Horizontal Lines on Screen of iMac, 24", 2021

Hi,

This is a common issue on new iMac. I hope Apple would recall program about it.

+ 1 I keep watching for it in the extended Apple Service Programs.

Apple Service Programs - Apple Support

It needs to be replaced. At this time Apple has not announced a recall or offered to fix them for free.

If you want to bring this up to Apples attention send feedback:

Product Feedback - Apple

What you're experiencing is a display problem with early M1 iMacs.

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

Persistent horizontal lines and other issues on iMac M1 display

As you've already been urged to do is take it into the nearest Apple Genius Bar for a free diagnostic test. You'll be told that the repair will cost about $600 US and that there is no replacement program currently for the problem. If you take it in you're telling Apple that there are more M1 iMacs with the problem and you'll be in their database if and when there is a repair program initiated.

Some users have opted to get an inexpensive 3rd party monitor and run it with the iMac. It's certainly less expensive than the repair costs.

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing persistent screen flickering on my M1 iMac (purchased in September 2022), and I'm not sure how to proceed. The flickering intensity seems directly tied to screen brightness—higher brightness levels render the flickering lines for a longer duration, while at lower brightness, they appear less frequently.

Several reputable news sources have covered this issue, highlighting that it affects multiple M1 iMac users globally. Given that I am in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, where extreme summer heatwaves are common, I’m concerned about the long-term reliability of my device.

My Current Situation

• I use this iMac as my primary work computer for freelance work.
• I recently moved back home from city life and cannot afford immediate repairs or a replacement.
• I’ve already spent a lot on my convocation travel (Feb 24 – Mar 1, 2025) and late college fees, impacting my savings.
• I also pay a monthly EMI for my education loan, so additional expenses are difficult.
• External monitor? I can’t afford one right now.
• Apple Authorized Service Centers? I don't trust third-party centers in my area based on past experiences.
• Taking the iMac to Delhi? Not an option due to travel and accommodation costs.
• My iPad no longer works, so I’ve stopped digital drawing altogether.

Timeline of the Issue

• The first minor flicker appeared a week before my convocation trip (mid-February 2025), but it disappeared on its own.
• After I returned home on March 1, 2025, the flickering became persistent and hasn't gone away since.
• The iMac has never been moved since I unboxed it in September 2022.

Concerns & Next Steps

I bought this iMac considering Apple’s reputation for longevity, but right now, it feels like a gamble. I’m stuck deciding whether to repair it (which might be costly) or invest further into a product with known issues.

Has anyone here faced a similar issue?

What are my possible solutions without breaking the bank?

Would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks!

Same problem. Same screen lines. Same response from Apple Store. Not a manufacturing issue. You just need a screen replacement. That’ll be £630 please.

This definitely needs to be an extended Apple services program. Asap.

You are not speaking to Apple on these forums, they are the hosts however they DO NOT read or participate in user to user forums.

If you want your voice to be heard please post at www.apple.com/feedback. They will not answer you directly however your post will be read.

Submit feedback to Apple at www.apple.com/feedback and then make an appointment at your local Apple Authorized Service Provider have it serviced and repaired. Apple has not announced any repair programs for what you are experiencing, if/when they do your out-of-pocket expense will be reimbursed.

Identical problem here. 24" M1 iMac is 3 years & 2 months old (so, just outside warranty period).

Going to call Apple today.

I have this problem for a long time now.

the lines no appear and disappear every 1 second, and also moves higher in the screens.

support acknowledges the issue, and that it presents in many iMac, but the repair has to be paid entirely by me…

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

When I increase the brightness the lines become more persistent and ehn I reduce the brightness they disappear for a while. When I wake up the mac they start appearing again so I increase and decrease brightness to work on my projects. I don't understand how this issue has started as everything else seems fine with the imac other than the display issue.

https://youtu.be/GAJNQm3-zCA

I am facing the same issue as everyone else here. The lines appeared on my device a few days ago. This is the first time an Apple device has failed me within three years of use. It’s too expensive to get it fixed.

Same issue here. iMac 24" M1 2021. Used for 2.5 years. The Apple Store staff suggested me to leave a message in Apple Feedback and let the people higher up look into the issue. The staff can't do anything if it is not in the Apple Service Program.