Apple Launches Backlight Service Program For 2016 13-Inch MacBook Pros

Apple has announced a new Backlight Service Program for the 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro model. The program addresses the 'very small percentage' of MacBook Pro laptops that experience one of two display issues: complete backlight loss or intermittent/continuous vertical bright spots across the bottom of the display. Laptops covered by the program were sold from October 2016 through February 2018; these units can be serviced for free at Apple Stores and authorized service providers.

The service program addresses what some 2016 MacBook Pro owners have referred to as 'flexgate' — an issue in which some units had display issues typically resulting in uneven lights spanning across the bottom of the screen. Some users experienced complete display failure. The problem was called out by iFixit, which had implicated the thin flex cables used with these displays as the cause.

Only the 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro is covered by the backlight display program. Eligible device owners can can take their laptop to either their nearest Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to get the display serviced. To view eligibility, Apple says device owners can open the Apple menu and select "About This Mac."

The company will offer the free service for the following models:

- MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

- MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

Device owners who are unable to visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider have the option of mailing their device to the Apple Repair Center; the company says to contact Apple support to arrange this mail-in service. Customers who previously paid to have one of these models repaired for this display issue can contact Apple to request a refund instead.