Level 1

80 points

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

Top-ranking reply

Universall

Level 1

42 points

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.

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Similar questions

524 replies

Aug 13, 2026 11:15 AM in response to ping137

Good day!

I've had the same problem, bought on Nov 16, 2022. I had the problem of parallel lines appearing at the bottom half of the screen. The technician at the Apple Store said it's a screen replacement. Made a ticket for it. Called apple directly and after speaking with a senior advisor, I was told there was nothing to be done because it was passed the 3 year. Fortunately, I've never had any trouble with any other of the apple products. This is my first time, but I'm quite disappointed that nothing can be done. Do you have any advice? I'm I stuck paying over 700$ for a screen replacement? Thank you in advance for your help!

Aug 19, 2026 1:29 AM in response to latVm

My iMac 2021 is exactly 3 years old and is now showing the horizontal lines at the bottom half of the screen; out of the blue. No scratch or liquid damage; the stand is framed to make sure it won't move or accidentally misplaced. Apple Support senior advisor's only advise to have it repaired as it is a hardware issue...another profit for the company but no concern for the users.

adel2298

Level 1

34 points

Nov 10, 2023 2:06 AM in response to o-n-y-x

I was told to bear the repair cost 100%. After a few months of lines appearing and flickering, my screen has turned completely blank!

Nov 27, 2023 8:00 AM in response to latVm

I am having the same issue, just today this horizontal line suddenly appeared out of nowhere

latVm Author

Level 1

80 points

Nov 27, 2023 8:13 AM in response to Akipotpot

What were you doing exactly? How many apps were open? This is kind of a strange issue

Dec 18, 2023 9:48 PM in response to latVm

Same problem for me. I went to the Apple store Genius Bar today and they tested it and said the replacement display will be $648. I bought this new in June of 2021.

latVm Author

Level 1

80 points

Dec 18, 2023 10:03 PM in response to Newcompguy12

Hello, maybe , apple software update caused this, no one had this problem 1 year before. May I know your macOS version? What exactly you were doing when lines started showing up?

latVm Author

Level 1

80 points

Dec 19, 2023 2:32 AM in response to Akipotpot

Hi,

what's the situation now? How long did you kept if off?

Dec 19, 2023 2:45 PM in response to latVm

MacOS Sonoma. The day before the lines appeared I used an app called handbrake to convert a DVD to mp4s to put into imovie. Not sure if that could have anything to do with it.

Dec 19, 2023 7:29 PM in response to BDAqua

It's probably a graphics problem, I had so many tabs open and Adobe software. but I'm pretty sure it didn't overheat.

Dec 19, 2023 7:33 PM in response to latVm

I rarely use my iMac, the line is still there, I just gave it a rest for 3 days. Now I don't leave it on or on sleep overnight, i always shut it down.

latVm Author

Level 1

80 points

Dec 19, 2023 7:56 PM in response to Newcompguy12

I had ventura, later I updated it sonoma, issue persisted. I was just using chrome

Dec 21, 2023 7:19 PM in response to latVm

Same. Gently used M1, purchased 2021. I'm in Hawaii, curious how many are posting from a tropical environment? Lines appear diagonal in photo, but they are horizontal.