When Apple launched the 13-inch MacBook Pro models between late 2016 and early 2018, few could have predicted that a design flaw in the display backlight cable would become one of the most talked-about repair programs in the company’s history.
Fast forward to 2025, and Apple’s Display Backlight Service Program continues to stand as an important reminder of how tech giants handle long-term product support, customer satisfaction, and engineering accountability.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from what the program covers and how to check your eligibility, to what causes the issue and what to expect during repair.
What Is the Display Backlight Service Program?
Apple’s Display Backlight Service Program was launched in May 2019 to address a specific issue affecting a small percentage of 13-inch MacBook Pro units.
According to Apple, some devices manufactured between October 2016 and February 2018 may experience display backlight problems, including:
- Vertical bright areas appearing at the bottom of the screen
- Complete backlight failure, resulting in no image visibility
This became informally known in the repair community as “Flexgate.”
The problem stemmed from a too-short flex cable connecting the display to the logic board. Over time, repeated opening and closing of the laptop lid caused the cable to wear out or tear, interrupting power to the backlight.
Rather than calling it a recall, Apple introduced the Display Backlight Service Program, offering free display replacements for affected models — even if they were out of warranty.
Which MacBook Models Are Eligible?
Only specific 13-inch MacBook Pro models are covered under this program. Eligible models include:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
To check your model:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Choose “About This Mac.”
- Verify the model name and year.
If your model matches one of the above, you can proceed to check service eligibility through Apple’s official Get Support page.
Symptoms of the Backlight Issue (“Flexgate”)
Before you rush to book a repair, it’s helpful to confirm whether your MacBook shows typical symptoms of the display backlight problem. These include:
- Uneven lighting or bright “spotlights” at the bottom edge of the display.
- Flickering or random dimming of the backlight.
- The screen goes completely dark, though the MacBook is still running.
- The issue worsens when you adjust the lid angle — for example, the backlight turns off when opened beyond a certain point.
These symptoms are telltale signs of the cable strain problem that Apple’s service program addresses.
Why the Issue Happened: A Design Perspective
From an engineering standpoint, the issue traces back to Apple’s pursuit of ultra-thin design.
The 2016 MacBook Pro introduced a thinner display assembly, reducing the space for internal components, including the backlight flex cable. Unfortunately, the cable was too short to accommodate repeated opening and closing over years of normal use.
Each time users opened their laptops, tension increased on the cable. Eventually, the stress caused micro-tears, leading to intermittent or total backlight failure.
By 2018, hundreds of users had reported the problem across forums like MacRumors, iFixit, and Reddit, prompting Apple to acknowledge it publicly and launch a repair initiative in 2019.
Program Duration and Coverage (Updated 2025)
Initially, Apple stated that eligible devices would be covered for up to 4 years from the first retail sale date. However, in a later update, the company extended the coverage to:
5 years from the original purchase date, or 3 years from the program start date (May 21, 2019) — whichever is longer.
That means the program remains active into 2025 for many customers who purchased their MacBook Pro in late 2017 or early 2018.
This extension demonstrates Apple’s acknowledgment of the issue’s longevity and ensures late adopters aren’t left out of support.
How to Check if Your MacBook Is Eligible
To verify whether your MacBook qualifies for free repair:
- Visit the Apple Support Page.
- Choose “Mac Notebooks” → “MacBook Pro” → “Display Issue.”
- Enter your serial number when prompted.
- If eligible, the site will confirm your coverage and guide you through booking a repair.
Alternatively, you can contact Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) or Genius Bar appointments directly through the Apple Support app.
Repair Process: What to Expect
Once confirmed eligible, Apple (or an authorized partner) will replace the entire display module free of charge.
Here’s what the process typically involves:
- Device inspection: Technicians verify the issue and check for any unrelated damage.
- Display replacement: The full top lid (including the display, cables, and backlight assembly) is replaced with a redesigned version.
- System testing: The device undergoes calibration and quality assurance checks.
- Pickup: The process usually takes 3–5 business days, depending on parts availability.
For users who previously paid for a backlight repair, Apple may issue refunds upon proof of payment — another example of customer-first handling.
What About Other Models?
While the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2016) was officially covered, similar symptoms have occasionally appeared in 15-inch models and 2017 variants.
However, Apple has not extended the service program to those models.
Independent repair experts at iFixit have noted that later revisions (2018 and beyond) feature a longer and reinforced flex cable, effectively resolving the root cause.
Still, if you own a 15-inch or newer model showing comparable backlight issues, Apple’s standard warranty or AppleCare+ may still cover repairs depending on purchase date and region.
How Apple’s Response Evolved
Initially, some users criticized Apple for delaying acknowledgment of the Flexgate problem. The issue first surfaced in 2017, but the service program wasn’t officially launched until mid-2019.
However, once introduced, Apple’s response has been largely commendable in terms of long-term coverage and transparency.
By extending the program window and offering refunds, the company balanced accountability with customer trust.
Independent repair advocates still argue that the incident highlights the tension between design aesthetics and repairability, an ongoing debate in the tech industry.
Repairability and the “Right to Repair” Conversation
The Display Backlight Service Program became a case study in the Right to Repair movement.
Repair technicians and activists pointed out that if Apple had made display cables more modular — or provided parts and manuals to third-party shops — many users could have fixed their devices cheaply and quickly.
Apple has since taken small but visible steps toward greater repair access.
In 2022, it launched the Self-Service Repair program, allowing users to purchase genuine parts and access repair guides. However, as of 2025, MacBook display assemblies remain complex, integrated components, not easily serviceable at home.
Lessons Learned: Balancing Design and Durability
The backlight issue was never about defective components, but rather engineering trade-offs.
Apple’s drive for ultra-thin laptops pushed design boundaries — but also exposed limitations in cable flexibility and space optimization.
The redesigned displays introduced after 2018 fixed the issue without compromising thinness, showing that durability and elegance can coexist when design lessons are applied.
This serves as a valuable engineering reminder across the tech industry: real-world user experience should guide innovation, not just design aesthetics.
Customer Experience and Reputation Impact
Despite early frustration among affected users, Apple’s handling of the Display Backlight Service Program has reinforced its long-term product support reputation.
Many tech reviewers now cite it as a benchmark example of a responsible service policy — particularly compared to competitors who limit repair coverage to one year.
According to independent surveys by Consumer Reports and Laptop Mag, Apple continues to lead in customer satisfaction for laptop repairs and after-sales support, largely thanks to initiatives like this.
Practical Tips for MacBook Owners
Even if your MacBook isn’t part of the service program, you can take preventive steps to extend the lifespan of your display components:
- Avoid excessive lid movement or rapid opening/closing.
- Use a soft surface when working to reduce tension on the hinge area.
- Keep macOS updated, as firmware adjustments can improve backlight behavior.
- Consider AppleCare+, which extends coverage for unexpected issues.
For older 2016–2017 models, staying aware of your eligibility and acting before the coverage window ends in 2025 is essential.
Industry-Wide Influence
The ripple effect of Apple’s Display Backlight Service Program has influenced other manufacturers as well.
Brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo have quietly adjusted hinge and display cable designs in their premium ultrabooks since 2020, prioritizing flexibility and endurance.
It also encouraged the industry to publicly acknowledge hardware flaws earlier and offer structured service programs — a trend users have largely welcomed.
Conclusion: Transparency Builds Trust
The Display Backlight Service Program isn’t just about fixing dim screens — it’s a reflection of Apple’s evolving philosophy on user trust, repair transparency, and long-term accountability.
While no product is immune to design flaws, what defines a brand is how it responds.
By extending coverage, improving design, and supporting users years later, Apple turned an engineering setback into a customer-loyalty success story.
As of 2025, the Display Backlight Service Program remains a model of responsible post-release support — and a reminder that even the brightest screens sometimes need a second chance to shine.