the screen less than 100 times or you risk haven't to $1000 to repair it"

Yes I fully agree. "Apple must have the grace to accept full responsibility": you word it well!

There will be more and more flexgate cases popping up and that's very clear. Every passing day, Apple is getting their faithful MacBook Pro customers further away... It will become a slippery slope if they do not take measures quite quickly.

Hi all,

I just take back my MacBook Pro from the authorized Apple repair center.

After making a clear and factual claim, they accept to take in charge the screen replacement.

They do it case per case so this is not confirm that Apple decision for mine can be the same for yours.

My only advise is to write a clear and factual claim explaining what's happen, providing the cotation from official apple repair center and explaining the flex issue.

Good luck to all.

cheers

Same problem with my 13" Macbook Pro 2017 model. Only the 2016 model is covered, even though the redesign didn't happen until 2018. TERRIBLE of Apple to expect us to pay hundreds of dollars to fix this when it was clearly due to a design fault.

Total backlight failure on my 2018 MBP 15" Apple refuses to take any responsibility so far, instead quoting ~700 for the display+100 labor and 20 shipping.

This is a hardware failure that renders the product unusable and it clearly affects more than just the 13" model. Shame on Apple for not owning up to the myriad failures in this generation MBP.