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dougah98 Author

Level 1

36 points

15" 2016 MacBook Pro Backlight Service Program?

My 15" 2016 MacBook Pro is having display problems identical to the ones described in the Backlight Service Program for 13" 2016 MacBook Pros (https://support.apple.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-display-backlight-service). Despite the fact that people have reported similar issues across both models elsewhere online (a quick google search for "MacBook Pro Flexgate" shows this), only 13" models are included in the relief program for whatever reason. I am not particularly eager about potentially paying hundreds of dollars for a display repair due to an inherent flaw in the machine that has been openly acknowledged in some models from the same year. I was wondering if there was a reason for this decision to exclude 15" models from the program and if there is anyway to expand coverage for these models?

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Apr 28, 2020 12:27 PM

Top-ranking reply

baskar129

Level 1

6 points

Posted on Aug 17, 2020 11:25 AM

Exact same problem with my 15" 2016 MacBook Pro. Problem was intermittent earlier and did not care to take it for service. Apple care expired on Dec2019. Apple refused to fix it. Hope to see they extend the 13" program to 15" as well.

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146 replies

Oct 30, 2021 1:08 AM in response to dougah98

I have the same issue in my macbook pro 15'' 2016 but unfortunately apple only considering 13" macbook pro. This is not fair, 15" macbook pro users are also facing the same issue and apple authorised service centre in India charging a whooping amount of money for that. Apple should include the 15" inch 2016 macbook pro models as well.

Nov 1, 2021 1:58 PM in response to dougah98

I had the exact same issue. I contacted Apple Support over the phone and was told the 15-inch isn't covered because it's a 'different component' that's causing the issue compared to the 13-inch. I don't believe it whatsoever.

Nov 1, 2021 2:02 PM in response to Noshin Rahman

An even it is a "different component" (which I believe is a lie), it's an Apple design problem/component that should be fixed by Apple for free.

Apple should be ashamed for conning CUSTOMERS like this.

TigrTigr

Level 1

8 points

Nov 1, 2021 2:07 PM in response to dougah98

This happened to me soon after I started using my MacBook with a laptop stand. It raises the laptop so that the screen is higher but you have to open it to the maximum. I wonder if others also experienced this problem after using a similar stand. Though, it does not excuse Apple. If their screen normally opens 120 degrees or whatever, that should not cause the wires to break.

Nov 14, 2021 6:33 AM in response to DPJ

The thing is, many people are having this same problem due to a manufacturing defect. Apple does know this is a problem and has avoided responsibility up until now. People have paid a very steep price for these devices and to pay over a thousand to repair their device, with only a 90-day guarantee, is foolish. Apple can either admit the fault and do the right thing, or lose credibility. This is not the fault of clients and they shouldn't pay.

Dec 21, 2021 11:55 AM in response to dougah98

I also have the same issue too. I went in to ask for the cost to repair and its around $800

I was hoping when i got my first macbook back 5 years ago, it could've lasted 10years as everybody else.

To came across that this is a very common problem a lot of people is having! it's not cool that the service program is only for 13"

So sad

p_garcia

Level 1

8 points

Feb 9, 2022 10:19 AM in response to dougah98

I have the same issue with my MBP 2016 15-inch. With other models, imac, MBP and I never had a problem with old models. I am quite disappointed with this problem. I already had keyboard problems and now this... You spend €2,200 on a computer thinking that Apple responds like it did 10 years ago, but it doesn't. Now it is very different and I definitely have stopped trusting Apple.

Feb 15, 2022 4:49 PM in response to dougah98

Same problem here with Macbook Pro 13" 2017 model.

In Brazil Apple is refusing to fix this obvious design and manufacturing defect.

My main concern with paying is that if the defect exists in the fix, then the issue will resurface.

Craigity

Level 1

12 points

Mar 16, 2022 2:42 PM in response to dougah98

I have a MacBook Pro 2017 A1707 (MacBook Pro(14,3)) with a similar problem. The display works if I only partially open the lid. It works up to about 60 degrees and then goes black. An external monitor works fine through the hdmi-usb-c adapter. This sounds similar to the MacBook Pro 13" service program issue. Does anyone know if this program has been extended?

Mar 27, 2022 5:38 PM in response to dougah98

Unfortunately , While I was working(15 inch 2016 macbookpro) suddenly screen turn into purple and black lines without any damage or external force.Apple store agree that there is a problem with flexgate cables.They provided a solution but did not work.Therefore I have to replace with a new screen which cost almost more than 600£.Therefore two weeks I missed my lessons and studies overloaded.I hope apple comes with a solution and sort out this problem.

Apr 14, 2022 1:41 PM in response to dougah98

2017 15" MBP here. Issue described for the 2013s just started occurring for me today. Backlight splotches have been a constant for me for the last 2 or 3 years, but this one is the obvious signal that failure is eminent. Not excited for the mandatory replacement! Sigh...