Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

I am reaching out to share an ongoing issue I, along with several other users, have been experiencing with our iMac 24-inch models, and to seek a collective resolution.


Problem Description:

  • Persistent horizontal lines appear on the screen, which significantly hampers the usability and visual appeal of the device.
  • This problem arises without any physical damage, and despite the stationary nature of the device.


Steps Taken:

  • Connected to an external display: The external display works fine, indicating the issue is with the iMac's internal display.
  • Reinstalled the OS: The problem persisted post reinstallation.
  • Avoided operating the iMac for a week: No change in the situation.


Concerns:

  • The cost of screen replacement is high, and there's no assurance that it will resolve the issue permanently.
  • The quality concern is alarming especially for a brand that positions itself as a premium segment player.
  • The support received thus far has been unsatisfactory, with no definitive solutions provided apart from a costly screen replacement suggestion.





Please do not ask us to visit to service center and replace the screen for 650USD + , problem happens mostly after warranty.


[Edited by Moderator]

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Oct 21, 2023 10:40 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 26, 2024 06:08 PM

I just received my repaired Imac. every thing looks beautiful and it is just like new! It only took 3 days total to fix and I paid zero :)


I am very thankful.


Overal process:

1. Kept apple in good consciousness and practiced released judgment and frustration and remained in forgiveness and non-attached frequency. 2 Reached to chat support and requested senior advisor 3. Had a genuine conversion about my appreciation for apple and how there is a case of manufacturing that can be happy to any company and requested for them to investigate this thread - as it is well documented. (Thanks to all of you) 4. She forwarded it to engineers and requested the photos and files from me, and within a few days had been approved for repair.


I trust this can be done for all the other people with the same issue and hopefully in the future if it happened again they can upgrade us to a newer model. May be we can all get an M3 ? :P


Talk soon!

Similar questions

414 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 26, 2024 06:08 PM in response to latVm

I just received my repaired Imac. every thing looks beautiful and it is just like new! It only took 3 days total to fix and I paid zero :)


I am very thankful.


Overal process:

1. Kept apple in good consciousness and practiced released judgment and frustration and remained in forgiveness and non-attached frequency. 2 Reached to chat support and requested senior advisor 3. Had a genuine conversion about my appreciation for apple and how there is a case of manufacturing that can be happy to any company and requested for them to investigate this thread - as it is well documented. (Thanks to all of you) 4. She forwarded it to engineers and requested the photos and files from me, and within a few days had been approved for repair.


I trust this can be done for all the other people with the same issue and hopefully in the future if it happened again they can upgrade us to a newer model. May be we can all get an M3 ? :P


Talk soon!

Jun 22, 2024 09:40 AM in response to VanCitySean

Friends, I was able to communicate with the senior support and they gave me free repair beyond warantee!


Here are the steps to use to do the same.


1. Submit the evidence and pictures on here Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMa… - Apple Community

2. Contact Mac and file a case using the steps below to speak with politeness and professionalism.

* Immediately ask for a manager and senior rep.

. Share the evidence that this is a well documented break down on Apple's manufacturing and state how long you have been a customer.

. Submit request for investigation. Then wait patiently.

Here are some perspectives you can take when negotiating with Apple

1. Known Issue:

  1. Gather Evidence: Search online forums and news articles documenting similar screen issues with the 2021 M1 iMac 24". Highlight the number of affected users (hundreds) to demonstrate the widespread nature of the problem.
  2. Present Calmly: State that you've discovered numerous reports of similar screen failures on M1 iMacs beyond warranty, suggesting a potential design or manufacturing flaw.

2. Reasonable Request:

  1. Focus on a Solution: Don't just express frustration. Acknowledge their standard warranty policy but politely request a one-time exception due to the documented issue.
  2. Be Open to Options: Express your willingness to consider a repair at a discounted rate or a partial store credit towards a newer model, depending on what they offer.

3. Emphasize Loyalty:

  1. Positive Past Experiences: Briefly mention your history of using Apple products and your overall satisfaction (if applicable).
  2. Future Customer: Express your hope to continue using Apple products but highlight that a fair resolution would solidify your trust in the brand.

Additional Tips:

  1. Be Polite and Professional: Maintain a calm and respectful tone throughout the conversation.
  2. Be Persistent: If your initial request is denied, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or manager and reiterate your points.
  3. Document Everything: Keep copies of emails, chat transcripts, or call recordings if possible.


Here's an example script you can adapt:

"Hi, I'm contacting you about my 2021 M1 iMac 24" that recently developed lines on the screen. Unfortunately, it's beyond the warranty period.

While researching the issue, I came across numerous online reports of similar screen failures with this specific model. This suggests a potential widespread problem.

I understand your warranty policy, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could consider a one-time exception due to the documented issue. I'm a loyal Apple customer and would be happy to discuss options like a discounted repair or store credit towards a newer model.

Thank you for your time and consideration."

Remember, negotiation is a conversation. Be prepared to listen to their response and be flexible within reason.

By presenting your case with evidence, a reasonable request, and a positive tone, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome.



Dec 2, 2024 06:18 PM in response to latVm

Hi everyone. Please be sure to report this issue directly to Apple via the Support Chat at https://getsupport.apple.com/solutions. They now have an Apple internal tracking number to capture reports specifically for this display issue on the 2021 iMac. If all goes well, this is a pre-cursor to an official out of warranty free repair program.


I learned about this while at the Genius bar with my 2021 iMac. The tech showed me the info on his support device that this issue is being tracked under an official Apple support issue number. It was like EF something. Anyway, DEFINITELY REPORT THIS ISSUE DIRECTLY TO APPLE SUPPORT!


Jan 7, 2025 12:30 PM in response to latVm

Hi everyone. As promised, here's my story of getting a replacement iMac without paying money but effort and time. I'll only present below the timeline of my story and a few comments for brevity (since what I have done is as same as what have been told in this thread):


  • June 2021: bought iMac M1 in Spain. I didn't purchase AppleCare because Spanish law provides 2 year warranty (later even extended to 3 year warranty). Since iMac always stands at one place, meaning little risk of accidental damage, double insurances for 2/3 years (AppleCare + warranty provided by law) seem excessive
  • May 2024: flickering horizontal lines suddenly appeared in the screen (totally out of blue)
  • Soon visited Apple Genius Bar to ask about solution without bringing in my iMac, and was told the screen needed to be replaced on my cost
  • September 2024: visited again Apple Genius Bar and brought my iMac with me. The staff examined my iMac and suggested the same solution as before
  • October 2024: contacted Apple via chat, and was given a phone call, where talked to a lady first, and then a senior advisor. As result, no change to the solution offered
  • Afterwards wrote a formal feedback to Apple about my iMac
  • End of October 2024: suddenly received a phone call from Apple, asking to have a session in order to collect some information about my iMac. System metrics were collected during the session. I was told Apple would analyze the information and decided what to do.
  • 2 weeks later, Apple called me and told me that they would like to collect my iMac and provide me a replacement with no cost. The model of the new iMac would be as close as the old one. However, they can not be identical in my case: M1 is not available any more, M4 instead; the basic keyboard of the new model does not have touchID; the basic adapter does not have ethernet interface
  • January 2025: I received the new iMac today. It's as expected


Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! You guided me step by step in this journey. Wish all of you get a replacement!


I planed buying a few Apple products but halted my plan due to the shock caused by the iMac deficiency. I'm happy I can buy Apple again after the replacement!

Jul 22, 2025 05:02 AM in response to william0129

UPDATE: I got Apple covered the display hardware fee


Here are my suggestions to whom having the same issue.


  1. Make a Genius Bar appointment for further examination. Genius Bar will mark a note if there were any visible abuse/damage to the product. Note: Authorized service providers can also examine your iMac but will incur a fee even you decide not to repair.
  2. Share with the Genius the evidence you have. Ask for a free repair politely as the issue is so widespread. However, don’t expect any positive result from here. This is only for recording purpose.
  3. Reject the expensive repair cost quotation, and bring the iMac back.
  4. Get online support. Give the 1st level advisor the related links, including this thread, to show this is a widespread issue.
  5. Ask the 1st level advisor to escalate to a Senior Adviser. The senior adviser will call you by phone. Ask him/her to read the links you sent earlier first.
  6. Insist a formal written reply explaining why this issue is so widespread, or Apple think this is just independent cases. You will get a case ID for this.
  7. Use the same case ID, repeat step 5 to 7, in a week or two.


Don't forget to send product feedback from Apple's website, so hopefully it grant an official Service Program one day.


Good luck.

Aug 25, 2025 10:23 AM in response to wolle176

You're experiencing what many others are:


The following topics illustrate the Silicon M1 iMac Display problem:


Screen Failure on 24-inch-iMac, M1, 2021 - Apple Community

Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac Screen - Apple Community

Horizontal Lines on Screen of iMac, 24", 2021

Horizontal black lines covering bottom 3rd of 2021 M1 iMac screen

Grey horizontal patches on my M1 iMac 2021 model

Horizontal lines at the bottom of iMac(M1,2021) screen

Horizontal Lines on 2001 M1 iMac Display

M1 iMac Display vertex heating to scorching 55°C  — Seeking Advice on Escalation

Horizontal Lines on iMAC with M1 chip


Currently there is no Service Program for that issue but keep checking this website in case Apple instigates one: Apple Service Programs - Apple Support.  


You have 3 options:


1 - have Apple repair the screen at a quoted price. 

2 - add a 3rd party monitor while darkening the iMac's screen.

3 - replace the iMac with a new M4 Mini: a 10 Core Mac Mini M4 with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD ($999 + tax) with a 27" LG 4k monitor ($250 + tax from Amazon.com)  is $1249 + tax which is $560 less than a similarly configured new 24" iMac ($1799 + tax)  re 07/2025.  


I just got the above new Mini M4 with a 32" 4K LG monitor w/speakers (didn't realize the Mini came with a speaker). It was around $550 less than a. comparably configured new iMac.   You can always order more RAM, storage and cores in the CPU if needed.


May 19, 2024 08:45 PM in response to latVm

According to the Apple support team I contacted, it's an LCD malfunction and the only solution is to replace it.


What they didn't say was why this problem is occurring after two years of using the iMac on so many computers.


So, as Apple hasn't yet assumed that it's their fault, what I did, given the lack of concrete answers from Apple, was to take my iMac to a technician and ask him to assess the problem to see if it's a construction problem or just a random fault.


The explanation I was given was as follows:


In terms of circuitry, everything seems to be working properly.


The problem, apparently, lies in a cable that also powers the LCD, which is located on one of the tops of the screen, and which, in order to be replaced, requires detaching the screen glass from the LCD itself, which is a very sensitive operation and almost impossible to carry out without damaging the LCD.


So the only option is to replace the entire LCD (LCD+main boards+screen glass).


Also, according to the technician's explanation, this cable (of the FFC/FPC type or Flat Flexible Cable / Flexible Printed Circuit), it has to sustain a very high voltage (around 50V) to power the LCD (this despite the iMac's power supply being 15.9V), and it heats up a lot!


So, what happens after a while (in this case after about 2 years) is that it starts to burn out and degrade at the connector, to the point where it lets the signals leak between the various connectors and short-circuits some of them, which ends up causing those lines that we are all unfortunately familiar with.


The level of brightness makes a fundamental contribution to this problem. Thus, the higher the brightness used, the sooner the problem occurs.


This is easily understood by measuring the difference in temperature at the top of the screen when it is at its lowest brightness level, compared to when it is at its highest. It's quite a big difference!


When it's at its lowest brightness, it's practically room temperature; when it's at its highest, you can almost "fry an egg"!


I think that as soon as Apple recognizes that there is a problem with these computers, the first thing it will do is make a change to the OS that reduces the maximum brightness limit allowed (to less than 500 nits). Time will tell...


Why does this happen?

For at least one of three reasons:

1- a design flaw - so this problem is likely to occur in a large number of devices;

2- a defect in components - the problem is limited to a few cases;

3- use of components below Apple's standards - the problem may be limited, or more widespread.


This was the explanation I was given. I'm not a technician. Only Apple will know the exact reason(s).


If I had to guess, I'd say that I don't believe it's a design fault, because Apple has an obligation to be very careful about that; I also don't think it's a fault with the component(s) because it seems to be happening all over the planet and doesn't seem to be localized; so I think it's due to the use of component(s) below, or at the limit of, Apple's standards which, when put under extreme stress (higher brightness), end up failing.


I think it's already clear to everyone that this is a design or manufacturing defect in this Apple model.


So let's hope that Apple takes on this construction problem and repairs it or at least contributes part of the cost of the (overly expensive) repair of our computers.


If it were a car, surely all our computers would be called into the workshop to replace the component that has broken down or is in the process of breaking down.


As it's a computer... let's hope that Apple will behave in a way that suits its customers, who believe in the above-average Apple standard...


So keep presenting your cases to Apple.

Jun 20, 2024 05:45 PM in response to Alok_Mishra

Dear Alok Mishra,


According to someone, apparently, the problem lies in a cable that also powers the LCD.

This cable (of the FFC/FPC type or Flat Flexible Cable / Flexible Printed Circuit), has to sustain a very high voltage (around 50V) to power the LCD.

After a while (in this case after about 2 years) it starts to burn out and degrade at the connector side, to the point where it lets the signals leak between the various connectors and short-circuits some of them, which ends up causing those lines that we are all unfortunately familiar with.

The "ghost" we see is the signal bleeding from one line to the other due to the short circuits caused by the heating and cable degradation.

That was explained to me by someone who is a technician. But because I'm not a technician, the explanation may not be 100% precise. But I think it's quite accurate and clearly points to a hardware fault.


Aug 26, 2025 04:37 PM in response to latVm

Hey guys,

I posted here a few months ago about my problem, same way as yours, on an iMac M1. Started in august, in December the situation worsened, and in February, beyond the lines, the screen started to get VERY hot. During this time, I contacted Apple several times to report what was happening, even though they refused to repair it. I took photos and videos and documented everything, talked about this discussion and other reports. The situation only changed when I reported that the screen was getting very hot and was passed to a senior support and after a few days took the display for evaluation. It took about six months, many contacts, persistence and patience, two in-person evaluations, and luck to be served by attentive people. But it worked out: in March, I was informed that they granted me an exception (they emphasized this point) and approved the replacement of the display free of charge. I don't know if it was luck, the way things work in Brazil and customer service, or some genuine concern for customers, but it worked out. Keep reporting. I don't know if the feedback really works, but maybe talking to people will. Good luck!

Aug 29, 2025 10:37 AM in response to latVm

Hello everyone,

I’m adding my voice to the growing number of iMac M1 owners experiencing persistent horizontal lines across the display.

  • My iMac is the 24-inch M1 (2021).
  • The lines appeared suddenly and are worsening over time.
  • When I connect to an external monitor, the issue does not appear, which suggests it’s a built-in display hardware fault and not a GPU/software issue.
  • The lines do not appear when taking a screenshot, which suggest according to the apple advisor on the chat that it is a hardware and not a software issue
  • I’ve seen many others here and on Reddit/MacRumors describing the exact same problem, often 1.5–2 years after purchase.


This seems to be a widespread defect, not accidental damage. It would be great if Apple could officially acknowledge this and provide support—whether through a repair program or extended coverage.


Has anyone here successfully escalated this with Apple Support and received a repair (in or out of warranty)? If so, could you share how you approached it?


Thanks for any advice, and I hope Apple is listening to the many of us dealing with the same display failure.

Dec 10, 2024 11:25 PM in response to latVm

It was purchased in Japan around 2022. I have been experiencing similar symptoms since the night before last.

I contacted support based on this thread and was given the opportunity to speak with a specialist.

We are waiting for a response as to what action will be taken at this time.

If it is a product problem, I am sure that similar symptoms will appear again in a few years when I repair it at actual cost...

I feel that this is a trust issue for Apple products.

Sep 19, 2025 02:12 AM in response to latVm

I purchased four 2021 M1 24" iMacs for my office in Taiwan, across different months in late 2021. All of them have been well cared for, yet each began developing the same screen issue one after another starting in March this year. At this point, 100% of my units are affected.


From reading various threads and forums, it appears Apple has occasionally offered one-off free repairs to users who know how to push for them. For example, a petition requesting a Service Program quickly led to Apple granting free repair to the petition's initiator.


The iMac line is positioned as a premium product in the personal computer market. My previous iMac lasted over seven years without issue, and many older Intel-based models still run flawlessly today. Selling a product with such widespread defects undermines that reputation. Until Apple properly addresses this issue, I will be cautious about purchasing new Apple products.

Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.