Thick vertical bar on 2019 MBP 16" screen.

lovehate relationship wrote:

Thanks so much for your response!

I have yet to hook it up to an external display, but have noticed that when taking screenshots the vertical strip does not appear in the images... does that tell you anything further about what may be happening behind the screen?

Much appreciated!

This test too tells you it is the display or projector cable issue, not GPU.

Screen shots come directly from the GPU.

Learn how to get your Mac fixed and how much it will cost. https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209095

You can always try all software fixes....

Try resetting the SMC http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964

Try resetting NVRAM/PRAM http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379

Try a SafeBoot https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232

lovehate relationship wrote:

Since you're obviously quite knowledgeable about all things mac, do you think this exasperating issue is of my own doing or an inherent design flaw due to Apple wanting to make the display as thin as possible?

I have seen the issue here before and the < 2019 MBP 16" screen > but is very rare on this model.

If you have Apple Care+ and/or under warranty there should be no out of pocket expense:

AppleCare+ - Apple Support

https://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html  

Connect an external display and enable mirroring. If the issue only occurs on the built-in Display, then the built-in Display has a hardware issue that will need to be repaired. If the issue occurs on both displays, then take the laptop back to the AASP to have them examine the laptop. If the Logic Board is bad, then they can replace it for free under the 90 day part warranty. If the laptop was mailed into Apple by the AASP, then the whole laptop may be covered by a 90 day repair warranty.

It is hard to say since the USB-C Apple laptops do have known issues with the display cable especially on the 2016-2017 models, but I've also seen it on the 2019 & 2020 models. With the Displays being so thin it doesn't take as much pressure or twisting to accidentally damage the LCD Panel.

As @leroydouglas mentions your screenshot test does confirm a hardware issue with the Display Assembly.