MacBook display flickering purple lines, not in screenshots

Hi !

I would suggest that it is indeed an issue with a flex cable, if you had your entire display replaced, maybe the flex cable was replaced with a cheap replacement and they wore out early? or maybe they're simply pinched. The fact it comes and go depending on the lid positions makes me think it might be a flex cable issue

I would recommend you try to plug your Mac on an external monitor or even your TV, if the external display is clean, this is very likely to be an issue regarding a flex cable

re: MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 14.5

Screenshots come direct from the GPU—bypass the display. So no artifacts there it is not GPU as you speculate.

Display/display assembly/display cable— issues here typically require a complete display replacement.

I would expect the issue will get worse not better.

Plugging in an external monitor would be a work-a-round if it becomes unusable...

You neglect to say what exact Mac this is...

Hardware repairs have a limited 90-day warranty only.

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

see Vintage and Obsolete:

ref: Vintage—Apple will repair if parts are available; Obsolete—no.

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

An old Intel machine would not be worth the repair/replacement cost.

I agree that the artifacts changing as you move the display on its hinge indicates a flex cable problem.

Otherwise, it is in the display assembly itself. The flex cable becomes a moot point because it is integral with the display assembly and cannot be separately replaced. There should not be an issue with the quality or provenance of the cable because I know of no non-Apple display assemblies.

Did Apple do the work? An independent provider You?

Was the replacement display assembly new or pulled from another device?

then this is most likely a failing display assembly rather than the GPU being involved ! I hope everything will go well for you and I'll keep you updated if I have any other suggestions :)!

leopru wrote:

It's a MacBook Pro 2020 13inch currently on MacOS 14.5 ... So plugging the flex cable out and in would not be a possible fix, or rather adjusting it to sit tight again?

I am not sure about an older model like yours, but from what I have seen, the flex cable connectors are the ZIF type which are very delicate and easily damaged. You cannot just unplug and re-plug them. They do not "adjust." Some have a tiny latch that must be lifted up to separate or a fragile spring loaded compression connection. I would expect that if it is not functioning the cable would need to be replaced, which for many models involves a soldered connection as well.

This is not an inexpensive repair, and before it is executed I would expect a definitive diagnosis would be needed to ensure that the root cause has been clearly identified so that the "fix" really works. The problem could be in the display itself as well.

Given that new Mac laptops start at ~ $1100 you probably should consider whether paying for such repairs makes sense on a 6-year old laptop.