Macbook Pro Flexgate discussion [Merged]

[Garage Battle]

I had the chance to open up a 15" 2017 manufactured in October '17 (info from its serial) and I noticed a shorter cable than my same unit manufactured in March 2018.
View attachment 830343 View attachment 830344

want to put the nail in the coffin? contact ifixit and send them both laptops and let them measure and photo both side by side.

wonder if the screens part no is different on either unit?

also geniuses - can some of you with access to replacement screens start measuring cables so we can start building a collection.

 

[matteoz92]

want to put the nail in the coffin? contact ifixit and send them both laptops and let them measure and photo both side by side.

wonder if the screens part no is different on either unit?

Unfortunately, it's not really practical as:
- I live in Europe
- I need my Macbook
- the other one is not mine
[doublepost=1554476987][/doublepost]

As an update, I got my display replaced for free. Rather than addressing the problem directly, my genius says they'll replace my display for free using their "Quality Assurance" program for my deteriorating anti-reflective coating. YMMV

it does make sense. Maybe they had an internal guideline to replace the displays under that program. The anti-reflective coating issue wasn't publicy admitted at first, but the staff knew about it and made replacements for free.

 

[Jottle]

I had the chance to open up a 15" 2017 manufactured in October '17 (info from its serial) and I noticed a shorter cable than my same unit manufactured in March 2018.

This is what we've all been wondering. I know it isn't conclusive since he wasn't able to directly measure the cables, but if he's right, that means it's likely that all '17 models produced by at least March '18 and after have the updated design.

It also might explain why apple hasn't put out an extended repair program. Total conjecture here, but because they're a profit maximizing corporation like any other, and they know that unless they're sued they won't have to make any of these changes public, they likely can anticipate saving a boatload of money by forcing everyone who has this issue to pay out of pocket for the replacement screen while anyone who bought units produced after some time in 2018 won't have the issue. So it will appear less widespread of an issue than say, the keyboard issue which spanned 2016-17 (and possible model year 2018) and affects every unit due to the design flaw and the fact that the keyboard wasn't changed at all in these model years mid-production cycle.

I mean, Apple has always played this despicable game of having some pretty glaring manufacturing defect that they claim is super rare and then faces class action suits (or the beginnings of them) that prompts them to launch a "free" repair program (instead of settling suits or admitting fault in any way)

 

[powertoold]

I have to say that I'm very satisfied with my replacement display, since I had some anti-reflective coating deterioration with the old one.

Sure, it would have been better if this flexgate thing never happened, but I think few companies will fix your laptop for free (1.3 years after warranty end) and as quickly as Apple does. It took a total of 3 days for the replacement. With other laptop companies, you're looking at weeks.

 

[Craigy Boy]

So this has happened to my 12” MacBook (2015) model now. One fifth of my screen started flickering when my screen was at a certain angle, now it flickers all the time.

It’s out of warranty, Apple have said there’s no damage to it but they’re going to charge me £469 for a new screen.

All the talk I’ve seen about Flexgate is for the MacBook Pro. Has anyone else had it happen with their 12” MacBook? Should I go back to the Apple Store and say I want it repaired for free and be nice but not take no for an answer?

Also my battery seems to be suddenly dropping and some of my keys are sticking again

I’ve had so many different Apple laptops but this generation definitely causing me the most amount of grief.

 

[iMacDragon]

All the talk I’ve seen about Flexgate is for the MacBook Pro. Has anyone else had it happen with their 12” MacBook? Should I go back to the Apple Store and say I want it repaired for free and be nice but not take no for an answer?

Was it bought direct from Apple?, if so then you might stand a chance arguing consumer law, if not, then I'd wager slim. ( consumer law applies to where bought system, so that argument would be with other store )

 

[_Kiki_]

As an update, I got my display replaced for free. Rather than addressing the problem directly, my genius says they'll replace my display for free using their "Quality Assurance" program for my deteriorating anti-reflective coating. YMMV

I'm pretty sure the replaced display has the same defect and problem can occur in the future

 

[jerryk]

So this has happened to my 12” MacBook (2015) model now. One fifth of my screen started flickering when my screen was at a certain angle, now it flickers all the time.

It’s out of warranty, Apple have said there’s no damage to it but they’re going to charge me £469 for a new screen.

All the talk I’ve seen about Flexgate is for the MacBook Pro. Has anyone else had it happen with their 12” MacBook? Should I go back to the Apple Store and say I want it repaired for free and be nice but not take no for an answer?

Also my battery seems to be suddenly dropping and some of my keys are sticking again

I’ve had so many different Apple laptops but this generation definitely causing me the most amount of grief.

You can try but you quite far out

I'm pretty sure the replaced display has the same defect and problem can occur in the future

Agreed. It has been occurring on macbooks for a long time 2009 maybe earlier, definitely for 2011 and later retinas.

Don't get obsessive about cleaning the screen, and never do more than a quick wipe. No round and round or buffing until it is shiny.

 

[_Kiki_]

You can try but you quite far out


Agreed. It has been occurring on macbooks for a long time 2009 maybe earlier, definitely for 2011 and later retinas.

Don't get obsessive about cleaning the screen, and never do more than a quick wipe. No round and round or buffing until it is shiny.

on the past few years I'm using only wipes with pure isopropyl alcohol, does the job perfectly

 

[KayM8]

on the past few years I'm using only wipes with pure isopropyl alcohol, does the job perfectly

I hope you're joking?...

 

[Craigy Boy]

Was it bought direct from Apple?, if so then you might stand a chance arguing consumer law, if not, then I'd wager slim. ( consumer law applies to where bought system, so that argument would be with other store )

Thanks. Sadly it was purchased from John Lewis and no one in my family can find the receipt (present).

What's annoying is that Apple's sales system says that my MacBook was purchased from John Lewis when you type in the serial number so I have to go to John Lewis, and Apple won't deal with it under consumer law.

John Lewis say they can't search Apple products via serial numbers in their system to find a receipt, and say there is nothing they can do for me and send me to Apple.

I'm tempted to just sell the MacBook as faulty, and see what gets released later this year in the MacBook range, and if iOS 13 improves enough that I can just use my iPad Pro.

 

[iMacDragon]

Thanks. Sadly it was purchased from John Lewis and no one in my family can find the receipt (present).

What's annoying is that Apple's sales system says that my MacBook was purchased from John Lewis when you type in the serial number so I have to go to John Lewis, and Apple won't deal with it under consumer law.

John Lewis say they can't search Apple products via serial numbers in their system to find a receipt, and say there is nothing they can do for me and send me to Apple.

I'm tempted to just sell the MacBook as faulty, and see what gets released later this year in the MacBook range, and if iOS 13 improves enough that I can just use my iPad Pro.

They should be able to find it with the card number and approximate date, if that's known? perhaps.

 

[_Kiki_]

I hope you're joking?...

no, I'm not, for example my MBP 15 2016 has screen in perfect condition after 2 years and it's one of the most fragile screen comparing to the other laptops, you can find various kind of alcohols in electronic wipes, but I trust more isopropyl

 

[MSato]

Caros, estou com o mesmo problema com o meu MBP 2016, infelizmente sem apple care !!! Em uma autorizada 2.6k para a placa lógica, não satisfeito em artigos e é exatamente o que acontece com o meu MBP, não é uma felicidade de ser apresentado para a luz do palco, o problema mais grave já surgiu primeiro !!! me senti num note convencional dos concorrentes tela azul !!!
No caso da Apple não houve sucesso de algum programa de recall ou garantia, mas sim, registrou o ocorrido no site e os mesmos incluíram registros de seus clientes afetados e descontentes com o produto. Vou comprar outro mas abrir uma maquina para conferir o tamanho do flexgate ...
abs

 

[track14]

I was about to purchase a non touchbar macbook pro in spite of the faulty keyboard, but reading about flex gate has me worried. Does anyone know if the 2017 mbp models in the Apple Store are likely to have produced in 2018, or could there still be some older models in store? thanks

 

[sokzzuka]

I've bought mine in feb 2019, it was manufactured on late 2018 (October I think).
but no one will give you a warranty on this

 

[matteoz92]

I was about to purchase a non touchbar macbook pro in spite of the faulty keyboard, but reading about flex gate has me worried. Does anyone know if the 2017 mbp models in the Apple Store are likely to have produced in 2018, or could there still be some older models in store? thanks

Most probably you will receive a unit manufactured in late 2018 / early 2019 if you buy from Apple Store. In my experience, they usually have very "fresh" stock.

 

[Louis Stanford]

In January my Macbook Pro 13" late 2017 began to display horizontal pink lines - just days after my warranty expired. Went to the iStore and asked for a Warranty Exemption - on the grounds that this was the second time my screen had to be replaced (first time was 4 months before). They conceded.

I still have an occasional flicker, but I don't know if it's a Chrome rendering issue or the cable giving in already.

 

[ramborambo]

Idk if this is flexgate but I was using my 2016 MP with touchbar yesterday morning perfectly fine. Close the lid and came back 2 hrs later. The brightness was very low and touchbar controls were working, but I was not able to change brightness. Restarted the computer and now the screen is just black. I have to use a flashlight on the screen to try and see whats on it but its almost impossible.

I have it connected to my external monitor now. Apple is asking for $500 + to have it sent out for repair. Are there any alternative repair you recommend. I did have my screen replaced 2 years ago under warranty,not sure if its related

 

[MichaelDT]

My MBP has succumbed to flexgate, when I open it more than 30 degrees I get lines evenly spaced through the monitor that won’t refresh, creates a ghosting effect. Going to get it fixed then switch to a surfacebook.

 

[Garage Battle]

My MBP has succumbed to flexgate, when I open it more than 30 degrees I get lines evenly spaced through the monitor that won’t refresh, creates a ghosting effect. Going to get it fixed then switch to a surfacebook.

What year and model?

Any notes on usage?

When did you buy it?

Let us know how the repair goes with Apple.

 

[MichaelDT]

What year and model?

Any notes on usage?

When did you buy it?

Let us know how the repair goes with Apple.

2017 13 inch, mostly sits on a dock I use an external display and keyboard. I have AppleCare shouldn’t be a big deal, just annoying.

 

[monokakata]

15" MBP bought new from Apple Q3 2017. Started having the stage lights problem about 2 months ago. It's still usable. Called Apple Support and the rep claimed to know nothing about that problem. Rep said to take it to a 3rd party place here (no Apple store on this island) and they would "fix it." We don't believe that, but will try anyway. I'm expecting the place to say "replace the display, $600, you pay." We know the place, and although they aren't crooks they are the kind of place that behaves as if the customer's an idiot. Bullies, in effect -- "you don't know anything but we do, so just **** and let us do what we want." I hate the place. I've been heavily involved with computers since before those twits were born, but am treated like a grandfather with an AOL account. I'll report.

 

[Garage Battle]

Flexgate claims another one: https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/bhppez/well_my_mbp_has_finally_succumbed_to_the_stage/

 

[boss.king]

Flexgate claims another one: https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/bhppez/well_my_mbp_has_finally_succumbed_to_the_stage/

I came here looking for more info on how to deal with this issue and found a link to my own post instead... that doesn't bode well.