27", 21.5" iMac Owners, test your screen for yellow tint issue here

[tigereat]

I just called the Apple technical support. I thought if i just told them the issue about yellow tinge within 14 days ,they would just give me a replacement like some people got

Not only do they asked me to run diagnostic test (of course, the problem's still remaining), but once it told them that it didnt solve the problem, they asked me to go to Apple Store, which is so far from my apartment, or Apple service provider, Micro Center, which is closer to me, to get the best solution available for me.

Is it only me doing this or everyone has to do the same process as me?

If anybody who just called and received a replacement offer without going to the Apple store or service provider, please tell what you told them?

I'm just worried that they are going to repair it but that will take me for a while. But I cannot afford to have no computer at anytime because I'm a Software Engineer. My old laptop just died on me and because of that I came to realize that For me, having no computer was so frustrating. I couldn't do anything for my daily life and works. So I bought 2 computers at the same time, one Dell i7 laptop and one iMac, which cost me almost $5000 and got them on the same day , December 14. Unfortunately, I need to return Dell because of the power issue, and now for iMac. What an unlucky guy. This's my first Mac as well.

Can you guys give me any advice? especially the ones who got the replacement

THanks

 

[dagored]

I just called the Apple technical support. I thought if i just told them the issue about yellow tinge within 14 days ,they would just give me a replacement like some people got

Not only do they asked me to run diagnostic test (of course, the problem's still remaining), but once it told them that it didnt solve the problem, they asked me to go to Apple Store, which is so far from my apartment, or Apple service provider, Micro Center, which is closer to me, to get the best solution available for me.

Is it only me doing this or everyone has to do the same process as me?

If anybody who just called and received a replacement offer without going to the Apple store or service provider, please tell what you told them?

I'm just worried that they are going to repair it but that will take me for a while. But I cannot afford to have no computer at anytime because I'm a Software Engineer. My old laptop just died on me and because of that I came to realize that For me, having no computer was so frustrating. I couldn't do anything for my daily life and works. So I bought 2 computers at the same time, one Dell i7 laptop and one iMac, which cost me almost $5000 and got them on the same day , December 14. Unfortunately, I need to return Dell because of the power issue, and now for iMac. What an unlucky guy. This's my first Mac as well.

Can you guys give me any advice? especially the ones who got the replacement

THanks

Don't know what to tell you. I called. Told them of my problem. Yellow - off white tinge on the right side. A young girl said she was moving me up to an upper level tech, he ask a few questions. How long? When did you notice it. If you change positions does it go away? Then he said this is a known problem and they would replace it. I ask it anything else could be done such as a repair, and he replied, "Not a problem"

Set up my appointment on the day I wanted and explained what would be done. Very nice guy. Very understanding. Kept apologizing for the problem.

 

[JimKirk]

Gizmodo received their second jaundiced Imac

Maybe Apple will do something about the yellow screens now?

http://gizmodo.com/5435561/my-second-imac-is-busted-too

 

[knewsom]

Maybe Apple will do something about the yellow screens now?

http://gizmodo.com/5435561/my-second-imac-is-busted-too

Dear god, I hope so. If I had stock, I'd be selling it.

 

[TennisandMusic]

I love how he said he got the people telling him it was somehow his fault or he wasn't somehow "worthy" of the new iMac LOL. We have a few insane ones like that around here too.

 

[tapplox]

Based on Tapplox's original post which has been continually updated, this is supposed to be a known issue. Have there been reports of Apple denying any sort of action on it SINCE he made that update? If I can't get this repaired right in the future, I'll have to return the machine.

UPDATE: my yellow has faded. it's still there, but it's very difficult to notice. What's actually more noticeable is the slight desaturation in that part of the screen. This may now be acceptable. We'll see if it holds.

Yes. There was one report where an Apple rep has identified the issue as being an "Optical Illusion". Replacement was denied. Customer was put on hold for a week.

Just spoke with an AppleCare rep, and they told me (after about a week and a half of waiting) that the yellow tinge is not a fault of the hardware, rather an "optical illusion." So, it seems that Apple will not acknowledge this as an issue, and we will be stuck forever with the yellow tint...wonderful.

Looks like Apple is trying to stop at least some people from doing exchanges (by a means of dishonesty). But that was then. I think people are still exchanging due to this issue right now.


Keep us posted about the fading of the yellow stripe in the center. I also have updated the first post with your photos Knewsom.

 

[Iwan M]

I took the step to contact Apple today (have had my Mac with mild yellow tinge for about 4 weeks). The rep told me they are working hard to resolve the issue but have as yet failed to identify a fix - he did express his hope that they would be able to fix it with a firmware upgrade. Anyway - He happily registered my case, thanked me for for calling and asked some standard questions. He also told me that for some people the problem had gotten worse after the recent update they pushed out. I don't want a new one, as mine runs perfectly but want to make sure it is registered should I need it in the future. Of course with Applecare I have more than enough time so I'll sit back and see what happens while I enjoy my Mac

 

[JimKirk]

What he means to say is that they don't want to fix the issue.

If Apple were to fix the issue, they would need to increase their quality control.

And how would they do that?

By taking each panel and testing it for the defect.

That is the only repair possible.

A large percentage of the panels are defective.

This is a huge job that Apple does not want to do. They would rather have the user return the machine until they get a good one. Only costs Apple shipping costs and a decreased margin because they just send old machine to the refurb store. Even that cost is still smaller than the cost to inspect every panel for the flaw.

Remember that they purchase these in bulk and more than likely are not getting daily shipments from LG.

So they have to use all the panels they purchased. Lets say they bought 1 million of them for the initial run.

They can't just send all 1 million back to LG as defective.

So my guess is that their fix is to get another panel manufacturer to produce a similar panel or wait for LG to fix the new batches.

So until then everyone will be playing Imac roulette until they get a panel that is not as defective as their previous one.

 

[iDocism]

I am a retired SQA Engineer, trust me Apple has know about this for a long time.

 

[Dont Hurt Me]

This has to be 1 of 4 things
1 bad lcd's
2 bad GPU's
3 bad led lighting
4 glass thats stained.

Im leaning to the "new" LED lighting thats in these things but im sure not going to tear mine apart. There has got to be someone who has the real story on this one.

#3 is on the way after that Its a full refund... maybe ill just wait for the new cube

 

[tk001]

Yellow screen chat with a "expert"

* You are chatting with Robert T, an Apple Expert

*

Hi, my name is Robert T. Welcome to Apple!
*

Robert T: Good afternoon.
*

You: I'm thinking of purchusing a refurb. and have read about screen yellowing issues. Are Refurbs checked for that problem?
*

Robert T: Apple Certified Refurbished products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo a stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale.
*

Robert T: These products perform and look like new Apple products and include all manuals and accessories.
*

You: Are Refurbs checked for yellow screen problem?
*

Robert T: Apple refurbished items are covered by Apple's standard one-year limited warranty. You can even purchase AppleCare to extend your coverage.
*

You: So I don't suppose you could give me a straight answer. - I'm assuming you will ship a unit, never check it for yellow, then put me through the hassle of sending it back after I shell out over $1K hard earned bucks - Is that correct?
*

Robert T: All the refurbished items are fully checked and test by Apple before being resold as refurbished items.
*

You: Does a full check include screen yellowing?
*

Robert T: They fully test the system, as for what item by item it is they do during the testing I do not have that information.
*

You: Took a while.. why didn't you state that when I asked?
*

Robert T: And as I mentioned they come with the full Apple warranty.
*

Robert T: And you are able to add AppleCare as well.
*

You: Could you find out if they test for screen yellow problem?
*

Robert T: Sorry no, as I mentioned we do not have a specific item by item list of what is checked.
*

Robert T: Just that they undergo a stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale.
*

You: How can I speak to a apple expert?
*

Robert T: There are no options to speak to our refurbishing teams.
*

You: So, I purchase, you will ship a unit, never check it for yellow, then put me through the hassle of sending it back after I shell out over $1K hard earned bucks - Is that correct?
*

Robert T: As I have mentioned they undergo a stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. And have a full Apple warranty.
*

You: I guess I don't need to bother you, or myself with the purchase. - Thanks for answering by not answering.. - Have a good evening.
*

Robert T: Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business. If you would like more help, please chat with us again.
*

Thank you for choosing the Apple Store. If you have any additional questions, please chat us again.

 

[gospel9]

This has to be 1 of 4 things
1 bad lcd's
2 bad GPU's
3 bad led lighting
4 glass thats stained.

It's not 2. Read first post. All 3 models of GPUs, Nvidia / Ati have the issue.

It's not 4. Someone said here that he had his display panel swapped, with the same glass. Yellowing appears in a different section of the display (but still yellow).

Bad LCD/LED lighting sounds like the same thing. It's the display that's having the problem most likely.

It's not a firmware issue because it's also present outside of OSX.

 

[eric.nino]

I'm done replacing, calling......

Check this out,

Went this morning to Apple (3rd time in 1 1/2 week). Took my heavy iMac for an exchange, Apple employees were not happy to see me this time, the genius gave me the "look" and asked me what was wrong with this one? I told him same issue, he was not able to see the warm colors on the bottom right, he excused himself and took 15 minutes to come back, comes back with the vice manager, before he started talking I told him straight forward, I do not want a new machine, just give me a product that is working good for the money I paid, he said if I give you a new machine it will be the same issue all over again, (no more replacements pretty much). I said fine, as long as the one you give me this time is good.

Store manager excuses himself for another 10 minutes, comes back with his boss who was outside on the phone (maybe talking to apple, who knows, because when the genius tech excused himself, he was talking to him, that it was me for the 3rd time in the store again) Top store manager comes, he excuses and apologizes for the faulty machine, this is were it gets very interesting.

He told me that he was talking to Apple, asking if they had any costumer returning the iMacs for the yellow tinge, which Apple told him, no ( I guessed that would be his answer) he said he even checked the apple forums and could not find and issue regarding the yellow tinge. I told him, are you calling me a liar? I called apple tech support, they gave me a Case ID, the guy I spoked with was Allen T. He told me that they were some other costumers calling with the same issue so either you are wrong or the Apple Support tech guy is. He did not know what to say and he said he would replace the unit and test it in the store before I took off.

Apple genius opens the box, checks the iMac, I can still see the yellow, less visible but it's there, the apple genius can not see it, and tells me that it might be my eyesight that is wrong.

Before I started and scenario at the sore I told him to put it back in the box, give me my receipt and take off, he noticed I was mad, he offered to take it to my car, I said no, thanks for the "great costumer service" and took off.

All I know is that I will keep this unit, call apple, create a new ID case, and wait until Apple accepts the blame for the ****ed up screens everybody and not only this forums but all the other ones have, if not I still have Apple Care and that is the end of the story.

I just wanted to get it out of my system, and I feel much better.

 

[JimKirk]

The Replacement is better

The screen on the replacement is better but still a little yellow towards the bottom.

There is another problem that may be a deal breaker.

There is a high pitched wine coming from the power supply

 

[Frith]

Here's a question

for all those who are experiencing this problem on their own machines. Have any of you seen an iMac (outside of the store) in the wild that doesn't exhibit this problem?
I suspect that this problem is *very* prevalent and that most people reporting otherwise here are unwilling or not able to see it or consider minimal enough to live with.
Perhaps there are a few good machines out there but I wonder if anyone who is experienced with it has seen one?

 

[tapplox]

for all those who are experiencing this problem on their own machines. Have any of you seen an iMac (outside of the store) in the wild that doesn't exhibit this problem?
I suspect that this problem is *very* prevalent and that most people reporting otherwise here are unwilling or not able to see it or consider minimal enough to live with.
Perhaps there are a few good machines out there but I wonder if anyone who is experienced with it has seen one?

Yes. Please look at the new photos in the first post. which has been constantly getting updates. (I really wish arn can make the first post visible on all pages... so everyone can stay on topic).

Anyway, for your convenience, I have linked the picture below:


Yellow (left) vs Yellow-free (right) 27" iMacs. Photo courtesy of Mitch Aunger



Greybars 100% brightness. Yellow tinge bottom right (left), Yellow vertical stripe center (right). Photo courtesy of knewsom


To see more, please visit page 1—first post of this thread for an updated summary of the latest information regarding this issue, including new photos. Finally yes, personally speaking I have seen yellow free displays (though they were all week 41 models). But beware that not all 41 models are free of the issue.

As for the poll itself, there have been many users who "did not notice it at first", and there are some who are unwilling to take the test before voting. If you go by laws of probability, seeing people going through 4-5 exchanges and still getting the issue, then there must be an extremely large number of faulty displays right now (by a random draw). Because of this, I believe that there are a large number of false negatives in this poll among those who voted for uniform colors.

 

[vtran]

Check this out,

Went this morning to Apple (3rd time in 1 1/2 week). Took my heavy iMac for an exchange, Apple employees were not happy to see me this time, the genius gave me the "look" and asked me what was wrong with this one? I told him same issue, he was not able to see the warm colors on the bottom right, he excused himself and took 15 minutes to come back, comes back with the vice manager, before he started talking I told him straight forward, I do not want a new machine, just give me a product that is working good for the money I paid, he said if I give you a new machine it will be the same issue all over again, (no more replacements pretty much). I said fine, as long as the one you give me this time is good.

Store manager excuses himself for another 10 minutes, comes back with his boss who was outside on the phone (maybe talking to apple, who knows, because when the genius tech excused himself, he was talking to him, that it was me for the 3rd time in the store again) Top store manager comes, he excuses and apologizes for the faulty machine, this is were it gets very interesting.

He told me that he was talking to Apple, asking if they had any costumer returning the iMacs for the yellow tinge, which Apple told him, no ( I guessed that would be his answer) he said he even checked the apple forums and could not find and issue regarding the yellow tinge. I told him, are you calling me a liar? I called apple tech support, they gave me a Case ID, the guy I spoked with was Allen T. He told me that they were some other costumers calling with the same issue so either you are wrong or the Apple Support tech guy is. He did not know what to say and he said he would replace the unit and test it in the store before I took off.

Apple genius opens the box, checks the iMac, I can still see the yellow, less visible but it's there, the apple genius can not see it, and tells me that it might be my eyesight that is wrong.

Before I started and scenario at the sore I told him to put it back in the box, give me my receipt and take off, he noticed I was mad, he offered to take it to my car, I said no, thanks for the "great costumer service" and took off.

All I know is that I will keep this unit, call apple, create a new ID case, and wait until Apple accepts the blame for the ****ed up screens everybody and not only this forums but all the other ones have, if not I still have Apple Care and that is the end of the story.

I just wanted to get it out of my system, and I feel much better.

I had this same problem today but this is my first imac week 51(purchased on December 26, 2009). I was told to call this local apple certified repair company called AMA computers and the one of the reps knew about everything I was talking about but he told me that it would be best that I went to the apple store. So I did and good thing I had an appointment. I went to the store (closes at 9) and waited patiently until almost 9:30 when my app was at 8:40. I described to them what I thought was wrong with my imac but the genius simply said he has never heard about the problem nor has apple informed him about this however he would take a look. Then he proceeded to place my imac next to their store imac and a majority of the employees gathered around to tell me that my imac was perfectly fine. I personally could see a light tint of yellow on the bottom of my screen using the grey bar images but they did not want to use the method I found on the macrumors forums due to the fact this is not an apple certified test. So, all they did was change my wallpaper a couple times and compared it to the store imac. I also asked him about the HDD noises and he said it was normal because the store imac does the same and "the mac pro has 4 hdds and it still makes noises". I come home and place my imac in my living room where there is more light and looked at it again along with my family members. They all agreed there was a light yellow tint in the bottom center but I guess that was just us? Sigh... I might make a phone call to apple support but other than that I guess I'll just have to wait to see what happens..

 

[monokakata]

Damn! I got a week 52, which I ordered directly from Apple, delivered today, I7, with yellow and one dead pixel. The yellow isn't too bad, but it's noticeable.

I think I'll send it back -- assuming I can.

I was hoping for a good one, as of course we all were.

 

[Sir Cecil]

* You are chatting with Robert T, an Apple Expert

*

Hi, my name is Robert T. Welcome to Apple!
*

Robert T: Good afternoon.
*

You: I'm thinking of purchusing a refurb. and have read about screen yellowing issues. Are Refurbs checked for that problem?
*

Robert T: Apple Certified Refurbished products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo a stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale.
*

Robert T: These products perform and look like new Apple products and include all manuals and accessories.
*

You: Are Refurbs checked for yellow screen problem?
*

Robert T: Apple refurbished items are covered by Apple's standard one-year limited warranty. You can even purchase AppleCare to extend your coverage.
*

You: So I don't suppose you could give me a straight answer. - I'm assuming you will ship a unit, never check it for yellow, then put me through the hassle of sending it back after I shell out over $1K hard earned bucks - Is that correct?
*

Robert T: All the refurbished items are fully checked and test by Apple before being resold as refurbished items.
*

You: Does a full check include screen yellowing?
*

Robert T: They fully test the system, as for what item by item it is they do during the testing I do not have that information.
*

You: Took a while.. why didn't you state that when I asked?
*

Robert T: And as I mentioned they come with the full Apple warranty.
*

Robert T: And you are able to add AppleCare as well.
*

You: Could you find out if they test for screen yellow problem?
*

Robert T: Sorry no, as I mentioned we do not have a specific item by item list of what is checked.
*

Robert T: Just that they undergo a stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale.
*

You: How can I speak to a apple expert?
*

Robert T: There are no options to speak to our refurbishing teams.
*

You: So, I purchase, you will ship a unit, never check it for yellow, then put me through the hassle of sending it back after I shell out over $1K hard earned bucks - Is that correct?
*

Robert T: As I have mentioned they undergo a stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. And have a full Apple warranty.
*

You: I guess I don't need to bother you, or myself with the purchase. - Thanks for answering by not answering.. - Have a good evening.
*

Robert T: Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business. If you would like more help, please chat with us again.
*

Thank you for choosing the Apple Store. If you have any additional questions, please chat us again.

Good example of how effective the employee training must be at Apple. To keep so cool and polite in such unpleasant circumstances is a testament to their professionalism.

 

[Frith]

I have seen yellow free displays (though they were all week 41 models). But beware that not all 41 models are free of the issue.

I guess I should have qualified - since apple is no longer shipping week 41 iMacs. I'm more interested in weather or not anyone has received a recent shipment that has been problem free.
I know that they exist but it's been my impression that since the very early weeks there has been very few if any problem free iMacs.

 

[Big iMac]

I spoke to Apple today regarding my second yellow tinged, led bleed and flicker 27" iMac (week 51). They are really pushing me to get a refund and just order a new machine in a while when they know the issue(s) is sorted out. Even offering me a $50 Apple Store credit to do this! I'll probably take them up on their offer. Such a shame as other than the issues, it's a great machine! Though flickering as I type this

 

[sparkie1984]

oh dear..... i hope apple arent going to go down the whole deny everything route.... and when they come into store we'll gather round them and subtly intimidate them into feeling like their at fault and theirs nothing wrong with our product despite a 117 page thread on our OWN forums.

my view of apples customer care is changing rapidly...

 

[Big iMac]

oh dear..... i hope apple arent going to go down the whole deny everything route.... and when they come into store we'll gather round them and subtly intimidate them into feeling like their at fault and theirs nothing wrong with our product despite a 117 page thread on our OWN forums.

my view of apples customer care is changing rapidly...

Of the 2 support guys I spoke to today, 1 said they knew nothing of a known issue of yellow tinge and the other said he had heard about it but only in the odd machine! I must have got 2 odd machines in a row then!

 

[sparkie1984]

yeah funnily enough quite a few on here including me seem to have odd machines

 

[archipellago]

yeah funnily enough quite a few on here including me seem to have odd machines

seems obvious that there has been some kind of internal comms at apple to get the message out that the first course of action is to 'deny' it.

standard policy when the fix is too costly to contemplate.