Your argument is dumb. Many of the keyboard issues were caused by heat forcing a flex in the bottom of the laptop which affected the keyboard. And even if it was crumbs, that shouldn't kill a keyboard.
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'Flexgate' Display Issues Affecting 2016 MacBook Pro and Later
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Yup.
Don't forget... The 2012-2015 models have removable and upgradeable storage options, so you could upgrade to larger and faster storage options later - they also have a data recovery port, if you want to pull data directly off the SSD.
The engineers have diabolically and maliciously removed the data recovery port on 2016+ models , eliminating the ability to recover data if the machine is completely dead, and, the SSD is permanently soldered (as you already know).
Why on earth would they design it this way?
It's simple and genius actually. To increase icloud service revenue, by increasing monthly subscription accounts and increasing revenues of each tier/subscription. It's actually quite clever, and people are paying BILLIONS for icloud subscriptions. I read an article that stated that Apple's services division (there are divisions for hardware, software, services, etc...) alone generates more revenue than the entire McDonald's corporation worldwide. Let that sink in for a moment. Only one small division in a tech company, makes more revenue than an entire worldwide fast food corporation, from just icloud subscriptions. How do you keep increasing this money printing machine? Remove the ability to add/remove/repair/upgrade storage in your computers, and PREVENT people from trying to recover their data if their machine fails.
That's like a doctor, not just preventing you from receiving a new appendage, but sabotaging your body to prevent you from ever receiving a new replacement appendage.
Ouch!
I must admit, they are geniuses, and many millions line up around the block for this...
Thanks! For some reason I only thought it was a three-month period. I might consider making the investment now. Back then it was a gift and cost enough, couldn’t have morally justified asking for that haha
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That’s the worrying thing. You can know everything about a company’s policies now, but can’t possibly forecast how those will change down the road.
It’s crazy just how much the coverage costs, at least to me. I don’t have the heftiest income currently.
Hate to have to correct you on this one, but Apple changed it to the first sixty (60) days a couple of years ago.
Pro-Tip: If you have the Apple Support app on your iOS device, it will tell you how many days you have left to purchase AppleCare(+) regardless of the device, as long as it is registered to the same Apple ID.
This generation of MBPs is cursed. I don’t know what else to say. So many problems with the keyboard on 2016 model, that they gave me 2017 model eventually. Then I got keyboard problems on it too, So they had to replace whole bottom case. Now I’m getting problems with some keys again, but so far I’ve been able to remove them, and clean the grime under them successfully. Last thing I’ll need is this cable to start cracking, and I do close and open it all the time.
Thanks! For some reason I only thought it was a three-month period. I might consider making the investment now. Back then it was a gift and cost enough, couldn’t have morally justified asking for that haha
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That’s the worrying thing. You can know everything about a company’s policies now, but can’t possibly forecast how those will change down the road.
It’s crazy just how much the coverage costs, at least to me. I don’t have the heftiest income currently.
You should buy the AppleCare if you possibly can and have the piece of mind for the extra two years. I do not take it for granted that a Apple will always do the right thing. Just my 2¢.
This is no longer true
. They retired "AppleCare" for Mac and replaced it with the more expensive "AppleCare+" following the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar redesign. You can read the full terms on the support website. Here is the relevant portion:https://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html said:
Edit: Whoops, Zdigital2015 beat me to it.
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Based on my experience with 2011 MBP with failing GPU, there won’t be a recall and you end up most likely paying for the repairs yourself.
The gpu failed twice in my machine and even though there was a repair program I had to pay full price because their diagnostic software told them it was not covered by the program. I mean - wth - you are diagnosing a failed gpu which gives back completely random results... Maybe it did not fail entirely and something in it was still ticking and telling the diagnostics that everything is ok
Man use your eyes...
No, it’s not due to the battery failing, the system fails to see/charge the battery so you can’t separate the keyboard from clipboard, solution? Replacement. Just hoping it becomes s recall issue before the warranty expires as one of our clients sales team uses them and they are currently replacing 6 a month due to this issue out of their 50 units. Other clients have now gone with HP spectre laptops after similar power problems.
Another reason to stick with my 2015 model... not that I needed another reason.
It's the new stage footlights feature.![]()
Some 2016 and later MacBook Pro models appear to be displaying issues with uneven backlighting caused by a delicate and easy-to-break flex cable, which has been dubbed "flexgate."
Impacted machines can feature uneven lighting at the bottom of the screen, which looks a bit like a "stage light" effect, and the display can eventually fail entirely.
What's the cause?![macbook-pro-flexgate-800x449.jpg]()
Image via MacRumors reader SourceSunToM
According to repair site iFixit, which first highlighted the problem, 2016 and later MacBook Pro machines are using thin, fragile display flex cables that are prone to malfunctioning with repeated closing and opening of the MacBook Pro's display.
The flex cables are loosely wrapped around the display controller board and when the MacBook's display is opened, the cables are pulled tighter, leading to tears and problems over time.
iFixit says the backlight cable is usually the one to break first, leading to backlighting issues and eventual display failure.![2016-macbook-pro-flexgate-800x534.jpeg]()
Image via iFixit
Which models are affected?
The issue can impact any 13 or 15-inch MacBook Pro model manufactured in 2016, 2017, or 2018, though it appears to be affecting Touch Bar models more frequently.
Apple introduced a redesigned MacBook Pro in 2016, and this was the first to use the new flex cable. Older MacBook Pro models are not impacted because they use a more durable wire that was routed through the hinge instead of around it, mitigating the stress of repeated display openings.
The new MacBook Air models could also eventually be impacted. While they use a different display cable design, iFixit says the cables also wrap over the display board and could potentially exhibit the same failure. It's not clear yet if that will happen, however.
How long does it take for the problem to show up?
When you first buy a MacBook Pro, the flex cable functions perfectly. With repeated closing and opening of the MacBook Pro's lid, however, the durability can decline, leading to the display issues.
Since it takes time for the cable to break down, machines experiencing this issue generally do not display it for several months to years after purchase. Because it takes time to show up, affected MacBook Pro models may no longer be under the one-year warranty.
What do I do if my MacBook Pro has this issue?
If your MacBook Pro has this display issue, the first step is visiting an Apple retail store or contacting Apple support.
Unfortunately, when this problem surfaces, many MacBook Pro models are older than a year and no longer covered by the standard one-year warranty. Those who have an extended AppleCare+ warranty will be able to get their repairs covered by Apple.
Customers who do not have AppleCare+ may be required to pay out of pocket for repairs. While it's a simple cable that needs replacing, because of the way the MacBook Pro is designed, the flex cable is integrated into the display and requires the entire display assembly to be replaced.
This can cost upwards of $600 for customers who are out of the warranty period.
There have been reports of customers no longer under the one-year warranty that have been offered free or reduced cost repairs from Apple, but others have had to pay full price. Without a consistent policy in place, repair outcomes will vary.
How many people are affected?
Just how many MacBook Pro models are experiencing this issue remains unknown, but a growing number of complaints have been surfacing over the course of the last few months. There have been complaints on the MacRumors forums and the Apple Support Communities.
What does Apple have to say?
Apple hasn't commented on the issue at this point in time, and there is no repair program in place. Impacted users have started a website and a petition with the aim of getting Apple to offer free repairs via an extended warranty program.
Discuss this issue
If you have a MacBook Pro experiencing this flexcable issue, check out the ongoing discussion on the MacRumors forums where are users are sharing their experiences with Apple support, replacement machines, repair costs, and more.
Article Link: 'Flexgate' Display Issues Affecting 2016 MacBook Pro and Later
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Yeah keyboards should just repeat the letter e for no reason at all.
Opening and closing it many times a day, no issue. My friends are still on 2016 model bought in novembre 2016 so far so good. I’m working as an it tech support and still haven’t seen this issue. Not saying it could not happen but posting it as news became a much bigger issue for users, they now all fear every MacBook Pro do that in few months
The Touch Bar MBP, that is 2016 - 2018 are looking like the worst MBP in history.
It has USB-C / Thunderbolt high voltage problem, it is easier to fry the port and the design flaw has been there for three iteration now.
The Fliexcable are showing its age, only two to three years of use.
Keyboard has the highest error rate and expensive to repair. The double tabbing and key stuck are still happening on 2018, just not as much as on 1st and 2nd gen Butterfly keyboard. ( No it isn't just about personal hygiene or things get stuck inside ) Not to mention many absolutely loathe the feeling of butterfly Keyboard.
The larger trackpad make it easier for false positive input, something Apple tries to solve with Software but hasn't worked.
TouchBar makes MBP expensive and offers little value to many users.
I am hoping 2019 will get a full revamp of Mac. Everything from Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook and MacBook Pro.
It has USB-C / Thunderbolt high voltage problem, it is easier to fry the port and the design flaw has been there for three iteration now.
The Fliexcable are showing its age, only two to three years of use.
Keyboard has the highest error rate and expensive to repair. The double tabbing and key stuck are still happening on 2018, just not as much as on 1st and 2nd gen Butterfly keyboard. ( No it isn't just about personal hygiene or things get stuck inside ) Not to mention many absolutely loathe the feeling of butterfly Keyboard.
The larger trackpad make it easier for false positive input, something Apple tries to solve with Software but hasn't worked.
TouchBar makes MBP expensive and offers little value to many users.
I am hoping 2019 will get a full revamp of Mac. Everything from Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook and MacBook Pro.
I would, I wouldn't mind a free computer, or a backup computer, but I'm not letting go of my amazing CTO Late 2013 15". It's just great, even though I've had a few issues with it (dead Nvidia, faulty webcam, rubbish battery). But there is no way I'm buying a 2016-2018 MacBook Pro. Free though, I wouldn't mind.
Because it fits with their design choices for the machine overall (which might not be your priorities - if not then don't buy the machine if you don't want to) and anyone who knows anything at all about computers knows that data effectively doesn't exist if it's only on one piece of physical media, uses one of the approximately million ways of backing that data up locally or to the cloud e.g. Time Machine (which, in case you'd forgotten, is built-in, enabled by default and if you've not set it up yet actually suggests you use it every time you plug in an external drive), SuperDuper, Carbon Copy Cloner, Chronosync, a cron job, Backblaze etc. etc. and has been for years. No need to pay for iCloud storage (and that's not really a backup anyway, as it won't protect you against accidental file deletions).
Services revenue includes iTunes, Apple Music, App Store and Apple Pay as well, not just iCloud subs. Still, why let facts get in the way of a good rant / conspiracy theory?
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Don't forget the 2007 models as well. Mine failed while Apple lied about being effected like every single one other company was.Based on my experience with 2011 MBP with failing GPU, there won’t be a recall and you end up most likely paying for the repairs yourself.
The gpu failed twice in my machine and even though there was a repair program I had to pay full price because their diagnostic software told them it was not covered by the program. I mean - wth - you are diagnosing a failed gpu which gives back completely random results... Maybe it did not fail entirely and something in it was still ticking and telling the diagnostics that everything is ok
They extended the warranty and they fixed it but broke the optical out and it wouldn't burn a disk anymore. Didn't notice that in 30 days and they wouldn't fix it I gave it away after that. Don't have time for that crap and I wasn't going to sell it for someone else to have issues
This is no longer true
Edit: Whoops, Zdigital2015 beat me to it.
The more eyeballs, the better...I was too tired to hunt for the link.
Really liked having a year to decide, allowed me to spread out that extra cost...they always get me anyways. I had a one too many PowerBook G4’s crap out on me to ever fully put my faith in a year warranty. Oh, and an entire run of Late 2012 iMacs that needed to have their hard drives replaced, one iMac twice...oh, and a couple of those “legendary” Mid 2012 15” Retina MacBook Pros that everyone seem to think walk on water... it didn’t.
However, the extra $30 cut and the 60 day cut off sticks in my craw. Even 90 days would be better or better yet, 180. However, 60 days is designed to flatten out income inside a quarter or at most defer anticipated income to the following quarter, which makes it more predictable than giving buyers almost 4 full quarters to decide. Purely a finance/accounting move in my eyes. The jacking up of AppleCare across the board irks me more. Of course, these type of things happened under Steve Jobs’ watch as well, so I cannot lay it all on Tim Cook’s doorstep.
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“Diabolically and maliciously”?
What’s next for them? Waxing the steps at the old folk’s home? Loosening baby buggy wheels? Building a ”laaaaser”, codenamed “the Alan Parsons Project”, while they twirl their handlebar moustaches?
Regarding “removable” storage on the Retina 2012-2015 models, you do realize that finding an SSAUX or SSUBX new is not cheap in the least, most third party options are nowhere near as fast as what Apple shipped, except for maybe the SATA SSD in the 2012 MacBook Pro. God forbid, you want an Apple Polaris SSD...I would have better luck playing Call of Cthulhu and keeping my wits.
It’s not like Apple made it easy to replace, very few people are going to be able to go to Fry’s on a weekend and find a replacement drive for their 2015 MacBook Pro. The DRAM has been soldered on the Retina since 2012. It’s not that upgradeable, not so much more than the 2016-2018, that one pines for the “good old days”, or at least they shouldn’t. The people with delaminating screens certainly aren’t.
Too many of you are romanticizing the 2012-2015 MacBook Pros. It’s like Jim Nantz and Peyton Manning all over again.
But...those EVIL geniuses!!!
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You are aware that MS and Apple are two totally different companies and do not operate the same nor owe you anything?
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Cloud revenue? If you could only use icloud, yes i see your poing but there are SEVERAL cloud options on the market. Are you talking about just the cloud market in general? Id that was the case, there wouldnt be any thing more than 128gb models.
I dont buy the cloud storage tin foil hat opinion based on logic. Imo the only reason why the 128gb version exist is for the option to utilize cloud storage if your needs exceed basic computing
There isnt some grand conspiracy to rev up cloud revenue. That isnt the case.
I, too, like the Surface Books a lot. We bought one for my daughter for engineering school after comparing it with the MacBook Pro. She absolutely loves it. That said, the volume up/down buttons on the screen/tablet portion malfunctioned a month after the warranty expired, and at first Microsoft’s only proposed solution was to pay $800 for a refurb unit. Happily a different Microsoft Store’s manager stepped up and replaced it with a brand new unit, but still.... I guess laptops are an area where the extended warranty *does* make sense, regardless of brand.
You mean: pay Apple extra for the mistakes Apple makes?
Eh.
1. -gate to everything is reaching new levels of total irritation. Just stop it. This is a manufacturing issue, not a scandal.
2. Got a 13” 2016 within two weeks of it coming out. Machine has been fine. Reading these forums you’d think every time one of these defects is found every single person with the machine is afflicted.
Anecdotally, I’ve had way fewer issues at my office and with fellow developers with the 2016 models about two years in than the original 2012 rMBPs. Those things still give me more grief than any of the prior unibody models.
1. -gate to everything is reaching new levels of total irritation. Just stop it. This is a manufacturing issue, not a scandal.
2. Got a 13” 2016 within two weeks of it coming out. Machine has been fine. Reading these forums you’d think every time one of these defects is found every single person with the machine is afflicted.
Anecdotally, I’ve had way fewer issues at my office and with fellow developers with the 2016 models about two years in than the original 2012 rMBPs. Those things still give me more grief than any of the prior unibody models.
You’re already paying extra by buying a MacBook Pro. At least with AppleCare you have some protection against future problems.