User profile for user: Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi
Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi Author
User level: Level 1
24 points

M1 iMac Screen Flickering – A Persistent Issue with No Clear Solution

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!

iMac 24″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Mar 3, 2025 10:48 PM

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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
146,376 points

Mar 3, 2025 10:52 PM in response to Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi

Yes, there are a few threads where some have reported the same problem with 2021 24" iMacs. The issue is a hardware repair so if you did not purchase AppleCare (always a smart thing to do) then you decided to self insure. Your choices are to continue using it and hope it does not get worse, repair it (in the USA about $700 is the current estimate) or replace the computer. Apple does not have a repair program on this machine, if you have the computer repair and Apple does introduce a repair program then you would get reimbursed.


Good luck.


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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
User level: Level 10
211,967 points

Mar 4, 2025 9:45 AM in response to Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi

What you're experiencing may be the beginning of the common M1 iMac display issue that many more are experiencing:


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


There's not a lot you can do except take it into the nearest Apple Genius Bar for a free diagnostic exam and an estimate to repair it. You'll find the cost to be around $600 US according to others. So far Apple hasn't announced a recall on those iMacs but you'll be in their system as having one of the problem iMacs if the recall ever comes.


Some users have considered getting an external monitor, using it and turning the built in monitor to off or zero brightness. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.


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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
146,376 points

Mar 4, 2025 9:35 AM in response to Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi

We understand you are unhappy and upset, however you are now violating the Terms of Use of these forums by ranting about Apple. Please read the Terms of Use that you agreed to so you understand what is okay to post on these forums and what is not. The link to the Terms of Use are in Apple Support Communities Use Agreement - Apple Community


Kind regards,

rkaufmann87


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User profile for user: Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi
Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi Author
User level: Level 1
24 points

Mar 4, 2025 9:12 AM in response to Keith Barkley

Thank you for your feedback. You’re right, I have just copied and pasted it in a different thread. I did that for better visibility, as I am unsure how my communication gets made visible here.


Please guide me through best way to proceed in this case or how I can tweak my contribution to better suite the community guidelines. I can see a thread that I posted has been removed, so I checked the community guidelines shared with me. I shall rectify any discrepancies from my end as I continue to understand the guidelines shared in the removal email and from other members of the community.


looking forward to properly contributing to the discussion in the future. Thanks again for mentioning it.

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User profile for user: Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi
Vivek_rajoria_xeriabi Author
User level: Level 1
24 points

Mar 4, 2025 10:38 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I appreciate the feedback on my recent posts and would like to clarify my intentions.


Purpose of My Posts:


My aim has been to share concerns and observations related to my experiences, hoping they might resonate with others facing similar challenges, especially those dealing with financial constraints. I intend to foster empathy and understanding within our community.


Understanding "Rant" Semantics:


A "rant" is typically characterized by prolonged, impassioned, and often repetitive speech or writing, usually expressing strong opinions or complaints. If any of my posts have been perceived this way, I apologize, as it was not my intention.


Adherence to Community Guidelines:


I am committed to aligning my contributions with the Apple Support Community Guidelines, which emphasize:


Staying on Topic: Ensuring discussions remain relevant to the subject matter.

Constructive Participation: Posting comments and questions that add value to the conversation.

Respectfulness: Maintaining a polite and considerate tone in all interactions.

I acknowledge that moderators may edit posts to ensure compliance with these guidelines. I have observed such edits in other threads and understand their role in maintaining the community's standards.


Moving Forward:


I will be more mindful of the tone and content of my posts to ensure they are constructive and in line with community expectations. I welcome any specific feedback on how I can improve my contributions.


Thank you for your understanding and for fostering a supportive environment.


Best regards,

Vivek


[Edited by Moderator]

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M1 iMac Screen Flickering – A Persistent Issue with No Clear Solution

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