24-inch M1 iMac display experiencing repeated failures and overheating

I purchased my 24-inch M1 iMac in 2022 and have used it normally and carefully. It has never been dropped or physically damaged.


In December 2023, about one year after purchase, the display developed horizontal lines across the entire screen. At the same time, a large dark/black spot appeared in the upper-right corner, and that area became unusually hot. The spot looked like a dark red/black liquid or ink-like area inside the display. I had to replace the complete display at a cost of approximately ₹50,000.


Unfortunately, in August 2026, the replacement display has developed another serious problem. This time, there is a large horizontal dark/black band covering a substantial portion of the screen. The image is still visible through the affected area, but the problem is clearly visible.


There is no dark spot this time, but the upper-left corner of the display becomes extremely hot, to the point that I cannot comfortably keep my hand there. Because of the excessive heat, I have had to shut the iMac down.


I also performed tests to rule out a problem with the Mac itself. A screenshot taken while the problem was visible is completely normal, and when I connect the iMac to an LG external display, the external screen is also completely normal.


This indicates that the M1 Mac and graphics output are working normally and that the problem is isolated to the built-in display.


What concerns me most is that this is the second display failure on the same iMac. The original display failed in December 2023 with horizontal lines, a dark spot and localized heating.


The replacement display has now developed another horizontal-band problem with severe localized heating in August 2026.


I would like Apple to investigate whether there is an underlying hardware issue involving the display panel, display power circuitry, flex cables/connectors, or other display-related components that could be causing these repeated failures and overheating.


I do not want to simply spend another ₹50,000 on a replacement display without understanding why the replacement has failed again.


I hope Apple will investigate this issue and consider appropriate support for affected 24-inch M1 iMac owners, especially customers who have already paid for a display replacement and subsequently experienced another display failure.


iMac: 24-inch M1, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD

Purchased: 2022

First display failure: December 2023

First replacement cost: Approximately ₹50,000

Second display failure: August 2026

Current issue: Horizontal dark band + severe upper-left heating

Screenshot: Normal

External LG display: Normal

Physical damage: None.


If you are considering buying an iMac, I would recommend researching these reported display issues carefully before making a purchase.



iMac 24″

Posted on Aug 12, 2026 10:53 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 13, 2026 12:01 AM

apple is not here


these forums are user helping other users like yourself, it's sort of going to a physical apple store and asking other customers their advice


This is a user helping users with tech questions forum, we are not apple and apple do not read your posts here


You can provide them with feedback using

Product Feedback - Apple


Or reach out to their official support channels

Get Support (apple.com)

And or

Contact - Official Apple Support

And or

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

Or

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 13, 2026 12:01 AM in response to techuserindia

apple is not here


these forums are user helping other users like yourself, it's sort of going to a physical apple store and asking other customers their advice


This is a user helping users with tech questions forum, we are not apple and apple do not read your posts here


You can provide them with feedback using

Product Feedback - Apple


Or reach out to their official support channels

Get Support (apple.com)

And or

Contact - Official Apple Support

And or

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

Or

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Aug 14, 2026 10:09 PM in response to techuserindia

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗


There appears to be a problem with the internal display. Only a certified Apple technician can determine the cause and offer a complete solution.


Therefore, I recommend service.


Service Checklist:


Service Appointment:


Contact Support:


Additional Support:


Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

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

If you're considering replacing the iMac with a new Mac please consider the following:  a 10 Core Mac Mini M4 with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD ($1299 US) with a 32" LG 4k monitor with speakers ($318 US) from Amazon.com)  is $1617 US which is $582 less than a similarly configured new 24" iMac ($2199 US).  Keep your keyboard and mouse from your current Mac for use with the Mini. 


I got the above Mini with a 32" LG 4K monitor w/speakers for the same price as a 27" monitor (didn't know the Mini had a speaker).  There are many monitors available in 27" size for about $100 US to $500 US depending on what features you want.  The prices are before tax, tariffs and the Strait of Hormuz.


I had an 2017 i7 iMac with an SSD boot drive and the new Mini runs circles around it.  So much faster.  


You can use the keyboard and mouse from your current iMac. Don't recycle them with the iMac.


Just some food for thought.


24-inch M1 iMac display experiencing repeated failures and overheating

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