A reminder that Apple refuses to fix 2017 Macbooks that were poorly constructed (Flexgate), even after having acknowledged that they were poorly built (by offering a free fix for the same issue on a previous model and changing the part on later models).
TL;DW: Apple deletes inconvenient truths from their forums. They also only cover flexgate[1] repairs to 13" 2016 MacBook Pro models[2], despite the issue affecting the 15" 2016 model as well as 2017 models[3].
> if you think your display cable is the issue, you can now get it for $5 through Apple's self service repair
Are you referring to flexgate, ie MBP 2016-2017? Those are fused with the display assembly. Even if I had one, I'd basically need a lab to extend it, even independent shops usually don't do that repair.
Anecdotal evidence, but I've had a 2017 13" MBP repaired under the Flexgate scheme for free. Obviously this repair should be standardised, and the affected models should be added to the scheme, but Apple (or at least their employees) are authorising repairs for models not on the "official" list.
It's also worth mentioning that I tried at two different stores to get the free repair, and was refused the free repair at one.
I know the defect you describe, video I linked shows simple bodge repair restoring backlight without replacement parts.
>The Apple support charged 750 €.
earlier you wrote "repair shop have to throw away the fully functional panel, but also apple tried charging 750 euros" which at least to me means you didnt pay apple for repair, or is your post just a hypothetical scenario?
You can fix flexgate displays. Its not as simple as replacing easily serviceable part, but its not rocket science. Here is example company doing it https://absolutecircuits.co.uk/flexgate-solved/
bus seeing you used Euro currency there is no need for all that, just sue Apple in small claims court or report to your consumer protection agency and watch them fall over themselves helping you out of the goodness of their hears.
> Apple does repair programs or recalls when something like that happens
Usually those repair programs are limited to a few years after purchase. I still have a 2015 MBP where the reflective coating is damaged (screen looks really bad) but it only got bad after the repair program has expired.
I also had a 2016 MBP (gave it to a relative) but I'm scared that the flex cable or the keyboard are going to fail and repair is going to be too expensive and Apple won't fix it because it is too old.
2012 Macbooks were notorious for hard drive flex cables breaking, which is basically the same issue mentioned in the article, except for hard drive, not display. The difference was, though, that the cable was a separate part, so when it broke, it was a $20 repair.
Not defending indeed. I just had a frustrating experience where Apple refused to repair the 2 manufacturing defects on my MacBook Pro for free (which they said they would on their website [0] [1]), claiming there was corrosion found on the logic board. There is no option for only paying for the part they purportedly said you are responsible for. You have to pay for their malfunctioning parts if they say you should.
I have applecare for my 15 MBP w/retina (THANKFULLY), and I can attest that I've had to have Apple replaced the logic board twice. Both times, the screen's backlight would just go out.
Great to hear Apple is doing this, but then disappointing that it's even an issue for a $2k+ laptop.
My MacBook has the screengate issue. I had it replaced two times! After a while, the antireflective coating starts peeling off. When I took it to the service again, Apple's response was hilarious: "We cannot keep changing your screen infinite amount of times". Every time I had the screen changed, I was told that the new screen is different and it won't have the same problem. Unfortunately, it did have the exact same problem. Even much cheaper models do not have such a terrible issue. Apple, as a company with zero tolerance to poor quality, is long gone.
Just to add an anecdote, I had a design/construction defect on every MacBook I owned after iBook, although almost all of them were covered by replacement programs:
2007 (?) 17" MBP - bad display (no recall), bad battery (recall)
1-gen MacBook Air - broken hinges (Apple used unsuitable metal in first shipments, replacement program), CPU throttling leading to long pauses (Intel issue? disabling one core 'fixed' it if I remember correctly, but there was no solution by Apple even though they tried), audio disconnecting (warranty-covered fix)
White MacBook - plastic case cracking in hands area (not sure if there was a replacement program)
2009 White Unibody MacBook — rubber bottom case ungluing (replacement program, although I was late to it, so didn't replace)
Mid-2014 MacBook Pro Retina — screen anti-reflective coating ungluing (just replaced a week ago)
Oh, and Apple cords. They are like printer cartridges. I bet most Apple users apply PVC tape to them (Apple claims their cords are PVC-free... sure, when sold).
Who remembers Macbook's 'Staingate'[1]. I had that and was refused service multiple times. I managed to get it repaired only after it became a big issue - there were many (thousands or more) affected customers who started making noise online - then Apple grudgingly announced free repairs of the screen. I was living with damaged screen for many months.
https://support.apple.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-display-backli...
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