MacBook Air M1 (2020) – Screen Flickering & Shadow Issue

Question

Level 1

4 points

MacBook Air M1 (2020) – Screen Flickering & Shadow Issue

I have a MacBook Air M1 (2020), using it for the last 4 years, and I recently started experiencing screen flickering and faint shadow-like patches that appear on the display, especially on white or bright backgrounds. There was no external pressure or screen damage happened all of a sudden

Details:

Initially, the issue was temporary, but now it has become permanent.
Before, the flickering was happening randomly and was leaving a light, transparent shadow.
Restarting does not fix it anymore. It has a permanent discolouration and flicker also it leaves a shadow of what i was watching in the background
The device heats up more than usual when the issue appears.

I contacted Apple Support, and the service centre mentioned it may not be the user's fault, but currently, only paid repair or trade-in options are being offered. For just the display replacement, I was quoted ₹37,700 (inclusive of GST) + for diagnostic, I paid ₹2900 service charge. I was told Apple might consider goodwill or extended coverage if more users report this.

I also found multiple reports online from other MacBook Air/Pro M1 users who are experiencing the same flickering problem in the past weeks. This suggests it could be a widespread hardware/software issue rather than isolated cases.

This is causing significant disruption in daily work. I kindly request Apple to:

Investigate if this is a macOS driver/firmware bug or a hardware defect.
Consider issuing a service program or repair extension for affected M1 MacBooks.
Provide an official acknowledgement so users are not left uncertain.

Thank you for your attention.

BEFORE :

AFTER:(NOW PERMANENT)

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 28, 2025 7:21 AM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

68,612 points

Sep 28, 2025 7:08 PM in response to rick_71

It is a hardware issue with the laptop's Display Assembly. Either have it repaired for the stated price, or use/purchase another laptop. Don't put your hopes on Apple creating a free repair program for a laptop model that is already 5 years old....it is highly unlikely. Base your decisions on the current repair costs.

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,876 points

Sep 28, 2025 7:19 PM in response to rick_71

This is causing significant disruption in daily work. I kindly request Apple to:

Investigate if this is a macOS driver/firmware bug or a hardware defect.
Consider issuing a service program or repair extension for affected M1 MacBooks.
Provide an official acknowledgement so users are not left uncertain.

Well, you have done the tech equivalent of asking your plumber for medical advice. We are other end users gathered for mutual help. We have no authority to review or comment on Apple's policies (Section B.1.ii of the Terms of Use we all agreed to follow on signing up here).

On this page: Apple Service Programs - Apple Support

I see no extension programs that address the issues you describe.

Apple will not see you post in these user-to-user forums, so you need to work with Apple support, which you appear to have done before. Or you can pen a formal objection including the cogent points you made here to Apple HQ:

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