Apple has officially extended its 13-inch MacBook Pro Display Backlight Service Program, authorizing coverage for eligible notebooks for up to five years after the MacBook Pro’s original purchase date or up to three years after the start date of the program, whichever is longer.
On May 21, 2019, Apple launched the “MackBook Pro Display Backlight Service Program” where it replaced the cables on a “very small percentage” 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 units sold between October 2016 and February 2018 and reimbursed customers who had already paid to have their cables fixed.
Some MacBook Pro models had issues with uneven backlighting caused by the flex cable wearing out and breaking after repeated opening and closing of the display. The uneven lighting became known as “stage lighting,” with the backlighting eventually failing in many cases.
Eligible models include the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports).
Users can identify which model MacBook Pro they have by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and then select “About This Mac” in the menu.
Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will replace the display on affected 13-inch MacBook Pro units, free of charge. To begin the repair process, visit the Get Support page on Apple’s website. If your MacBook Pro was affected by this issue, and you have already paid to have your display repaired, you can contact Apple about a potential refund.