Seeing a spotlight or stage light effect at the bottom of your MacBook Pro screen? That's Flexgate — a known Apple design defect. We fix it from RM450, same day.
Flexgate is a hardware defect found in 2016–2018 MacBook Pro models. Apple designed the display backlight cable to be extremely thin — so thin that it gradually fatigues and tears from the everyday stress of opening and closing the lid.
Unlike most cable failures, Flexgate produces a very distinctive visual symptom: a row of bright light — resembling stage spotlights — bleeds from the very bottom edge of the display. It's most visible against dark content or on a black screen.
In the early stages, the display still works — only the backlight is failing. Left unrepaired, the cable will eventually break completely, leaving you with a black screen unless you hold the lid at a very specific angle.
Screen content
Stage light effect — bright glow bleeding from screen bottom. Caused by the backlight cable fraying near the hinge.
Most visible on dark backgrounds. Worsens progressively until the backlight fails completely.
Flexgate primarily affects 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models. Check your model identifier on the bottom of your MacBook.
MacBook Pro 13" 2016
A1706
Touch Bar model. Most commonly affected. Apple offered limited free repair program (now expired).
MacBook Pro 13" 2016
A1708
Function key (non-Touch Bar) model. Same cable design, same vulnerability.
MacBook Pro 13" 2017
A1706
Touch Bar refresh. Shares identical display cable design with 2016 model.
MacBook Pro 13" 2017
A1708
Function key model. Cable slightly different but still prone to fatigue.
MacBook Pro 15" 2016
A1707
Larger form factor, same cable architecture. Higher repair cost due to display size.
MacBook Pro 15" 2017
A1707
Second generation of affected 15" models. Same vulnerability as 2016.
Flexgate progresses through stages. Recognise where your MacBook is — early intervention is cheaper and preserves your original display.
The most recognisable Flexgate symptom — a bright glow or spotlight pattern appearing along the bottom edge of the screen, most visible on dark content.
The backlight stops working when the lid is opened past a certain angle, typically around 40-50°. The display still works — you can see a faint image — but the backlight is gone.
Screen flickers or stutters as you open or close the lid, especially in the range where the cable is under maximum stress.
The screen goes completely black when the lid is positioned at specific angles but comes back when you adjust the lid position.
A persistent bright horizontal band or strip across the very bottom of the display that does not go away, even on normal content.
Advanced stage of Flexgate — the cable has fully failed and the backlight no longer works at any angle. Display is visible in bright light but not usable.
We offer two repair paths depending on the condition of your display and your budget.
Replace only the failed display flex cable. Your original Retina display is kept intact. Best option when the display panel itself is undamaged.
Benefits
Considerations
Replace the entire display assembly with a new unit that includes a longer, redesigned cable. Most durable fix — eliminates the root cause of Flexgate.
Benefits
Considerations
Transparent pricing by model and repair type. All prices include parts, labor, and our 90-day warranty.
Common questions about MacBook Flexgate repair.
Bring your MacBook in for a free diagnosis. We'll confirm it's Flexgate and give you a firm quote before any work begins. Same-day service available.
Other repairs we offer for your MacBook