Macbook Pro Flexgate discussion [Merged]

[SourceSunTom]

My 2016 macbook pro with Touch Bar that i owned since it was release, started a its "flexgate" issue a week ago. Flexgate appears to be an issue caused by very fragile lcd flex cables. The LCD itself is fine, i never dented it or forced on the screen while opening it or anything...

Problem is, apple currently isn't acknowledging this issue which seems to spread a little more everyday. Apple is currently charging 600$ for a fix right now, which is insane for a design issue. I hope this gets more attention somehow....

The white stage light effect at the bottom of the screen below caused by flexgate isn't due to the photo, it's like that (maybe worse) irl



Here is a website someone made about flexgate if you want to learn more... https://flexgate.me

 

[Premal212]

Interesting, my 2016 MBP hasn't shown signs of this yet? Op could you create a poll for this? Gives us a better idea of how wide this problem is?

 

[SourceSunTom]

Interesting, my 2016 MBP hasn't shown signs of this yet? Op could you create a poll for this? Gives us a better idea of how wide this problem is?

My MBP didn't show any signs of flexgate before it actually got the stage light effect... And that's only stage 1 as others reporting black screens depending on how wide angle the screen is opened.

The problem isn't that wide, tho, but people are definitely having this issue...
https://twitter.com/philipyoungg/status/1072587009062039553
https://twitter.com/LukePower/status/1060518179590402048
I'll open a pole yeah, but i don't think it's necessary as most people don't have this issue yet

 

[Premal212]

Yeah, without a doubt, but it's always nice to see a poll on MacRumours lol

 

[BeatCrazy]

Sorry you’re experiencing this. Makes me glad I bit the bullet and got AppleCare+ on my MBP.

 

[Acronyc]

That sucks this happened. I remember I had an iPhone 4s with a similar problem (spotlights on the bottom) and it really bothered me. I haven't had any such issues yet on my nTB 2016 MBP (no keyboard issues either). Luckily I have AppleCare (bought it before AppleCare+ was an option) for one more year and the keyboard repair for another after that. Hope you can get your issue resolved!

 

[Newtons Apple]

A defect like this should not even require the device be under warranty.

 

[SourceSunTom]

A defect like this should not even require the device be under warranty.

I hope they recall the defective machines, but this issue needs more attention for this to even happen...

That sucks this happened. I remember I had an iPhone 4s with a similar problem (spotlights on the bottom) and it really bothered me. I haven't had any such issues yet on my nTB 2016 MBP (no keyboard issues either). Luckily I have AppleCare (bought it before AppleCare+ was an option) for one more year and the keyboard repair for another after that. Hope you can get your issue resolved!

I got no apple care unfortunately, if it wasn't for this design issue i wouldn't need it :/

 

[_Kiki_]

poor quality components and Apple charging $600 for repair, total scam
this is true "premium product"

 

[thadoggfather]

this happened to my 2016 nTB, shame cause the panel was beautiful

replacement panel is good enough but what a crappy flaw! Apple quality and engineering is dubious

 

[retta283]

Apple needs to start a recall or a replacement program if this continues. Charging up to half the price of the computer to fix this is an absolute ripoff.

 

[thadoggfather]

its ridiculous they refuse to replace the cable and need to replace the whole top display

it could theoretically be such a cheap repair fix if not for it being 'apple's way'

 

[synergize]

Are those lights permanently on, or just for the holidays?

 

[thadoggfather]

Are those lights permanently on, or just for the holidays?

It’s apple gift to us for their flawless design

 

[brdeveloper]

Apple is currently charging 600$ for a fix right now, which is insane for a design issue. I hope this gets more attention somehow....

Did you really call Apple or you have being in touch with authorized service providers (AASPs)? The latter will always charge you with the full price. It's up to you calling Apple and telling your story, asking for a free replacement. I think this defect should be eligible for fixing as "under warranty". Never trust on AASP budget.

 

[SourceSunTom]

Did you really call Apple or you have being in touch with authorized service providers (AASPs)? The latter will always charge you with the full price. It's up to you calling Apple and telling your story, asking for a free replacement. I think this defect should be eligible for fixing as "under warranty". Never trust on AASP budget.

Yeah i called their support, they’re only offering a full 600$ replacement as for now

 

[Airboy1466]

Yeah i called their support, they’re only offering a full 600$ replacement as for now

That’s just terrible customer service as you have no signs of abuse to the machine at all

 

[mdnz]

Yeah i called their support, they’re only offering a full 600$ replacement as for now

You're from France, you have better customer protection rights than that. Keep pushing them until they give you a free repair, they're required to. Ridiculous that it's even needed.

 

[Plutonius]

Makes me glad I bit the bullet and got AppleCare+ on my MBP.

This issue will probably occur after your AppleCare+ is expired .

The solution isn't to be covered for three years but instead to have Apple build a reliable computer.

 

[SourceSunTom]

You're from France, you have better customer protection rights than that. Keep pushing them until they give you a free repair, they're required to. Ridiculous that it's even needed.

When i called they told me i’d better wait and see if they ever do recall for defective laptops, should i wait or insist like you’re saying ?

 

[thadoggfather]

whats crazy about this issue is it just happened one day all of a sudden

there is no phase where it slowly gets worse or anything

goes from working perfect to spotlighting

 

[mdnz]

When i called they told me i’d better wait and see if they ever do recall for defective laptops, should i wait or insist like you’re saying ?

Insist, you have at least a 2 year warranty in the EU, in some cases you can push it to 3 years.
See here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/guarantees-returns/index_en.htm (Expand section Faulty Goods)

Don't wait because it might push you out of the EU warranty period.

 

[SourceSunTom]

Insist, you have at least a 2 year warranty in the EU, in some cases you can push it to 3 years.
See here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/guarantees-returns/index_en.htm (Expand section Faulty Goods)

Don't wait because it might push you out of the EU warranty period.

Good news, apple’s warranty is based off the day they ship the item (the guy on the phone told me this at first), however i insisted the EU waranty says it is when you receive your stuff ... So because of that, my call at apple wasn’t 3 days after the warranty but 1 day before it expires, so they have proof i called about my problem before the warranty ended, so i should hopefully get my item fixed, i didn’t have my service number thing for that call so they told me to call back tomorrow with it!
Let’s hope they start recalling devices with that problem, because i’m not the only one with this issue and i was nearly 3 days late to use my warranty...

 

[8SlaiN8]

Good news, apple’s warranty is based off the day they ship the item (the guy on the phone told me this at first), however i insisted the EU waranty says it is when you receive your stuff ... So because of that, my call at apple wasn’t 3 days after the warranty but 1 day before it expires, so they have proof i called about my problem before the warranty ended, so i should hopefully get my item fixed, i didn’t have my service number thing for that call so they told me to call back tomorrow with it!
Let’s hope they start recalling devices with that problem, because i’m not the only one with this issue and i was nearly 3 days late to use my warranty...

lol
last second save!

 

[jerryk]

whats crazy about this issue is it just happened one day all of a sudden

there is no phase where it slowly gets worse or anything

goes from working perfect to spotlighting

That is how electronics fail. Perfect until they fail.