Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

I am reaching out to share an ongoing issue I, along with several other users, have been experiencing with our iMac 24-inch models, and to seek a collective resolution.


Problem Description:

  • Persistent horizontal lines appear on the screen, which significantly hampers the usability and visual appeal of the device.
  • This problem arises without any physical damage, and despite the stationary nature of the device.


Steps Taken:

  • Connected to an external display: The external display works fine, indicating the issue is with the iMac's internal display.
  • Reinstalled the OS: The problem persisted post reinstallation.
  • Avoided operating the iMac for a week: No change in the situation.


Concerns:

  • The cost of screen replacement is high, and there's no assurance that it will resolve the issue permanently.
  • The quality concern is alarming especially for a brand that positions itself as a premium segment player.
  • The support received thus far has been unsatisfactory, with no definitive solutions provided apart from a costly screen replacement suggestion.





Please do not ask us to visit to service center and replace the screen for 650USD + , problem happens mostly after warranty.


[Edited by Moderator]

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Oct 21, 2023 10:40 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 7, 2024 9:45 AM

To make the best of a bad situation you could always use a separate monitor with the iMac. It's an annoyance given that there's already a display taking up desk space but at least you wouldn't have to get another computer. I kept several older iMacs going that way. Just make sure that if the display is really starting to go that you set this up before it is fully gone. You set up the second display as mirroring the first one and with iMacs this has to be done while you can still navigate the main display.

Similar questions

483 replies

Aug 25, 2025 8:01 AM in response to latVm

Hello Community,


Sorry for my bad English.


Since 2 Days I have these lines on the display too.

I chatted with Support and his answer was curious : I have to clean my screen. it is dust or something... REALLY ???


I have abt. 10 lines in black and regular 10 lines in white wich disappear every one second, then they come again.


iMAC 2021, M1, 16GB, 2TB SSD


Yours,


Wolle

Aug 26, 2025 1:14 AM in response to latVm

Mine started showing these multicolour lines in less than a year after purchasing it in July 2022. Sales people didn’t advise of any manufacturer service cover or anything like that. When I went to iStore they wanted to charge me over R36k to repair it - which was ridiculous to say the least. There is no way all users could be having the same issue and Apple doesn’t want to take accountability for this defects, after we spent so much money to purchase these devices. I need a personal laptop desperately, I don’t have money they need to fix it and I can’t just give it away because when I tried to trade it, they offered a fraction of what I spent to buy it - which is unacceptable. Can anyone advise what the best way is to resolve this, please?

Aug 26, 2025 8:12 AM in response to -g

Absolutely ! In the years I owned 2 iMacs plus 2 mini and 2 MacBooks but now I say I'll never purchase an iMac again ! Yes It may happen such kind of fault (even if I never happened to me in the past) but the worst thing in my opinion is feeling abandoned. When my iMac 24" M1 showed the fault I had to purchase a new mini (November 2024) and a new monitor (I had some work in progress) for a problem I didn't cause.

Aug 26, 2025 4:04 PM in response to Giorgio_BXN

iMac Feedback was no help to me. I was even told that someone would get back to me with a solution! That never happened. I love Apple products. I have been using all of them for years. This issue with a computer that was barely one year old is extremely disappointing. Apple MUST come up with a solution, as it seems to affect thousands of users. Come on, Apple. I mean, come on.

Sep 9, 2025 10:24 AM in response to latVm

Hi Apple Community,

As a loyal Apple user for 15+ years from Colombia, my family and team have always chosen Apple for our computers, iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches. We deeply appreciate Apple's exceptional quality and customer service.

The Issue: I'm experiencing persistent horizontal lines on my iMac 24" screen - a problem affecting thousands of users worldwide. The external display works perfectly, confirming it's an internal display issue.

Our Request: Given the widespread nature of this problem, we respectfully ask Apple to:

  • Investigate this as a potential manufacturing defect
  • Implement a quality policy for affected iMac 24" users
  • Offer complimentary repairs for documented cases

We've seen successful free repairs in this community, which gives us hope for a similar resolution.

We remain big Apple fans and trust in Apple's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This would be a great opportunity to demonstrate why Apple continues to lead in innovation and service.

Thank you for considering our request.

Best regards, A loyal Apple user from Colombia 🇨🇴



Sep 9, 2025 10:35 PM in response to latVm

I have a group of people (72) on Chinese social media who has this issue, still adding ... this is not a case to be ignore, please united to solve this problem together apple users!

It costs almost 5000yuan in China to replace the screen, even I choose to replace this, then I will be afraid this screen will have the same issue. Right?

How should we do this ? any heads up? an idea to reach the top and rise their awareness? and give us a good solution.

Sep 11, 2025 9:53 PM in response to docmartinhk

Apple auto-emailed me, inc:


Congrats docmartinhk! At the time of this email, your reply was upvoted for the first time:


[quoted my comment]


And the thread was viewed 91829 times. This means that you helped both the person who voted on your reply as well as everyone who viewed the thread.


  • actually, only "helped" by letting others know another has this problem, and showing Apple Store this thread and posts likely won't help with getting display replaced without full payment. Which is not really helpful.

  • And having so many views, seems to indicate a real issue; it's not the only thread on this either.

Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

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