Flexgate issues on 13" Macbook Pro (Mid 2018)

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Level 1

17 points

Flexgate issues on 13" Macbook Pro (Mid 2018)

Recently, I started having issues regarding the Macbook Pro display. At first, it displayed vertical purple lines depending on the angle of the display. Shortly after, it only displayed purple vertical bars. My belief is that the issue causing this is a damaged flex cable (flexgate). I have found that earlier model types (2016) had such a problem with the backlight cable, and Apple has recognized this and set up an extended warranty program. However, my Macbook is not eligible for this extended warranty, because it only covers 2016 Macbooks. I have found many more users with this problem, all having to pay 800 dollars for an entire screen replacement, because the flex cable wears out after normal use in about 1-2 years. Are there more people experiencing this problem, and why hasn't Apple recognized this yet?

MacBook Pro 13”, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 2, 2020 4:18 AM

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Answer 1

Grajindo

Level 1

13 points

Jul 19, 2020 2:31 AM in response to Rimk1ng

this is the main problem. it's rooted in the design rather than quality issue on particular macbook. i have the same exact problem and i dare not to repair with my own money. it will just happen in another 1 year or so. so i'm telling everyone around me this problem. keeping them far away from the macbook pro.

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Answer 2

Jul 2, 2020 4:57 AM in response to Rimk1ng

Same here, contacted Apple Support multiple times but they refuse to acknowledge it. They told me my model year and serial number isn’t in the affected batch, but im looking at the problem right now?..

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Answer 3

Jul 2, 2020 9:25 AM in response to Rimk1ng

You may be right, but being right does not get you a working portable computer.

Movers and shakers form Apple Engineering or Marketing do not use these forums to make design or recall decisions. That information comes from returns and repairs, and feedback submitted here:

Product Feedback - Apple

.

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Answer 4

Jul 2, 2020 7:58 AM in response to Rimk1ng

As a work-around, you can attach an external display, which will not be affected by this problem.

Otherwise, Apple has told you THEY are not fixing it for free, so at this writing, if you want it fixed, YOU must pay for the repair.

Save all the paperwork from the repair. If they ever decide it is worthy of an additional recall program, they will reimburse your repair cost.

Users under AppleCare PLUS would pay only an additional US$99 co-pay for this repair.

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Answer 5

Rimk1ng Author

Level 1

17 points

Jul 2, 2020 9:13 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Well Grant, I bought a notebook for the sake of portability. It's not really gonna solve the problem carrying an external display everywhere I go.

The thing I am concerned about is that this issue is affecting many more Macbook users and therefore should have Apple's attention. As I stated in my original post, I am aware that I will have to pay for the repair. However, that doesn't take away the fact that this issue should not occur within 1-2 years. Especially a company like Apple, often reminded for their great service, should take responsibility.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 6

Jul 5, 2020 10:38 AM in response to Rimk1ng

I have the exact same problem with my 15" MacBook Pro (Mid 2018). I contacted Apple Support and tried several things to fix it but nothing worked. I searched online and found several links to posts having the same issue with their 2018 MacBook Pro's. I have an appointment to take it into the Apple Store July 10th. Mine is definitely a flexgate issue. And no I don't want to attach mine to an external display either.

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Answer 7

Jul 5, 2020 4:16 PM in response to Quakieaspen

Be ready to pay a hefty price because Apple won’t fix it for free.

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Answer 8

Jul 6, 2020 5:26 AM in response to hsienpin099

That's what I am afraid of. Just hoping it's less than buying a new one and that the fix will last.

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Answer 9

Jul 6, 2020 6:38 AM in response to Quakieaspen

I got mine fixed for RM2,240 with a new screen and battery. (screen and battery is attached together)

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Answer 10

Jul 19, 2020 3:43 AM in response to Grajindo

Couldn’t agree more. That’s what exactly I told the workers in the service center, that I’ll change it again in another 2 years.

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Answer 11

Rimk1ng Author

Level 1

17 points

Jul 20, 2020 1:01 AM in response to hsienpin099

I've had mine fixed too. It cost me more than 600 euros for a full screen replacement. Unfortunately, it's the only way to prevent my MacBook from being a useless brick.

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Flexgate issues on 13" Macbook Pro (Mid 2018)

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