Apple Facing Shortage of 2014 and Mid 2015 5K iMac Displays, Offering Free Delayed Repairs or $600 Off a New Model

[MacRumors]

Apple has notified Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers that its inventory of displays for Late 2014 and Mid 2015 models of the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display is constrained until mid to late December, according to an internal service document obtained by MacRumors today.

As a result, if a customer with one of those iMac models requires a display repair due to accidental damage, Apple has instructed its service providers to offer a free repair if the customer is willing to wait until mid to late December.

If a customer is unable to wait, Apple will offer a functionally equivalent 2017 model 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display to be paid for by the customer, minus a $600 or local equivalent discount. The Late 2014 or Mid 2015 iMac must be returned to Apple -- the customer will never get it back.

For example, if a customer takes a base model Late 2014 5K iMac with a damaged display to an Apple Store in the United States, and declines to wait until December for a repair, the Genius Bar is instructed to offer the customer a base model 2017 5K iMac for $1,199, down from its original price of $1,799.

Note that the 2017 models will be Customer Replacement Units, or CRUs, but it's unclear if they will be refurbished or brand new.

In order to qualify, the iMac must be out-of-warranty. If the iMac is still covered by AppleCare+ or Apple's standard one-year warranty, Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers are instructed to proceed with a standard repair. Note that only Late 2014 and Mid 2015 models are eligible -- no others.

Unsurprisingly, Apple says any iMac with excessive or catastrophic damage as a result of reckless, abusive, or purposeful conduct is ineligible for a free repair. This includes any iMac that has been crushed or bent, or partially or fully submerged in liquid. This isn't a free 2014-to-2017 iMac upgrade program.

This procedure is to be followed by Apple Store and Apple Authorized Service Provider locations worldwide until display inventory is restored. Non-end users with two or more eligible iMacs with a damaged display are not eligible to claim a free repair to prevent resellers from abusing the offer.

All of this information comes from an internal Apple document obtained by MacRumors from multiple reliable sources, but we can't guarantee this procedure will be offered by all service providers. We also can't guarantee that all Apple employees or technicians will be aware of or acknowledge this temporary policy.

To initiate a repair, head to the Get Support page on Apple.com.

Article Link: Apple Facing Shortage of 2014 and Mid 2015 5K iMac Displays, Offering Free Delayed Repairs or $600 Off a New Model

 

[Baymowe335]

Amazing they support such old hardware.

 

[benshive]

That's awesome that they're willing to offer a free repair for out-of-warranty devices if the owners are willing to wait. And $1,199 for a 2017 5K iMac is a great deal too. Thanks Apple

 

[now i see it]

Oh the joys of all-in-one computers.

 

[BootsWalking]

Free is good. I like free.

 

[JCCL]

Hmmm 2015 wouldn't strike me as old, especially for Desktop Computers. Currently my 2015 Surface Pro 4 is on its way to Microsoft, to be replaced for free for a new one 3 years after, due to the dreaded flickering issue.

 

[newdeal]

Amazing they support such old hardware.

Why wouldn't they, they practically only update Macs every two years as it is, so these are only a couple cycles behind at most. It would make more sense if the article mentioned the price of an out of warranty display repair. I am guessing replacing the display out of warranty costs about the same $1200 that they are discounting the new one to judging by how much parts for the MacBook Pro 13" non touch bar cost (still in warranty). I am pretty sure the display for my MacBook Pro was a $600 part (Canadian) when I had it replaced

 

[macduke]

Weird. I can't imagine there are a lot of iMac displays that get damaged.

Wish there were some rumors about the new iMac and iMac Pros. I need to buy a desktop.

 

[jdiamond]

I wonder if the shortage of displays is caused by a new iMac going into production? Just being optimistic.

 

[Baymowe335]

Why wouldn't they, they practically only update Macs every two years as it is, so these are only a couple cycles behind at most. It would make more sense if the article mentioned the price of an out of warranty display repair. I am guessing replacing the display out of warranty costs about the same $1200 that they are discounting the new one to judging by how much parts for the MacBook Pro 13" non touch bar cost (still in warranty). I am pretty sure the display for my MacBook Pro was a $600 part (Canadian) when I had it replaced

Because most companies, particularly tech, don't support 4+ year old hardware.

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[coolfactor]

Oh the joys of all-in-one computers.

Yah, I can't bring myself to purchase an iMac. Waiting with impatience for an updated mini. Not sure why Apple has neglected that little beast. Profit margins are probably non-existent.

 

[Mr. C.]

Weird. I can't imagine there are a lot of iMac displays that get damaged.

Wish there were some rumors about the new iMac and iMac Pros. I need to buy a desktop.

My guess—and experience—is that they suffer from image retention. Anecdotal evidence points towards that.

 

[MacManiac1]

I wonder if the shortage of displays is caused by a new iMac going into production? Just being optimistic.

I suspect you are correct.

 

[Guigue]

Because most companies, particularly tech, don't support 4+ year old hardware.

They're not necessarily 4+ year old though, these computers were sold until 2017, and are still sold through the refurbished store (or at least they were until recently). Some of these model are therefore still under warranty.

 

[AngerDanger]

It's time for a redesign!

Nine years ago
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Today
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I say they embrace the notch!

 

[coolfactor]

It's time for a redesign!

Nine years ago
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Today
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Why? It's a nearly perfect, minimal design. However, I do wish they'd have some fun with the Mac and offer them in different colours.

 

[MacWorld78]

I hate the glossy monitor but I prefer to have matt screen - much easier for eyes & least of the reflections.

 

[newyorksole]

Weird. I can't imagine there are a lot of iMac displays that get damaged.

Wish there were some rumors about the new iMac and iMac Pros. I need to buy a desktop.

Mannnn you and I both. I have a Mid 2010 21.5” and am itching for a new one. Really hoping they make some grand changes to the next model and that it comes out this Fall/Winter.

 

[calstanford]

Tim Cook master mind at it again. Inventory master par excellence.

 

[macboy2000]

Does this include those of us with iMacs with severe image retention issues? Or is the best course of action to first take a hammer to the display?

 

[newyorksole]

Why? It's a nearly perfect, minimal design. However, I do wish they'd have some fun with the Mac and offer them in different colours.

It would be pretty interesting to see a gold iMac Lol. I think they’ll at least offer a space gray non-Pro iMac.

 

[konqerror]

Amazing they support such old hardware.

Not at all. They're required by law (California and various countries), support contracts, and EPEAT certification to support hardware at least 5 years after last sale. Dell, for example, will sell 5 year support contracts, 3 years being automatically included for business hardware.

 

[sw1tcher]

I wonder if the shortage of displays is caused by a new iMac going into production? Just being optimistic.

Shortage is because Tim Cook still thinks iPad Pro will replace the PC (personal computer), and Apple didn't plan accordingly.

“I think if you’re looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one? Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people. They will start using it and conclude they no longer need to use anything else, other than their phones.”

 

[forerunnerg34]

It's time for a redesign!

Nine years ago
View attachment 791397

Today
View attachment 791399

Please no!!, Apple "redesign" usually means taking something away or replace it for something less functional.

Actually the current design still looks modern and for me is s till the best all-in-one design. Surface Studio looks nice but I'm not a fan of the zero-gravity hinge. Let0s see what Microsoft announces today.