Apple's M1 iMac, released in May 2021, is facing a growing number of complaints about display failures occurring just after the warranty period ends. Users are reporting persistent dark horizontal lines on their screens, potentially due to a design flaw in the device's flex cable.
The Issue
Numerous M1 iMac owners have taken to Apple Community forums and Reddit to report this display problem. The issue manifests as dark horizontal lines that remain on the screen even after restarting the device. Importantly, these lines do not appear on external displays connected to the iMac, suggesting a problem specific to the built-in screen.
Potential Cause
According to user investigations, the problem may stem from a flex cable located at the top of the screen. This cable reportedly needs to sustain a voltage of around 50V when the display brightness is set to high or maximum. After approximately two years of use, the cable appears to degrade at the connector, causing short circuits that result in the appearance of horizontal black lines.
Costly Repairs
What's particularly concerning for users is that this issue typically emerges after the standard warranty period has expired. Without AppleCare+ coverage, affected users are facing out-of-warranty repair costs ranging from $600 to $700. This expense is nearly equivalent to the price of a new base-model M2 Mac Mini.
Apple's Response
Despite the growing number of complaints, Apple has yet to officially recognize this as a manufacturing defect or design flaw. The company has not made any announcements regarding a fix or a potential recall program. Some users report that Apple's service centers are describing the issue as an irreparable malfunction, with screen replacement being the only solution.
Implications for Newer Models
There are concerns that this issue may not be limited to the M1 iMac. Some users have reported similar problems with the newer M3 iMac models, suggesting that Apple may not have addressed the underlying design issue in subsequent generations.
User Options
For affected users without warranty coverage, the options are limited and potentially costly:
- Pay for the expensive screen replacement
- Use an external monitor as a workaround
- Wait and hope for Apple to acknowledge the issue and offer a repair program
As the problem continues to gain attention, many iMac owners are calling for Apple to address these concerns and provide a more comprehensive solution. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of extended warranty options for high-end electronics, especially those with integrated displays.