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Apple Quietly Releases Fix for Flickering on 24-Inch LED Cinema Display over Thunderbolt [Update: Pulled]

Wednesday September 28, 2011 9:14 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
Ever since Apple released its first Thunderbolt-equipped machines earlier this year, reports have been surfacing from a number of users complaining about flickering issues on company's 24-inch LED Apple Cinema Display when used with the new Thunderbolt-equipped machines.


Apple has apparently quietly released a firmware fix for the issue, although the update has not been publicly announced and its existence appears to have only been revealed to a small number of customers who have escalated their issues through Apple's support systems.

A link (.dmg download) to the firmware update was posted to Apple's discussion forums earlier today, and a number of users who have applied the update have reported at least initial success with addressing the flickering issues. Users report having to reboot their systems and power cycle their displays in order for the displays to function properly after applying the update.

From the description included in the download file:
The 24-inch LED Cinema Display Firmware Update addresses an issue that may cause intermittent display flickering. This firmware will only install on the Apple 24-inch LED Cinema Display when it is connected to a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac.

IMPORTANT:
This firmware update may not resolve the flickering issue if a Mini DisplayPort extender cable is used.

NOTE:
Some USB and FireWire devices may prevent firmware updates from installing correctly; disconnect non-essential devices and use only an Apple keyboard and mouse to apply the update.
Full instructions for installing the firmware update are also included in the documentation.

It is unclear why Apple has yet to publicly issue the firmware update for all 24-inch Apple Cinema Display users, and thus users should exercise caution in deciding whether to apply the update and prefer to check with Apple support regarding their specific issues.

Apple introduced the 24-inch LED Cinema Display in October 2008 and officially discontinued the model in July 2010 when Apple consolidated its display offerings with the 27-inch LED Cinema Display as its sole offering. Apple did, however, continue to sell off its remaining stock of 24-inch displays for a number of weeks after the official discontinuation.

Update: Apple appears to have pulled the firmware update without explanation.

Related Roundup: Apple Display 6K
[ 52 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

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Avatar
fekimoki
100 months ago
Apple only care about their new product. What about MacBook Pro late 2008 flickering issue on nvidia 9400M? It's been 3 years, and still no fix.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
kappaknight
100 months ago

Apple only care about their new product. What about MacBook Pro late 2008 flickering issue on nvidia 9400M? It's been 3 years, and still no fix.


Do you have AppleCare? I took mine in for a loose hinge and they ended up replacing my whole screen assembly cause they noticed it was flickering. Not sure if it got to the root of the problem but the screen no longer flickers.
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
FFX
100 months ago
Seriously..

Quite some time? The very longest is 8 weeks! the hardware has only been available since July. In this period of time you've had plenty of opportunity to return the product or have it repaired/replaced by Apple.


They'd rather complain than admit they failed to by AppleCare or didn't think it would cover it.


If you pay 1000$ for a monitor, it should at least work when you get it. I would never buy a product with "Apple Care" why should you pay extra, to get a regular warranty, that products must include by LAW.
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
NY Guitarist
100 months ago

Apple only care about their new product. What about MacBook Pro late 2008 flickering issue on nvidia 9400M? It's been 3 years, and still no fix.


I have this exact same problem. And apparently so do many others out there too. Just do a search.
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
jav6454
100 months ago

I have this exact same problem. And apparently so do many others out there too. Just do a search.


I had the problem. Just go to Apple and complain. I got my screen fixed.
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
jimmy0x52
100 months ago

I've had this issue since upgrading my MacBook Pro earlier this year... 23 weeks ago. It's been very frustrating to live with and unpredictable... I didn't take my Mac & Display into the Apple Store, as I figured it'd probably behave itself and waste my time. I'm pleased to hear that some people had their 24" swapped for a 27". Makes me wish I'd taken my set up in and had the same good fortune.

Although I think the fix should've been released months ago, I'm pleased it's now here. I just hope it works!


I called apple help AND took it to an apple store. They treated me like I was lying about it and refused to admit they had a fix or do anything about it.

Glad to see they were lying the whole time. Too bad I sold the cinema display thinking it would never work with my brand new macbook pro. Lost money on the deal too.
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
alecgold
100 months ago
Hmm, had no issues with my MNA 2011 11" on the thunderbolt display. I'm not sure if I need to install this update. It looks like a typical case of "if it isn't broken in the first place, don't fix it"
Rating: 1 Votes
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daneoni
100 months ago
FINA-freaking-LLY
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
renaultf1
100 months ago

Quite some time? The very longest is 8 weeks! the hardware has only been available since July. In this period of time you've had plenty of opportunity to return the product or have it repaired/replaced by Apple.


You really have no idea what you are talking about. I love Apple apologists. :rolleyes:
It isn't only 8 weeks that this has been a problem. This affects people with a 24" ACD with a 2011 MBP. I've had the problem since February when I bought my 15" MBP 2.2 and have been waiting patiently for the fix to come along. I am a graphic designer by profession and trust me, the flickering has been a major problem. I've tried every patch they have offered (some made the problem much, much worse) and the last one actually made the flickering livable so I'm hesitant to try anything new until I hear this is actually an "official" patch. My 24" ACD is out of warranty, but the business rep at our local store is willing to help me if this doesn't do the trick. I don't want a 27", I want the 24" that I have to work because it fits my home office space.

Enlighten yourself, go to: https://discussions.apple.com/message/13138386#13138386 (https://discussions.apple.com/message/13138386#13138386)
if you think the problem has only been going on 8 weeks.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
qrayg
100 months ago

Why the f have they pulled something that is supposed to provide a fix!!!


Well, I installed it immediately and have had success for the first 12 hours. Then last night after about 2 hours of straight use, I got another black flash. Haven't had one since, but I'm not sure if this Firmware was a complete fix.
Rating: 1 Votes

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