Traces remain on the screen when switching (MBP 14" 2023)

[saymyapple]

When I switch screens, I have traces of the previous window or tab. It happens almost instantly, but my eyes catch it. It makes my eyes tired. The MacBook is my source of income. I can't take the MBP under warranty to the Apple Store. So I have to get used to it? Thanks

PS This is a screenshot from a slow motion video. I use it because the software screen recording doesn't show the issue.

 

[Slartibart]

just to be sure to understand this correctly: in your example for a short moment the google image search persists before disappearing when switching tabs or windows in Safari (?). Are any other programs affected? Which version of macOS are you using? which MBP model?

 

[saymyapple]

just to be sure to understand this correctly: in your example for a short moment the google image search persists before disappearing when switching tabs or windows in Safari (?). Are any other programs affected? Which version of macOS are you using? which MBP model?

The attached pictures of the problem are not visible to the eye because it disappears very quickly. I only see an unusual flash. It is small, but noticeable enough to make me uncomfortable.

Yes, it affects any other programs when I switch something on the MacBook.

I am using version 15, but this has been happening to me since macOS Sonoma.

Model Macbook Pro 14, M3 Pro 18/512. Purchased new in April 2024.

Upd. - When I watch a movie, when the frame transitions from a dark scene to at least a slightly light one, the same effect appears.

 

[bob_zz123]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you're just going to have to take it in and be prepared to leave it if it needs a repair. A lot of repairs Apple Stores send to repair centres so it probably won't be done the same day. I understand you need it for work but there must be a convenient time to do it at some point. As as separate point I would gently say that if you rely on your computer for making money then you really need a disaster recovery plan - what would you do if it died completely, or if a power surge knocked it out, or something like that. A spare (even if it is an older one) is always a good idea. Or even just an iPad so you can keep up to date with your e-mails.

 

[saymyapple]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you're just going to have to take it in and be prepared to leave it if it needs a repair. A lot of repairs Apple Stores send to repair centres so it probably won't be done the same day. I understand you need it for work but there must be a convenient time to do it at some point. As as separate point I would gently say that if you rely on your computer for making money then you really need a disaster recovery plan - what would you do if it died completely, or if a power surge knocked it out, or something like that. A spare (even if it is an older one) is always a good idea. Or even just an iPad so you can keep up to date with your e-mails.

I am a graphic designer and I have an old 2017 MB Air.

Thank you for your advice.

Unfortunately, I have become a hostage to circumstances. Since 2022, I have no access to official Apple support. My MBP 14 and accessories for them were brought to me by a relative from a country where there is an Apple Store. But there is no way to travel to take the MacBook to the Apple Store.

I have been observing display flickering since the first days after unpacking. I didn't pay attention but after a few weeks I noticed everything clearly.

I have been googling a similar situation for 4 months now. Unfortunately, I have not found an answer. I hope someone will give it to me 🤍

 

[PotentPeas]

Upd. - When I watch a movie, when the frame transitions from a dark scene to at least a slightly light one, the same effect appears.

I think this dark-to-light delay is normal if you are using the built-in mini-LED display. I've noticed it myself. The backlight LEDs actually dim for dark scenes and light up for bright ones, but they do not respond instantly; they lag some milliseconds (a frame or two) behind the video.

It's most obvious if you just watch the end credits for a TV show — white text on a completely black background, where it immediately "pops" from one set of credits to the next (not scrolling) — you can see the mini-LED backlight take a moment to adjust to the new position of the text and light up zones accordingly.

I see this as a trade off that is "worth it" given the other benefits of the mini-LED display. However, this problem should go away once Apple puts OLED displays in the MacBook Pro (2025-2026-2027 timeframe?).

For the "traces when switching windows or tabs", I have never observed that myself (16" M2 MacBook Pro). I do wonder though if it would behave better in this manner if you set the display to 60 Hz, instead of ProMotion, in the macOS display settings.

You can have your MacBook serviced by shipping it off; you don't have to visit an Apple store. However, if this is just "how it is" with regards to these displays, that won't do you any good.

 

[saymyapple]

I think this dark-to-light delay is normal if you are using the built-in mini-LED display. I've noticed it myself. The backlight LEDs actually dim for dark scenes and light up for bright ones, but they do not respond instantly; they lag some milliseconds (a frame or two) behind the video.

It's most obvious if you just watch the end credits for a TV show — white text on a completely black background, where it immediately "pops" from one set of credits to the next (not scrolling) — you can see the mini-LED backlight take a moment to adjust to the new position of the text and light up zones accordingly.

I see this as a trade off that is "worth it" given the other benefits of the mini-LED display. However, this problem should go away once Apple puts OLED displays in the MacBook Pro (2025-2026-2027 timeframe?).

For the "traces when switching windows or tabs", I have never observed that myself (16" M2 MacBook Pro). I do wonder though if it would behave better in this manner if you set the display to 60 Hz, instead of ProMotion, in the macOS display settings.

You can have your MacBook serviced by shipping it off; you don't have to visit an Apple store. However, if this is just "how it is" with regards to these displays, that won't do you any good.

Whatever it is, it's not normal. I can feel the flashes when I switch the display on certain things. I'm out of luck here.

I opened two topics on the Apple Feedback Assistant website, but none of the developers responded to me there.

I have enabled absolutely every display settings configuration. I have enabled safe mode. I have done all of that. And to me the answer is obvious it's a hardware problem. I just wanted to find similar cases and maybe solutions. But the truth is that I will have to somehow get the macbook to the apple store or sell it in the future, getting rid of everything.