An increasing number of Apple users have shared a worrying issue with their M1 iMac devices. Owners of the all-in-one device have complained about phantom horizontal lines appearing on their screens. The first reports of the problem date back to mid-2023, and Apple has yet to acknowledge the problem. What’s worse is that the apparent design flaw often becomes apparent after two years of use, meaning most affected devices are already out of warranty.
A long (17 pages) discussion thread about Apple community forums is full of user reports about this iMac’s display error. Many users reported contacting Apple service centers only to be told they would have to replace the screens entirely – not a desirable thought considering they cost between $600 and $700, a price that could buy you a brand new Mac mini.
One user, unhappy with the diagnosis, took his iMac to an independent repair shop. The technician discovered that the problem stems from the flex cable used in the displays. At maximum screen brightness, the cable must be able to carry a maximum of 50 volts, and over time this causes the connector to burn out, which in turn leads to a short circuit in the circuit and the appearance of horizontal lines.
The blame game
Apple has not yet issued an official statement, leading some to believe that even if the screens were replaced, the problem would repeat. We’ve reached out to Apple for immediate response, but have not yet received a response. We will update this article if we receive a statement from the company.
It’s not unheard of for Apple to offer free repairs or even replacements when widespread defects are confirmed in their devices. In June 2018, it launched a program offering free repairs or replacements for the MacBook Pro Butterfly Keyboard, which had received many complaints about double typing, sticky keys, and keys not registering.
According to Apple’s warranty documentation, customers with expired warranty plans and not covered by AppleCare+ are responsible for any defects that occur after the warranty period.
Since it appears the fault lies in Apple’s manufacturing process, they may be forced to offer free repairs or recall the devices altogether. It’s certainly something Apple should look into, as the issue could affect newer models like the M3 iMac, or even the upcoming M4 iMac. For now, customers remain desperate for a solution to the problem.