Persistent horizontal lines and other issues on iMac M1 display

This issue began a month ago on my iMac M1 display. One morning, I noticed horizontal lines suddenly appearing. The right upper rim of the screen felt too hot to touch, and I also observed distortion and persistent ghost images. Today, the problematic area has now been immovable at the center of the flickering screen. However, I’m concerned that this issue might be escalating. A few days ago, other problems have emerged in various applications, such as Photos (when importing or editing, the interface turns pink), Preview (when opening images, the preview is blank), Pixelmator Pro (similar to Preview), and Safari (in some areas, text doesn’t display). Restarting the computer resolves these issues, but they only last for a short while. It’s been three years and four months since I have this machine.

iMac 24″, 15.3

Posted on Mar 2, 2025 9:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 2, 2025 9:47 AM

What you're experiencing is the common M1 iMac display issue that many more are experiencing:


The following topics illustrate the Silicon M1 iMac Display problem:


Screen Failure on 24-inch-iMac, M1, 2021 - Apple Community

Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac Screen - Apple Community

Horizontal Lines on Screen of iMac, 24", 2021

Horizontal black lines covering bottom 3rd of 2021 M1 iMac screen

Grey horizontal patches on my M1 iMac 2021 model

Horizontal lines at the bottom of iMac(M1,2021) screen

Horizontal Lines on 2001 M1 iMac Display


There's not a lot you can do except take it into the nearest Apple Genius Bar for a free diagnostic exam and an estimate to repair it. You'll find it to be around $600 US. So far Apple hasn't announced a recall on those iMacs but you'll be in their system as having one of the problem iMac if the recall ever comes.


Some users have considered getting an external monitor, using it and turning the built in monitor to off or zero brightness. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 2, 2025 9:47 AM in response to Josesk

What you're experiencing is the common M1 iMac display issue that many more are experiencing:


The following topics illustrate the Silicon M1 iMac Display problem:


Screen Failure on 24-inch-iMac, M1, 2021 - Apple Community

Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac Screen - Apple Community

Horizontal Lines on Screen of iMac, 24", 2021

Horizontal black lines covering bottom 3rd of 2021 M1 iMac screen

Grey horizontal patches on my M1 iMac 2021 model

Horizontal lines at the bottom of iMac(M1,2021) screen

Horizontal Lines on 2001 M1 iMac Display


There's not a lot you can do except take it into the nearest Apple Genius Bar for a free diagnostic exam and an estimate to repair it. You'll find it to be around $600 US. So far Apple hasn't announced a recall on those iMacs but you'll be in their system as having one of the problem iMac if the recall ever comes.


Some users have considered getting an external monitor, using it and turning the built in monitor to off or zero brightness. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.


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Persistent horizontal lines and other issues on iMac M1 display

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