If you have purchased one of Apple’s new Cinema Displays and connected it to your new Thunderbolt Mac system, you might have noticed a little bit of flickering on the display at random times. This issue has been a point of concern for many users who have invested in these high-end displays expecting flawless performance. If you have experienced this flickering, you will be pleased to know that Apple has been on the case and has now created a fix for the issue.
A new firmware has been created to correct the issue but has not yet been publicly released by Apple, so still use a little caution and read the documentation before applying the new firmware. Apple also says that this firmware update may not resolve the flickering issue if a Mini DisplayPort extender cable is used. This is an important consideration for users who rely on extender cables for their setups, as the flickering might persist despite the firmware update.
Understanding the Flickering Issue
The flickering issue has been reported by numerous users across various forums and discussion boards. It typically manifests as intermittent flashes or brief blackouts on the screen, which can be particularly disruptive during tasks that require a stable display, such as video editing or graphic design. The problem seems to be more prevalent when the display is connected to a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac, suggesting that the issue might be related to the Thunderbolt interface itself.

Apple explains:
“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.”
Steps to Apply the Firmware Update
To apply the firmware update, users need to download the update file, which is available as a .dmg download. A link to the firmware update was posted on Apple’s forums earlier today. Before proceeding with the update, it is crucial to back up your data and ensure that your system is connected to a reliable power source to avoid any interruptions during the update process.
1. Download the Firmware Update: Visit the link provided in the Apple forums to download the .dmg file.
2. Read the Documentation: Carefully read the accompanying documentation to understand the update process and any potential risks.
3. Install the Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware update on your 24-inch LED Cinema Display.
4. Restart Your System: After the installation is complete, restart your Mac to ensure that the update is properly applied.
It is worth noting that while this firmware update aims to resolve the flickering issue, it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Users who continue to experience problems after applying the update should consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.
A link (.dmg download) to the firmware update was posted on Apple’s forums earlier today.
Source: Mac Rumours
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