MacBook Display Issues (2016-2020): Flexgate & Screen Problems
Introduction
Does your MacBook Pro display suddenly have stripes, flicker or show an uneven "stage light effect" at the bottom edge of the screen? Then you may be affected by the notorious Flexgate problem. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what's behind it, which models are affected and what solutions are available.
What is the Flexgate Problem?
Flexgate is a design flaw that mainly affects MacBook Pro models from 2016 to 2020. The problem arises from display cables that are too short or too delicate, which wear out from repeatedly opening and closing the laptop.
The Most Common Symptoms:
- Stage Light Effect: Uneven lighting at the bottom edge of the display
- Vertical stripes: Colored or gray lines on the screen
- Screen flickering: Especially when moving the display
- Complete display failure: Screen stays black
Which MacBook Models Are Affected?
| Model | Years | Risk Level | Most Common Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 13" | 2016-2020 | 🔴 Very High | Flexgate, stage light, complete failure |
| MacBook Pro 15" | 2016-2019 | 🔴 Very High | Vertical stripes, flickering |
| MacBook Pro 16" | 2019 | 🟡 Medium | Less common but possible |
| MacBook Air | 2018-2020 | 🟢 Low | Occasional cable issues |
| MacBook 12" | 2015-2017 | 🟡 Medium | Display connection vulnerable |
⚠️ Especially Critical: Touch Bar Models
MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar (2016-2020) are particularly vulnerable as the display flex cable runs directly alongside the Touch Bar cable. Mechanical stress often affects both components simultaneously.
Apple slightly extended the cable design from 2018 (from 2mm to 6mm), which reduced the problem but didn't completely solve it.
Recognizing Symptoms: Does Your MacBook Have a Display Problem?
Early Warning Signs (Stage 1):
- Occasional brief flickering when opening
- Slight brightness differences at bottom edge
- Display takes a moment to "wake up"
Clear Symptoms (Stage 2):
- Stage Light Effect: Bright spots at bottom display edge
- Vertical Stripes: Colorful or gray lines
- Display Flickering: Regular flimmering
- Color Distortions: Pink/green tinting
Critical Symptoms (Stage 3):
- Angle-Dependent Failure: Image only at certain angles
- Partial Failure: Areas remain black
- Complete Failure: No image at all
- White Screen: Only backlight visible
🔍 Quick Test for Flexgate:
- Turn on MacBook
- Slowly open display from 45° to 120°
- Wait 5 seconds at each angle
- Watch for flickering, stripes or dropouts
Result: If problems only occur at certain angles → Flexgate likely!
Technical Causes in Detail
1. Cables Too Short
The display cables in affected models are minimally sized. They are stretched and bent with each opening and closing.
2. Material Fatigue
The thin flex cables consist of delicate conductor tracks that can break through repeated movement.
3. Heat Development
The position of the cables near heat-generating components accelerates wear.
Solution Options
Short-term Measures:
- Adjust display angle: Find an angle where the problem is minimal
- Use external display: As a temporary solution for important work
- Careful handling: Avoid frequent opening/closing
Permanent Repair:
Our Repair Options at Sadaghian:
- Display replacement with original part: Complete replacement of display unit including new cables
- Used original display: More cost-effective alternative with tested used parts
- Cable modification: Possible on some models but complex
Repair Costs
| Model | Repair Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 13" (2016-2020) | New display | €400-600 |
| MacBook Pro 13" (2016-2020) | Used display | €300-450 |
| MacBook Pro 15"/16" | New display | €600-900 |
| MacBook Pro 15"/16" | Used display | €450-650 |
All prices include installation and warranty. You'll receive an exact price after free diagnosis.
Preventive Measures & Free Cleaning
Even though the problem is design-related, you can extend the lifespan:
🎁 Free Annual Cleaning at Sadaghian
We offer free cleaning of your MacBook to prevent Flexgate problems. We don't just remove dust from the case, but specifically clean the critical flex cable between logic board and display.
- Professional internal cleaning
- Flex cable inspection
- Preventive maintenance
- Once yearly for free
Prevention Tips:
- Gentle Opening: Always open display from center, slowly
- Avoid Extreme Angles: Don't open beyond 120°
- No Pressure on Display: Don't place anything on MacBook during transport
- Regular Cleaning: Keep hinges clean and dust-free
- Temperature Awareness: Extreme cold makes cables brittle
- Transport: Use padded bag
💡 Pro Tip: Mark your optimal opening angle with a small sticker on the display edge. This helps avoid unconsciously opening too far.
Other Display Problems (Not Flexgate)
Not every display problem is Flexgate. Here are other common causes:
LCD Panel Defects:
- Dead Pixels: Individual dots stay black/white
- Pressure Marks: Dark spots from mechanical pressure
- Display Crack: Spider web pattern after drop
- Liquid Crystal Failure: Black spots spreading
Graphics Chip Problems:
- Horizontal Stripes: Often GPU problem
- Artifacts: Geometric patterns, colorful blocks
- Kernel Panic: System crashes under graphics load
Software Problems:
- After Update: Driver incompatibility
- External Monitor OK: Usually software issue
- Safe Mode Works: Software conflict
💡 Diagnosis Tip: Connect an external monitor. If it works perfectly, the problem is likely with the display or cable, not the graphics chip.
Display Technologies Compared
Mini-LED (MacBook Pro 14"/16" from 2021)
- Near-AMOLED contrast with local dimming zones
- 1600 nits peak brightness
- ProMotion 120Hz
- Blooming effect possible in dark scenes
Liquid Retina (MacBook Air M2/M3)
- IPS LCD with LED backlight
- 500 nits brightness
- P3 color gamut
- Even illumination
Retina Display (Older Models)
- Standard IPS panel
- 400-500 nits
- sRGB color space
- 2016-2020 models: Flexgate-prone
Spare Parts & Repair Options
For detailed information on available spare parts, visit our Display Parts Overview.
| Repair Option | Price Range | Duration | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Repair | €180-300 | 1-2 days | 6 months |
| Used Original Display | €400-600 | 1-2 days | 12 months |
| New Original Display | €600-1200 | 2-4 days | 12 months |
| Aftermarket Display | €300-500 | 1-2 days | 6 months |
All display repairs and pricing details are available on our MacBook Display Repair main page.
🚨 Emergency Help for Display Problems
Is your MacBook showing stripes, flickering, or the stage light effect? Act quickly before the damage gets worse!
Your Options:
- Visit in Person: Leverkusenstraße 3, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
- Express Shipping: Free DHL label
- Phone Consultation: +49 40-228643240
- WhatsApp Support: +49 40-228643211
Why Sadaghian?
- ✅ Free diagnosis & annual cleaning
- ✅ Original & tested used displays
- ✅ Express repair possible
- ✅ 12-month warranty
- ✅ Fixed prices before repair