Known MacBook Pro Design Issues
Several MacBook Pro generations have well-documented design faults. If your machine has any of these, you are not alone, and all are repairable.
Flexgate
2016–2019 MacBook Pro
A design fault in the display flex cable causes backlight failure. Early symptoms include a bright horizontal line at the bottom of the screen and a stage-light effect when the lid is opened to a wide angle. Eventually the backlight fails completely. We replace the display assembly to resolve this permanently.
Staingate
Retina MacBook Pro (all years)
The anti-reflective coating on Retina screens separates over time, leaving blotchy, stained-looking patches that cannot be cleaned. This is a manufacturing defect in the screen coating. We replace the display assembly with a new panel that does not have this issue.
Butterfly Keyboard
2016–2019 MacBook Pro
Apple's butterfly mechanism keyboard is susceptible to dust ingress, key bounce, and complete switch failure. Apple ran a repair programme that has since ended. We replace the entire top case assembly, keyboard, battery bracket, and all, with a working unit carrying a up-to-3 year warranty.
Thermal Throttling
Intel MacBook Pro 15" & 16"
Intel MacBook Pro 15" and 16" models are known to throttle the CPU and GPU under sustained load due to inadequate thermal headroom. Symptoms include fan noise, reduced performance, and high CPU temperatures. A heatsink clean, thermal paste replacement, and SMC reset often restores full performance.
MacBook Pro Repairs We Do
Every MacBook Pro fault, from battery to board-level component-level repair. Same-day diagnosis, fixed pricing, up-to-3 year warranty.
Screen Replacement
Cracked Retina or Liquid Retina XDR, Flexgate backlight failure (2016–2019), dead pixels, Staingate delamination. Genuine-quality panels for all MacBook Pro sizes.
Keyboard Replacement
Butterfly keyboard failure (2016–2019 models), sticky or non-registering keys, Magic Keyboard damage. Full top-case assembly replacement with up-to-3 year warranty.
Battery Replacement
Restore all-day battery life and eliminate thermal shutdown. OEM-grade cells, same-day turnaround.
Logic Board Repair
Component-level repair for no-power, no-display, GPU fault, USB-C charging failure, and T2 issues. All MacBook Pro models repaired in-house.
Liquid Damage
Ultrasonic board cleaning, corrosion removal and component-level repair. MacBook Pro liquid damage is often fully repairable if assessed quickly.
Charging Port Repair
USB-C or Thunderbolt port not charging, bent pins, MagSafe port failure on older models. Port board replacement or component-level repair where needed.
Trackpad Repair
Trackpad not clicking, erratic cursor, Force Touch unresponsive, raised trackpad from a swollen battery. Same-day repair for most models.
Thermal Throttling Fix
MacBook Pro running hot, fans at full speed, or throttling under load? We clean the heatsink, replace thermal paste, and check for firmware-level throttle issues, common on Intel 15" and 16" models.
MacBook Pro Repair Services
All costs are confirmed in writing after a assessment fee (from R599). No hidden costs.
| Repair | Turnaround |
|---|---|
| Screen Replacement (Retina / Liquid Retina XDR) | 2–4 hrs |
| Keyboard Replacement (butterfly / Magic) | 2–4 hrs |
| Battery Replacement (13") | 1.5–2.5 hrs |
| Battery Replacement (14" / 16") | 2–3 hrs |
| Logic Board Component-level repair | 3–5 days |
| Liquid Damage (ultrasonic + component repair) | 2–5 days |
| Charging Port / USB-C Repair | 1–2 hrs |
| Trackpad Repair | 2–4 hrs |
| Thermal Paste + Heatsink Service | 1–2 hrs |
| Data Recovery | 1–3 days |
Final cost confirmed after assessment fee (from R599). All repairs include up-to-3 year warranty.
Indicative pricing only. Final pricing is confirmed once ZA Support verifies your device model and serial number.
All prices shown are starting points and subject to device-specific assessment. Contact ZA Support on 064 529 5863 with your model and serial number for a confirmed quote.
All MacBook Pro Models Supported
Why We Can Repair What Apple Cannot
Apple replaces entire logic boards because their technicians do not perform component-level work. We use professional rework stations with hot-air and BGA reballing capability. Most MacBook Pro board faults involve a single failed capacitor, IC, or connector, not the entire board. We fix the component, not the machine.
MacBook Pro Repair, FAQs
MacBook Pro Needs a Repair?
Assessment: from R599. Fixed pricing. Assessment: from R599. Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
WhatsApp for the fastest response, typically within 30 minutes during business hours.