If you’re one of the few unfortunate users to have experienced “flexgate” problems with your 2016 MacBook Pro, i.e., vertical bright areas or a complete backlight malfunction, then there’s a new service program for you.
Apple has launched a program called Backlight Service to specifically fix display issues that has plagued 2016 MacBook model owners and affected Apple machines that were sold from October of 2016 to February 2018. This includes the 2016 MacBook Pro 13-inch with 2 thunderbolt 3 ports and the 2016 MacBook Pro 13-inch with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports.
MacBook Pro owners have complained about the laptop’s sub-par backlighting and speculated that the problem may have been caused by an inferior flex cable material. It turns out the MacBook’s flex cables are exceptionally fragile and according to iFixit prone to failing after opening and closing the lid a few times.
Apple states that owners of affected machines may head to the nearest Apple Retail Store, Authorized Apple Service Provider or contact support to have their MacBooks mailed in for repair. The service is free within the first 4 years of sale or on May 21, 2021, whichever is longer.
