Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

Similar problem for me. Purchased 11th August, 2021. iMac 24" M1 Chip. flickering/ horizontal lines started coming up in the bottom half of the screen. It is definitely a common problem for this specific model. Let us see if Apple still cares about its customers.

Last year, my monitor is having the horizontal lines about 1/4 from the bottom. Just yesterday, the horizontal lines is between 1/2 to 2/3 of the screen. Not usable anymore unless using another attached monitor.

When will APPLE act and help us on these?

Hi,

A bit of hope : my screen fixed himself 2 months later. I was using excell and the bugged lines were blinking when i was scrolling down. After some hours, the bugged lines entierly disappeared. But if the screen is turned off, the bugged lines comes back again. It seems the screen need to be warm to work well.

To fix it again, i open excell and let it on. I don't Know if it's the solution or not but doing it, it works... 😅

This bug happened since apple made their uggly and useless animated screensavers. I wonder if there can be a connexion.

Dear Luntzzz,

Our problem is definitely a hardware problem (with an FFC/FPC type cable). Apple has no solution other than to replace the entire LCD.

That's what's been happening.

The (very expensive) out-of-warranty repair has always been paid for by users (those who choose to fix it).

...With the happy exception of one case, already reported here on this forum, who managed to present his case to Apple and have his complaint (deservedly) recognized by Apple, even out of warranty, which provided a complete replacement of the LCD. Unfortunately, this has not yet happened with our other cases, even though they are the identical ones.

Your problem, given that you've fortunately solved it using only a spreadsheet, appears to be a software problem and not a hardware problem.

If it turns out to be the same problem as ours, I can guarantee it won't get any better. It will only get worse over time.

...And not even a Microsoft spreadsheet will help you... 😅

Dear Jotap62,

"The (very expensive) out-of-warranty repair has always been paid for by users (those who choose to fix it)."

Agree! We will want to fix the problem. Since most devices are out of warranty, one must pay for the repair or replacement. That's a valid point!

However, buyers who have paid for their devices need some response from Apple. I am sure no apology, acceptance or roll-back may come from their side! Nevertheless, a simple reaction like 'we made a mistake' will do. This or that way, every buyer wants to move on rather than staring at the faulty screen dancing and flaunting the 'careless' moves of Apple, the company that somehow manages to have many screens worldwide failing to the same issue! That is why this visible anger is appearing here.

I bought an imac m1 2021 and black lines started appearing then eventually this weird blotch of purple color started showing on the top left hand screen. Then it gradually got worst to the whole screen is black and the computer is unusable. I also noticed a burn mark up in tge left side of the screen where the putple blotches of color was. I just read someones post that took his computer with same problems to a repair guy to get a diagnosis of it and said something like there is a faulty cable that overheats so this explains it. Im really angry as Apple told me that can’t do anything because it’s out of warranty. I’ve been using Apple for decades and I always take care of my equipment. I use it for work feel really cheated because this computer was defected from the beginning. There was so many issues.

Hi Newcompguy12,

Thank you for sharing the update!

Did you mean Apple might start providing free replacement for iMac screen? I'm still holding my iMac (which got the flickering black lines in May this year; I'm not using iMac at the moment, just let it there). If so, how should I ask for it to the Genius Bar staff?

Thanks!

I too now have this problem. I have a 2 port iMac 24" 2021. The lines are starting at the bottom on the right side and stopping about 4/5 of the way up my screen and 2/3 of the way to the left. This is crazy, has anyone gotten apple to repair this even though we are out of the support period?

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out because I'm having the same frustrating issue with my iMac 24" M1 bought in October 2021. After just three years of careful use, the screen started displaying horizontal lines that flicker and make it difficult to use.

I'm really disappointed to see this happen to such a recent and expensive device. I've tried troubleshooting steps, but nothing seems to work.

Any updates on this issue? If so, how did you resolve it? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

...Ricardo

Apple also offered me a free replacement recently, but the process has not been finalised (my iMac was captured, meaning it was collected by Apple; now I'm waiting for the replacement). My story is similar to the ones have appeared in this thread. I'll share details once receiving the replacement (just wanna provide a little encouragement to this thread as early as possible, following Michael).

Same issue here with an iMac M1 purchased in late 2021 in Japan. The problem started at about the three-year mark, with half the display obscured by thin horizontal lines (sometimes horizontal and vertical) flickering on and off. Thanks to the information and feedback provided in this thread, it seems well-documented as a parts failure. This is the second problem with an iMac display, but this time I’m still covered by AppleCare+. I’ll be contacting Apple and will report back hopefully with a resolution.

The same issue just suddenly happened to my iMac M1. I bought it in August 2021, and now after 3 years it just happened. No external physical damage at all. I’m kinda frustrated right now, not willing to pay somewhat $600 for the screen repairing since it’s clearly not my fault. Should I buy the new iMac M4? I’m so worried cause I don’t know if it will happen again. Apple should really do something about this.

Andre_marc92 I subscribe 100% what you wrote. Forced by this incredible circumstance I purchased a Mini M4 and I'm going for a 27" reliable and quality grade monitor. Of course I added AppleCare (I owned several Macs since long time and I never felt the need, but now...)

YES Apple should

Yeah, I have been thinking about the same thing. I am thinking of going the Mac Mini route as well. At this point, I don't know if the same issue won't happen after 2-3 years of owning an M4 iMac. That risk, at least for me, is a bit much

Ro_cos

I subscribe what you wrote. I followed that option you mentioned: day after the disaster I ordered a fresh new Mini M4 in order to keep on working with Mac. Expensive unespected and disappointing workaround