Understanding Display Flickering and Blackout Issues on a 2016 MacBook Pro: A Technical Overview
Introduction
Many MacBook Pro users have encountered display-related problems that disrupt workflow and entertainment experiences. Notably, certain models exhibit flickering or sudden blackouts during video playback, even as the device remains responsive and audio continues. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of such issues, focusing on a 2016 MacBook Pro (introduced in 2016, purchased in 2021) experiencing intermittent display failures, and offers insights into possible causes and troubleshooting strategies.
Device Specifications
- Model: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- Processor: 2.9 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5
- Memory: 8 GB 2133 MHz LPDDR3 RAM
- Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 550 (1536 MB)
- Operating System: macOS Monterey 12.7.6
- Purchase Date: 2021 (device release: 2016)
Description of the Issue
Users report that after approximately 30 to 50 minutes of watching videos through various apps (such as YouTube, Netflix, VLC), the internal display begins to flicker with rapid, jittery vertical motions. This flickering intensifies until the screen eventually turns black. Crucially, the system remains responsive: audio continues to play without issue, and the device does not crash. The only resolution is to perform a forced shutdown and reboot.
Observed Symptoms and Behavior
- Display Flickering: The screen exhibits rapid, jittery vertical movements before going black.
- Audio Continuity: Audio playback remains uninterrupted during the blackout.
- System Responsiveness: The computer is still operational; only the visual output is affected.
- Video Scrubbing Effects: Moving forward or backward in the video during flickering causes an immediate display blackout.
- Connectivity: No external monitors or accessories are connected.
- Power Source: Issue occurs both on battery and when plugged in.
- Temperature: The bottom of the MacBook becomes warm but not dangerously hot, suggesting thermal activity but not overheating.
- Software Status: The system is fully updated; no software crashes are reported.
Potential Causes and Diagnostic Considerations
While pinpointing the exact cause requires further hardware diagnostics, several common factors could contribute to such display anomalies:
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Stress or Failure
- Since the Intel Iris Graphics
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