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iMac Retina 5k Display Has Marks Behind Screen. Why?

I have a new 27-inch iMac with Retina 5k Display. On the screen, above the Trash can in the lower right corner, are a few dozen or so 'marks or smudges' that appear on the screen, most easily seen with the Finder open. The marks are visible to the eye, but do not show up in a screen capture so they're not related to OS X, and they appear visible behind text, photos, or lines in the finder; almost as if they're a smudge from a marker, or someone tried to wipe the actual screen with a dirty rag. Visibly, they're annoying, but are not captured by any screen grab.

Any idea on how the marks got there and how to get rid of them?

The marks are not on the front of the display, but appear to be behind whatever OS X displays on the screen. It does not matter what is on the screen, including app, desktop wallpaper, Finder-- the marks are always visible (unless the image is of a similar color).

iMac with Retina 5K display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), 24GB RAM, i5 CPU

Posted on Mar 4, 2015 12:46 PM

26 replies

Blackhk

Level 1

0 points

Mar 10, 2016 5:18 AM in response to Diegodibi

Same here - why should we pay for apple manufacturing trouble!

Mar 10, 2016 9:01 AM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

Just for reference, I have had my 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display (late 2014) for just on a year now, and I do not see anything on my display like what is described and shown in the original post. My screen is still perfectly good.

nickr78

Level 1

0 points

Mar 15, 2016 10:06 AM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

Just noticed this same problem on my Retina 27 inch late 2014. Unfortunately I live 2 hours away from the closest apple store. Please let us know if you were able to get this resolved.

May 9, 2016 3:29 AM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

I'm having the same problem. 2015 iMac 5K 27-inch, 1 year 3 months old. And it looks to be getting worse... Paid a lot of money for this. I can only hope Apple gives us consideration and replaces the screen without charge. It's most certainly an issue with their product, not a fault of the customer... I have the smudges on both the bottom right and bottom left sides of the screen, most prominent on the left side (see photo).

May 25, 2016 9:04 PM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

I noticed the same issue this morning when I turned on my computer. It looks like smoke marks on the bottom left and rights corners. This is definitely an Apple issue and everyone having this issue should get their screens fixed for free no matter the timeline. I have Apple Care, so I am lucky, but this is a huge concern. Very frustrating and then they have to stay with the computer for a week and this is my main work computer.

Pharod

Level 1

4 points

Nov 28, 2016 12:25 PM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

Just discovered same issue, iMac Retina 27", late 2014. Not only this "dust" but some other white pixels, pieces of what looks like a dust etc. Never seen anything like this, my MacBook pro display still good after 3 years.

Did anyone solved this?

Feb 20, 2017 5:42 AM in response to Pharod

Same here,i had my screen replaced 3 times

wb.11

Level 1

8 points

Oct 25, 2017 8:59 AM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

What was the experience of people with this issue when taking your iMac in to an Apple Store? Mine has the issue and I'm taking it in next week.

Oct 25, 2017 10:41 AM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

Take it back . As it’s new and cost a lot of money. It clearly does not meet the standard that apple shoukd supply a brand new iMac to you.

Oct 25, 2017 10:42 AM in response to wb.11

I would like to know how you get on. I am thinking of buying an iMac and will not accept in that condition.

J_Jason

Level 1

18 points

Nov 14, 2017 8:06 PM in response to RonnyMacHawaii

I have the same issue on my late 2015 iMac 5K 27", just noticed the issue today in both bottom corners. I have AppleCare so will be taking back to Apple to get them to replace.

iMac Retina 5k Display Has Marks Behind Screen. Why?