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MacBook Pro 13'' Touch Bar (2016–2022) – known issues and repair

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Quick answer

The 2016–2019 MacBook Pro 13'' Touch Bar is the most fault-prone MacBook line ever made: butterfly keyboard (dead and double-typing keys), flexgate (display cuts out when the lid is opened wide) and the notorious stage light fault. The M1–M2 versions (2020–2022) are significantly better. We repair every generation.

About the MacBook Pro 13” Touch Bar (2016–2022)

Apple’s most fault-prone line, but also one of its best-selling. The entire 2016–2019 stretch is shaped by butterfly keyboard and flexgate problems. From 2020 (M1) onwards the construction got radically better.

Generations:

  • 2016–2017 (Intel): butterfly v1+v2, flexgate, GPU issues
  • 2018–2019 (Intel): butterfly v3 (slightly better), improved cooling
  • 2020 (Intel + M1): last Intel version, first M1 version (scissor mechanism keyboard)
  • 2022 (M2): small refresh, same chassis

Known issues by generation

2016–2017: avoid if possible. Or buy very cheap and accept that the keyboard and screen will need repair.

2018–2019: Apple’s “third-gen” butterfly is marginally better, but still vulnerable. Expect to repair individual keys during ownership — we do it from DKK 50 per key.

2020 Intel: the last Intel MacBook. Scissor mechanism keyboard, no flexgate. A solid second-hand buy if you want to stay on Intel and run Boot Camp.

2020 M1 / 2022 M2: excellent. Few issues. Scissor mechanism keyboard. Long lifespan expected.

Repair with us

We repair every MacBook Pro 13” Touch Bar generation:

  • Butterfly individual key repair: from DKK 50 per key — our preferred solution
  • Top case replacement (butterfly) — only for extensive damage
  • Flexgate cable
  • Screen replacement
  • Battery replacement
  • Component-level logic board repair
  • Touch Bar replacement

See current pricing per service at macmo.dk/reparation.

Should I buy a used 2016–2019 MacBook Pro 13”?

It can be a reasonable buy if the price is low (under DKK 4,000) — because our individual key repair from DKK 50 per key makes keyboard fixes affordable compared to a full top case. Alternatively a used M1 Air (typically DKK 4,000–5,500) or M1 Pro 13” for the fewest future repairs. See current repair pricing at macmo.dk/reparation.

Frequently asked questions

Which MacBook Pro 13'' years have the butterfly keyboard?
Every Touch Bar model from 2016 through mid-2019. The 2019 got the 'third generation' butterfly with a silicone membrane (a little better, not perfect). From late 2019 onwards Apple switched to a scissor mechanism keyboard.
What is flexgate?
A faulty flex cable between the display and the logic board on the 2016–2017 MacBook Pro 13''/15''. The result: uneven backlighting (the 'stage light' effect) or a completely black screen when the lid is opened wide. Apple ran a repair programme that has now expired. We can replace the cable or the entire display.
What does butterfly keyboard repair cost?
We repair individual butterfly keys from DKK 50 per key — so you usually avoid a full top case replacement. Only with extensive damage (many dead keys or a faulty battery/trackpad) does a full top case replacement make sense. See current pricing per fault level at macmo.dk/reparation. Apple's own programme no longer covers most 2016–2019 models.
Is the MacBook Pro 13'' M1 (2020) affected by butterfly issues?
No. The M1 Pro 13'' has a scissor mechanism keyboard and is an entirely different construction. It's one of Apple's most durable MacBooks.