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On boot, iMac Apple logo blinks red after update to Mac OS Sierra

After upgrading to MacOS Sierra, my 2015 iMac 21.5 Retina has a blinking red Apple logo and then a brief splash of screen flicker when booting. Once booted, the computer seems to run fine, with no obvious flakiness. I'm not sure why the logo blinks red and then the screen flickers -- bad drivers; a software fault in the boot phase; some issue with the fusion drive; or perhaps some other gremlin? A quick internet search reveals that at least a few others have the same issue with this OS version, and it seems to have happened in years past with other MacOS version upgrades. But there are no good answers on how to fix it. I've rebooted several times hoping it would clear itself, but no luck.

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12), iMac 2015 21.5 4k Retina

Posted on Sep 22, 2016 7:48 PM

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74 replies

Dec 2, 2016 9:32 AM in response to pcp0827

So you went back to El Capitan and are still getting the flashing red logo on boot, is that correct?? To the other person who commented to you, I don't care if they have a billion employees, regardless if they know how to fix things over the phone they should be on the up and up about things going on with their products, especially if your investing premium price. Like were talking if you've upgraded your mac it can be equivalent to buying a used car.

Dec 2, 2016 10:10 AM in response to Csound1

When this is the second time I've invested close to $3000 on an iMac since 2013, and it's had serious issues within 6 months and everyone is obvious at Apple you'll have to excuse my frustration. On my 2013 model when I took it in to the Apple store for servicing they ended up scratching my screen as an extra bonus, on another issue they never ended up resolving.

Dec 6, 2016 1:53 PM in response to Roth91

I have the same problem after the Sierra install: 1. On bootup red rectangle flashes behind Apple logo, progress bar flashes green. 2. On shutdown spinning gear is missing, 3. I worked with six different Advisors including several Senior Advisors. None said they were aware of the problem. We did all the trouble shooting previously discussed and none have fixed it. They all suggest it is hardware and I should take it in to Apple store.


Late-2015 21.5" iMac 4K retina display, Fusion drive

Dec 6, 2016 2:59 PM in response to i2

I'm going to call them tonight and speak to a Senior Advisor. If I hear anything but it's a software issue on there end, I'm going to hit the roof!!!!! I had a major problem with a 27" iMac back in 2014 where it ran into problems after only 6 months of ownership with only weekend use. Long story short Apple had my iMac in for service for nearly 3 months (no joke). After 2 months Apple finally decided to give a replacement unit, which came with a very noticeable chip in the glass (recorded the whole unboxing since I had already been through so much with them). So there solution was to send it to the Apple store again for glass replacement at another 2 weeks. On the first time bring it there it was scratched while in repair, so needless to say I was not impressed. During this time talked to more Senior Advisors then I can count, plus there customer relations (was the longest running open case from what I was told wother many applogies). Now this iMac at the same time of ownership (6 months) and as I said if I hear any, "I don't knows from them" or "bring it in for an appointment" or "it's a hardware issue" I truly feel sorry for the person on the other end as I've had it. (I don't drive neither so taxi will end up costing $40 per way just like I had to do with the 27").

Dec 6, 2016 4:47 PM in response to Paul6778

Ok Paul 6778. We get it -- you are angry. Since I'm the one that started this thread I'll ask that you kindly be a bit diplomatic in your posts. We've all got the same issue, and we are all waiting for Apple to update the software. It is absolutely software since there is no problem in El Capitan. As with all others on this thread, I appreciate everyone's efforts to contact Apple, and hopefully a fix is in the offing. But since we are all in the same pickle, long rants don't do anyone any good. Keep it clinical.

Dec 6, 2016 4:55 PM in response to Headhunter06

Headhunter... i support you! I said it (and you said it) a million times on this thread but nobody listens. It is a software issue and apple support told me they were aware and will be fixing it in a future software update. Not everyone in apple support is aware of every single bug. So some people in support may say "I never heard of it before" but you can rest assure that the developers are fully aware of this problem.


As I said before..:: it is a software issue. It doesn't effect anything else on the computer. Don't waste your time going to the Apple Store. Stop wasting your time complaining. Just sit back and relax with a drink in your hand. Lower your blood pressure. The fix will come in time.

Dec 6, 2016 8:37 PM in response to Headhunter06

Sorry, I have invested a lot of money into Apple (about $7000 in 3 years on 2 seperate iMacs) and a lot of lost time through emails, txt messages, phone conversations with Senior Advisors, Regular phone Tech Support, Apple Customer Relations, in store Applecare appointments, and now I have this iMac failing on me in under a year (regardless of where this issue currently stands - hardware or software). This said, I can only expect your response to be what it is, as you would have had to experience all I've been through to truly understand where I'm coming from, which obviously I don't expect you to (not being sarcastic). Anyways, I won't be commenting further on here, as I've contacted Apple with this issue and will hopefully receive a more diffinitive answer within a few days, oppose to many different comments I'm reading on here of what was said. I've never done the form thing before and thought it would help, but when your reading all different comments of what people are saying without hearing it for yourself, these forms become more like broken telephone then anything else.

On boot, iMac Apple logo blinks red after update to Mac OS Sierra

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