Some MacBook Pro users are complaining about broken Apple laptop displays. Well, not literally broken, but distorted displays with purple lines. Display experts are terming this MacBook Pro display issue as Dustgate. This is affecting several older MacBook Pro models and Apple is yet to comment on this situation.
Here’s what’s happening:
Apple MacBook Pro Dustgate: What is it
- As per the Forbes reporting, MacBook Pro models A1989, A2251, A2289, A2338, and A2141 that were sold between 2018 and 2020 are facing Dustgate. A2141 is the most affected although newer models launched between 2016 and 2020 are also prone to this problem.
- When Macbook Pros from these lineups are opened in certain angle, purple lines start to appear out of nowhere.
- Apparently, this is happening because the screen flex cable that connects display and the laptop body is damaged by dust. Through a gap at the hinge between the display and the keyboard, dust and dirt gets collected. Then over a period of time of screen lid opening and closing, the debris damages the underlyng cable.
- Repairers interviewed by Forbes reveal its a common problem and several users are taking MacBook Pro with Dustgate to them each week. Users have shared about the issue on Reddit and Apple Discussions forum.
How to fix Dustgate
- Repair experts at iCorrect says Dustgate damage is difficult and costly to repair.
- The screen flex cable are attached to the back of the screen and repairers have to remove the screen from the back panel to take out the damaged cable. This has to be done without breaking the thin panels.
- In case you decide to get it fixed from Apple, the company would change the whole display unit which would cost you way more. In the US, it is costing around $625.
- As for to prevent the problem, users are advised to frequently clean the laptop and ensure no dust gets collected around the hinge area.
Should newer MacBook Pro users be worried?
- According to these repairers, Apple has added improved protection for the flex cable on newer MacBook Pros released since 2021. So, the company has smartly and quietly fixed the issue.
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Is Dustgate the same as Flexgate?
- No, while both are related to the screen flex cable, in case of Flexgate, which happened to MacBook Pro 13″ released between 2016 and 2018, the cable connected the display and the controller board below Touch Bar and the worn-off cable was resulting in faulty light effects on the screen.
- Apple had acknowledged Flexgate and offered free repair. So, we hope the company takes note of Dustgate and offers a similar support to its users.
