M1 iMac Display vertex heating to scorching 55°C — Seeking Advice on Escalation
I'm reaching out to the community regarding a concerning issue with my 2021 M1 iMac. After approximately 28 months of standard usage, I've encountered significant screen deterioration accompanied by localized overheating.
Video clearly highlighting this issue: https://youtu.be/kFnV7lLB8_E
Issue Details:
- Screen Anomalies: The display exhibits horizontal flickering lines shortly after startup, which progressively lead to color distortions and glitching during extended use.
- Overheating: The top-left corner of the screen becomes excessively hot, reaching temperatures up to 55°C within 10 seconds of booting, while the rest of the device remains at a normal 33°C.
- Service Center Feedback: An authorized service center has verified the absence of accidental damage and suggested a display replacement costing INR 61,000.
- Apple Support Response: Despite providing detailed evidence, including thermal readings and photographs, my attempts to escalate the issue through Apple Support have not yielded a resolution.
Preventive Measures:
To help my cousin avoid similar issues with their iMac M4, I've advised the following:
- Avoid running the display at maximum brightness continuously to reduce thermal stress.
- Ensure the iMac is placed in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Regularly monitor system temperatures using reliable third-party applications.
- Manage resource-intensive applications to prevent unnecessary CPU usage and heat generation.
- Keep the macOS and all applications up to date, and perform regular system maintenance.
- Limit extended sessions of high-performance tasks, especially in warm ambient conditions.
- Periodically clean the iMac's exterior vents to prevent dust accumulation.
- Be vigilant for early signs of issues, such as flickering lines or unusual heat spots on the screen.
Request for Guidance:
Given the circumstances and the lack of a nearby Genius Bar (the closest being 400 km away), I would appreciate any advice on the following:
- Escalation Pathways: What channels or contacts within Apple have proven effective for escalating hardware issues beyond standard support?
- Community Experiences: Have other users faced similar issues with their M1 iMacs, and if so, what solutions or workarounds have been successful?
- Preventive Measures: Are there any additional recommended practices to mitigate further damage while seeking a resolution?
I am committed to resolving this issue and believe that collective insights from the community can be instrumental. Thank you in advance for your support and suggestions.
iMac 24″, macOS 15.3
