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kenofstephen Author

Level 1

71 points

Macbook 2016 HDMI output flickering

I have both MacBook 2015 and MacBook 2016,

and I've purchased the original Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.

I've loaded both MacBooks with genuine copies of Windows 10 Pro with bootcamp, partition cut into half between Mac OS and Windows 10.

The new MacBook 2016, while doing screen cloning using the Multiport Adapter under Windows 10,

the output always flickers, and the pattern is always consistent:

1.) Waking up from sleep, always flickers once;

2.) And then will at least flickers 2-3 times more;

It doesn't happen with the MacBook 2015,

is this is hardware design flaw of the new MacBook 2016?? Or is it a software (driver) issue?

All drivers are being updated to the latest.

MacBook, Windows 10

Posted on Jul 17, 2016 9:32 PM

394 replies

Sep 28, 2016 4:34 AM in response to Sam Easterby-Smith

Sad to report the issue is back for me as well. I seemed to have 1-2 days with no flickering after upgrading to Sierra, but now it is back with a vengeance 😟

Sep 28, 2016 6:37 AM in response to Sam Easterby-Smith

I'm running the beta as well...I haven't had the flicker problem, but probably because the darn thing kernel panicked on me over night and I had to force a restart! 😟

Pomme127

Level 1

4 points

Sep 28, 2016 10:24 AM in response to kenofstephen

4 days with no flickering after upgrading to Sierra, but now it is back for me too................... Ahhhhhhhh.........😐

kenofstephen Author

Level 1

71 points

Sep 28, 2016 7:40 PM in response to harry.jones

I didn't expect so many of you are having this problem with Mac OS...

I thought it's an issue of bootcamp Windows only...

Sep 28, 2016 8:16 PM in response to kenofstephen

The troubleshooter in my seems to think that we have the same symptom with different problems. Especially since some of you are only having the issue in bootcamp.

MaciekD

Level 1

8 points

Sep 28, 2016 11:54 PM in response to kenofstephen

I've got the same issue with MacBook 2016, clean macos Sierra instalation. Randomly after waking up it starts flickering (tested both usb-c with LG and hdmi connection). After rebooting it seems to work fine. Reported to apple help, I will let you know when I have some reply

Sep 29, 2016 2:05 PM in response to MaciekD

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to keep you all updated with my current situation: Apple has ordered replacement parts for my laptop after a Genius Bar visit. I will be giving them my laptop over this weekend for them to run hardware tests and possibly repair.

Will keep you all posted.

Oct 3, 2016 6:49 PM in response to reality_check89

Just an update... Genius bar hasn't been able to reproduce the problem with their equipment. I am feeling very lost. They said they will touch base with me tomorrow. I have a feeling this is a problem we're going to have to live with for a very long time.

Oct 4, 2016 5:08 PM in response to reality_check89

I have the same issue on my 2016 MacBook 12". I'm using the Apple HDMI multiport adapter. I get intermittent screen black outs while in macOS and right to left screen tearing in Windows 10. I have the same (worse) behavior with an Anker HDMI/USB-C hub. I tried an Aukey hub and only had non-stop flickering that was unusable. I don't seem to have any issues with an Aukey USB-C to HDMI direct (non-hub) adapter, but since I can't charge while using the computer that is not a great option (really wish the computer had two USB-c ports 🙂) . I'm using an ancient Dell S2409W monitor and don't have other monitors with which to try the hub/computer. This is definitely frustrating.

Oct 6, 2016 8:48 AM in response to Scott98981

Hi everyone,

Upon receiving my Macbook back from the genius bar, they had accidentally broken the trackpad. I was given a new 2016 12" Macbook.

This Macbook has the exact same flickering issue and the exact same work around as my previous one.

Does anyone have any advice what the next step should be here? I've tried Apple support, and the Genius bar and both haven't been able to fix the problem.

Pomme127

Level 1

4 points

Oct 6, 2016 7:21 PM in response to reality_check89

If we all send an email to tim lol

L0uis

Level 1

4 points

Oct 11, 2016 12:11 PM in response to kenofstephen

I have the same problem with my MacBook 2016 on macOS Sierra. I called Apple but they don't seem to understand the problem. It's getting really frustrating...

Oct 11, 2016 12:47 PM in response to L0uis

I exchanged my Macbook 2016 in for a Macbook Pro. I've had two different 2016s that both had the SAME problem. Apple doesn't know what to do with the problem.

I'm back to using a Pro, not a single problem all day so far.

L0uis

Level 1

4 points

Oct 11, 2016 12:51 PM in response to reality_check89

I bought my MacBook 1 month ago, can I still exchange it for a pro?

Oct 11, 2016 6:23 PM in response to L0uis

That's a good question. I had bought mine three months ago when I returned it for an exchange. I used a pro all day and the difference is unbelievable. Not a single flicker all day long, I never have to worry about strange finicky connection issues.

The only draw back to getting a Pro right now is they're still on the early 2015 model so you're buying technology that is already about a 1000 days old.

I went through multiple MacBooks and advisors before they finally exchanged me for a Pro... so I think it really depends how long you've been dealing with the issue. I had multiple videos of the problem and the work around to show them that I wasn't making anything up.

Macbook 2016 HDMI output flickering