Display damage on iMac M1: Users demand replacement program
The first Apple Silicon model of the all-in-one computer can experience strange display problems. Apple only reacts on a case-by-case basis.
User on iMac: Problem known for a long time.
(Image: Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock.com)
Since 2024, there have been reports from users that the screens of first-generation M-chip iMacs appear to be partially disassembling internally after several years of use. The so-called Black Line Defect causes permanent horizontal lines on the display. A corresponding thread in the official Apple support forum now has 35 pages – an indication that the problem may occur more frequently. Affected customers can do little: The iMac M1 has been sold since 2021, and the defect usually occurs after the two-year warranty expires. Apple itself makes case-by-case decisions: Sometimes there is a free display replacement out of goodwill, but usually the customer has to pay themselves – after a cost estimate.
Almost 1300 people in the Apple support forum alone
A group of affected individuals is now trying to persuade Apple to launch a replacement program. Under iMacUsersVoice.com, they have set up the campaign “Stop the Black Lines Defect.” “Owners of 24-inch iMacs with Apple Silicon are experiencing permanent horizontal lines after about two years of normal use. This website will be taken offline only when Apple launches a global service program to repair all affected devices,” they write.
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The self-organized affected individuals assume that “thousands” of iMac M1 models are affected. According to reports, almost 1300 people have gathered in the Apple support forum alone who indicated they have the problem. 470 corresponding replies landed in an initial thread that was later locked for new postings, with another 820 in a new one.
Inexpensive flex cable could overheat
There are suspicions that the issue, which occurs after 18 to 24 months of use, could be related to an overheating high-voltage flex cable installed in the LCD area. The component is said to be very inexpensive, but according to user reports, Apple charges up to $700 for the repair.
The manufacturer has not yet commented on the issue, which apparently cannot be fixed with software. Error reports exist from all over the world. It is unclear whether later models – i.e., iMac M3 and M4 – are also impacted. Users are demanding that these be included in a replacement program if necessary. They also demand transparent communication from Apple.
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