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iMac (M1, 2021) Display Issue

B

ButWhyY

Suspended
Original poster
Apr 5, 2024
10
5
My M1 2021 iMac's screen is acting weird.
The lower part of the screen is flickering since past few days.
Please refer the attachments.

Any idea what might be the reason.
Hardware or software issue?

I don't have AppleCare+ coverage either;
so, looking for an affordable solution to fix this problem.

Please advise, thanks in advance.

 

Attachments

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ButWhyY said:
My M1 2021 iMac's screen is acting weird.
The lower part of the screen is flickering since past few days.
Please refer the attachments.

Any idea what might be the reason.
Hardware or software issue?

I don't have AppleCare+ coverage either;
so, looking for an affordable solution to fix this problem.

Please advise, thanks in advance.

View attachment 2365913
Click to expand...
Looks like that thread from Apple forum. All M1 users having sudden vertical line after 2 years of ownership. Do a search there under iMac. Its a hardware failure not software from the consensus of people posting there.
 
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kagharaht said:
Looks like that thread from Apple forum. All M1 users having sudden vertical line after 2 years of ownership. Do a search there under iMac. Its a hardware failure not software from the consensus of people posting there.
Click to expand...
Wow really? Is this just the m1 iMac in particular?
 
bryo said:
Wow really? Is this just the m1 iMac in particular?
Click to expand...
From what I can read there yes. So far just the M1. Doesn't matter what country, configuration, just M1 iMac around the 2 year mark is when it starts happening. I'm glad I have Apple care on my M3, because now I'm kinda worried the same thing may start happening to M3 iMacs within 2 years or so.
 
Got in touch with Apple Support; they asked me to take the backup of the Mac and start it in safe mode. Since the issue continued, I reinstalled macOS (Sonoma 14.4.1), but the problem persists.

Then Apple Support asked me to book a reservation at the Apple Store for their technician to check the iMac. They couldn’t check the price estimated for the screen repair. Of course I don't have AppleCare.

I am getting an inexpensive Samsung 1080p monitor and an Amazon USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. I’ll connect the external monitor and continue using the iMac with the lowest brightness.
 
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I think this is an issue related to the 7-core GPU iMacs vs the 8-core model.
One has one fan while the other has two.
 
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mogens said:
I think this is an issue related to the 7-core GPU iMacs vs the 8-core model.
One has one fan while the other has two.
Click to expand...
The users posting there also has the dual fan models having the same problem. Around the 2 year mark, the screens are failing.
 
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macguru9999 said:
try warranty replacement anyways, if not buy a new mini/studio plus screen and move on....
Click to expand...
The cost of screen replacement is too high without AppleCare, and there's no assurance that it will resolve the issue permanently. Looks like the most economical path forward would be an external 3rd party monitor, which can still be used when I replace this iMac with a Mac mini.
 
ButWhyY said:
The cost of screen replacement is too high without AppleCare, and there's no assurance that it will resolve the issue permanently. Looks like the most economical path forward would be an external 3rd party monitor, which can still be used when I replace this iMac with a Mac mini.
Click to expand...
I have been using an M1pro MBP with a dead screen since last september, in clamshell mode , with a dell monitor and a powered TB hub. It all works perfectly.
 
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macguru9999 said:
I have been using an M1pro MBP with a dead screen since last september, in clamshell mode , with a dell monitor and a powered TB hub. It all works perfectly.
Click to expand...
When my MBP (15-inch, late 2008)’s screen failed during the pandemic, I continued using it by connecting it to a 4K TV using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable.

You play the cards you're dealt.
 
I have this issue with my iMac 2021, Green colour. It is not my main desktop and I use it about twice a week. Typically at 50% screen brightness. Bought in Aug 2021 the black horizontal line issue started intermittently about 3 years, it would cover the lower half of my screen. In Jul 2025, the black horizontal lines suddenly became persistent.

Spoke with Apple on the phone, they are adamant that they could not do anything about it. As long as it does not fall within their policy to do it, the staff could not do anything.

Went to Apple physical service centre, the staff looked at it, without any technical examination and basically rejected any possibility of covering the repair. The only option they could offer is a repair that's S$1089 (Singapore dollars) before taxes.

I usually advocate for Apple's products but this experience is truly terrible.

There's a petition out there, affected users please support:
www.change.org

Sign the Petition

Hold Apple Accountable: Demand Free Repairs for Defective M1 iMac 24-inch Screens
www.change.org www.change.org

Attaching photos of my screen below:

IMG_1630 Large.jpeg

IMG_1631 Large.jpeg
 
I suspect more and more of the M1 will start failing…I wonder if my M3will fail soon. I do have AppleCare Subscription for it so I’m not worried.
 
kagharaht said:
I suspect more and more of the M1 will start failing…I wonder if my M3will fail soon. I do have AppleCare Subscription for it so I’m not worried.
Click to expand...
I’m already seeing quite a few listings on our local marketplace (Carousell) with the same issue. Selling their iMacs with horizontal lines on the display. It’s disappointing to see.
 
cheeweewee said:
I’m already seeing quite a few listings on our local marketplace (Carousell) with the same issue. Selling their iMacs with horizontal lines on the display. It’s disappointing to see.
Click to expand...
Wow...ok well glad I have AppleCare subscription. I want to get at least several years out of the iMac M3 or until it is no longer supported by the OS.
 
kagharaht said:
Wow...ok well glad I have AppleCare subscription. I want to get at least several years out of the iMac M3 or until it is no longer supported by the OS.
Click to expand...
Those I’ve seen on the marketplace are M1 iMacs. So I hope the M3 iMacs are free from this issue.

Before the horizontal line became persistent, they appeared intermittently and would go away after a restart or after a short while. Which let me to think it was a software issue initially.

But if it does happen to your Mac, bring it to Apple immediately and don’t wait till it becomes persistent.
 
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