How can I fix a bulging rubber seal on MacBook Air M1?

Just from nowhere, the rubber seal on my 2020 MacBook Air M1 screen just bulged out as shown in picture. Unfortunately, I closed the lid last night and today the screen is broken.


I have searched online and it looks like this rubber issue is common with these machines. I have had the machine for 5yrs with no issue and I usually upgrade when my MacBook gets listed as vintage. I have booked a repair at the Apple Store but this is going to set me back $500 from the estimate I got online but some people online are saying it can be $900.

The M1 are solid machines but I am getting worried if this is common with all MacBook Airs as I used to be a MacBook Pro person and this one is my first Air.





[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: MacBook Air M1 screen rubber seal proble

Posted on Oct 12, 2025 5:52 AM

Reply
3 replies

Oct 20, 2025 9:15 PM in response to Jayprog

"How can I fix a bulging rubber seal on MacBook Air M1?: [...]The M1 are solid machines but I am getting worried if this is common with all MacBook Airs as I used to be a MacBook Pro person and this one is my first Air.[...]"

-------


Thanks for the photo.


Bulging Out Mac Screen:

When taken in for service, Apple will have the say. But, observing this screen, myself, it almost seems to he a hardware failure. Any buldging elsewhere? It may be a cording battery affecting the bezel(the frame or border that surrounds a screen).

Oct 21, 2025 11:35 AM in response to Jayprog

That is a damaged Display. I see a scratch of the display leading directly to that loose gasket. And that is exactly where the vertical lines & black bar appear as well. Whatever scratched & cracked the display pulled the gasket loose. It will be considered accidental damage. Plus I see faint horizontal lines as well across most of the display. It will be an expensive repair.



This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How can I fix a bulging rubber seal on MacBook Air M1?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.