Recall or free repair? Apple M1 iMac users complain of screen fault, but
claim Apple is refusing to take responsibility

Date:
Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:01:14 +0000

Description:
Complaints of a fault with Apples M1 iMac devices are getting louder in
Apples community forums. The fault is said to be caused by a flex cable failing to handle the screens maximum brightness.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

An increasing number of Apple users have shared a concerning problem with their M1 iMac devices. Owners of the all-in-one device have complained of phantom horizontal lines appearing on their screens. First reports of the issue date as far back as mid-2023, and Apple is yet to acknowledge the
issue. Whats worse, the apparent design flaw tends to show up after two years of use, meaning most affected devices are already out of warranty.

A lengthy (17-page) discussion thread on Apples community forums is filled with user reports of this iMac display failure. Many users reported
contacting Apple service centers only to be told that they must replace the screens entirely not a desirable thought, considering those cost between
$600 and $700, a price you could buy a brand-new Mac mini for. This image was provided by Apple Community forum user leo.simon, showing the issue with horizontal lines across the display. (Image credit: leo.simon / Apple Community)

One user, not happy with the diagnosis, took their iMac to an independent repair shop. The technician found that the problem stems from the flex cable used in the displays. At maximum screen brightness, the cable has to carry up to 50 volts, and over time this causes the connector to burn out, which in turn leads to the circuit shorting and the horizontal lines appearing. The blame game

Apple has yet to issue an official statement, which has led some to believe that even if the screens were to be replaced the issue would recur. We
reached out to Apple for a direct comment, but have not yet received a response - we'll update this article if we receive a statement from the company.

Its not unheard of for Apple to issue free repairs or even replacements when widespread defects are confirmed with their devices. In June 2018 it launched a program that offered free repairs or replacements for its MacBook Pro Butterfly Keyboard, which had received widespread complaints of
double-typing, sticky keys, and keys not registering.

According to Apples warranty documentation, customers with expired warranty plans and who are not covered by AppleCare+ are responsible for any defects that arise after the warranty period.

Seeing as it looks like the fault lies with Apples manufacturing process,
they may be forced to offer free repairs or recall the devices altogether.
Its certainly something that Apple must look into, because the issue could affect newer models like its M3 iMac , or even the upcoming M4 iMac . For
now, customers remain desperate for a resolution to the issue. You might also like... New update says M4 chip-based MacBook Pro, iMac, and redesigned Mac mini will launch in 2024 - with an October reveal looking likely Apples M4 Macs could launch ahead of Black Friday and cheapest models might finally come with 16GB RAM Apple just declared a bunch of Macs obsolete these are
the affected MacBook and iMac models



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/macs/recall-or-free-repair-apple-m1-imac-u sers-complain-of-screen-fault-but-claim-apple-is-refusing-to-take-responsibili ty


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