Screen Failures in MacBook Pro & MacBook Air (2016–2020): Fragile Displays and Design Flaws

Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro redesign (Touch Bar generation, e.g., A1706) and the 2018 Retina MacBook Air (A1932) through the 2020 M1 MacBook Air (A2337) and Pro (A2338) have been associated with a surge in display problems under normal use—cracks, backlight issues, and flicker—compared to earlier models. Key contributors include ultra-thin LCD assemblies, fragile flex cables, and very tight lid clearances.

Thinner Design, Tighter Tolerances

Starting in 2016, Apple thinned the display/lid assembly and routed very short flex cables around the hinge. The Retina Air adopted an even thinner, wedge-style lid (2018–2020). Owners who never had screen trouble on pre-2016 Macs reported cracks or display artifacts with routine use on these newer models. Tight tolerances mean even tiny debris or mild pressure when closing can stress the LCD.

“Flexgate” – 2016–2017 MacBook Pro Backlight Failures

Many 2016–2017 MacBook Pros developed the “stage-light” backlight effect or blackouts at certain angles due to wear in the short, tightly-bent display flex cable. Because the cable is integrated, the fix is a full display replacement. Apple later lengthened the cable in 2018 models and, in 2019, launched a limited Display Backlight Service Program for affected 2016 13-inch Pros.

Retina MacBook Air (2018–2020): Cracks with No Apparent Impact

2018–2020 Retina Air owners reported hairline cracks, lines, and flicker appearing during normal use (e.g., opening the lid, typing at a desk), often without any drop or object between keyboard and screen. The very thin lid and minimal clearance increase susceptibility to pressure points.

M1 MacBook Air/Pro (2020): Spontaneous Cracks & Class Action

After the 2020 M1 launch, reports quickly surfaced of screens cracking during ordinary use on both M1 Air and M1 Pro. Tech outlets documented numerous owner accounts; Apple’s responses varied (some goodwill repairs, many billed as “accidental damage”). A 2021 class action alleges the displays are “extraordinarily fragile,” noting repeat failures on some units, even after Apple-sourced replacements.

Compared with Pre-2016 Models

Prior generations (pre-2016) rarely exhibited cracks or backlight failure from normal opening/closing. The spike in complaints from 2016–2020 aligns with design shifts (thinner panels, short flex cables, tighter clearances). Apple’s later chassis/display revisions (2021+ Pros, 2022 Air redesign) appear to move away from the riskiest choices.

Sources

1. Lovejoy, Ben. “Reports of M1 MacBook screen cracks occurring during normal usage.” 9to5Mac, Jul 30, 2021. https://9to5mac.com/2021/07/30/m1-macbook-screen-cracks/
2. “M1 MacBook owners complain about easily cracked screens.” AppleInsider, Jul 30, 2021 (summarizes Apple Support Communities thread). https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/07/30/m1-macbook-owners-complain-of-easily-cracked-screens
3. Gedeon, Kimberly. “M1 MacBook Air reports of self-destructing displays are piling up…” Laptop Mag, Aug 2, 2021. https://www.laptopmag.com/news/m1-macbook-air-reports-of-self-destructing-displays-are-piling-up-and-users-are-baffled
4. Haslam, Oliver. “Are some M1 MacBook screens cracking themselves? Maybe.” iMore, Jul 30, 2021. https://www.imore.com/are-some-m1-macbook-screens-cracking-themselves-maybe
5. Dixon, Taylor (iFixit). Flexgate background / cable wear explanations and community repair threads. https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/677396/Flexgate+on+MacBook+Pro+2019  |  https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/704831/Is+there+a+guide+for+flexgate+cable+replacement
6. Clover, Juli. “Apple Launches New Backlight Service Program for 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro.” MacRumors, May 21, 2019. https://www.macrumors.com/2019/05/21/apple-backlight-service-program-macbook-pro/
7. Porter, Jon. “Apple quietly addressed ‘Flexgate’ with 2mm-longer cable in 2018 MBP.” The Verge, Mar 5, 2019. https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer
8. Apple Support Communities – sample owner reports of cracks “without any apparent reason”. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253011474  |  https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255504217
9. Lovejoy, Ben. “Class-action lawsuit filed for M1 MacBook screen cracks.” 9to5Mac, Sep 16, 2021. https://9to5mac.com/2021/09/16/class-action-lawsuit-screen-cracks/
10. Rossignol, Joe. “Apple Extends 13-Inch MacBook Pro Backlight Repair Program.” MacRumors, Jan 17, 2021. https://www.macrumors.com/2021/01/17/apple-extends-13-macbook-pro-backlight-program/

Prepared by Geeks4Mac • Technical reference for OEM display behavior in 2016–2020 MacBook Pro/Air lines.