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 Jul 10, 2025 3:32 AM

UPDATE


I faced an overheating issue in the top right corner of my 2021 M1 iMac 24”, which eventually led to display failure with burn marks and a smoke smell after 2.5 years of usage. Initially, Apple India denied free repair as the device was out of warranty and offered only paid service. I escalated the case to Apple USA with proof that this was a known horizontal lines issue (widely reported in forums and media) and highlighted the severe safety threat to my family. After sharing high-resolution photos, videos, and diagnosis reports, and insisting on escalation to their engineering team, Apple granted me a one-time exception (CS Code) for a free display replacement. 🙏 After 90 days of usage with the new display, it is working completely fine, and I sincerely thank Apple for their credibility and for standing by their customers in critical situations.




Similar questions

525 replies

Jun 20, 2024 3:25 PM in response to Jotap62

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.


Jun 20, 2024 3:35 PM in response to latVm

An update:


From what I can observe, the lines do not only flicker. Right at the top, where the lines begin, there are reflections of what's on the display below. I am attaching a few screenshots that experts can observe. Also, if hardware experts are monitoring this discussion, do hardware problems look like these? Something on your screen finding reflection on a different part of it?







Jun 24, 2024 4:27 AM in response to latVm

hello!

i have exactly the same issue since yesterday, I bought my imac (24 inch, M1, 2021) on 5March 2022 and yesterday I experienced these color lines while I left my computer on for awhile… I just bought it for less than 3 years??? and I am still covered under warranty, I am afraid that after repair the same issue is going to come back up again….

Oct 18, 2024 1:13 PM in response to ping137

I don't know what they will do. I was promised someone higher up the chain would call and or email me to see what they could do. We'll see. I have no idea if the "we would have replaced it" is just something this one person thinks or if it is official policy. I'm expecting that I won't be compensated in any way but if you still have your imac maybe you could get a free replacement. All I know is that I was contacted via email and phone by AppleCare Outreach. I checked the number, and the email address to make sure those were real, and the links did take me directly to Apple log in.

Oh, and if you're asking if they'll replace the display or the whole computer, I don't know.

Nov 3, 2024 8:31 AM in response to IkeApple

I have M3, 24gb RAM 4 ports. I keep my iMac always on, just sleep when not in use. I've been using it today for at least 3 hours straight. Temperature on that spot is 83 degrees. Top left is 83, top middle is 87, top right is 86, right middle is 83, bottom right 81, bottom left 81, middle 94. I'm Processing a large image with Topaz Ai and the fans are running fast since it's processor intensive. These are temperatures. When idle is much cooler. So based on your image, I don't know if you took the temperature on that spot, something is clearly wrong to go so hot that it's causing it to discolor there. Thats not good at all.

Nov 24, 2024 11:31 PM in response to latVm

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

Dec 3, 2024 6:27 AM in response to latVm

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).

Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

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