M1 Mac - display issue (lines and flickering)

[Ravi_MR]

Hi,

My dad's M1 iMac is having a display issue after 15.6.1 update - though i'm not sure if it has anything to do with the update.
(My M4 iMac is fine after that update.)

There are horizontal lines on the screen, some flickering occasionally, and the bottom half of the screen has crossing lines and reflections. (See image attached).

> Restarting doesn't help.
> Display settings, and Appearance settings, look fine; Changing them has no effect.
> Accessibility settings are set to normal, and changing them has no effect (in fixing the issue).
> No other issues; Computer is otherwise working fine.

Any idea what could be wrong, or suggestions? Else I will have to contact Apple I guess.

Thanks,
Ravi

 

[ignatius345]

Looks like a hardware issue to me? Though it is pretty weird that this popped up right after an update.
Maybe try booting in Safe Mode to rule out software issues. You can also start a new empty user account, restart and log only into that account to see if the problem shows up in that account.

 

[BrianBaughn]

It's probably hardware. You could connect an external monitor and test that to see.

 

[Ravi_MR]

Looks like a hardware issue to me? Though it is pretty weird that this popped up right after an update.
Maybe try booting in Safe Mode to rule out software issues. You can also start a new empty user account, restart and log only into that account to see if the problem shows up in that account.

ok will try the safe booting, thanks.

 

[daabido]

That's just pollution.

 

[Ravi_MR]

Hi, Took the iMac to a service centre. It was a hardware issue and needs a screen replacement. Just here to share the outcome.

 

[BrianBaughn]

What's the estimate for that? I see the part is just over $400 on ebay.

If it were me I'd have to weigh using it with a new external monitor versus buying a whole new Mac. I haven't really researched monitors lately but I see a KTC 27" 5K monitor on Amazon currently marked down to $650…and the monitor could come along if I decided to buy a new Mac (like a Mac Studio or Mac Mini) later. But like I said I haven't determined if that monitor is suitable.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

As Brian hints at above, if you come to the conclusion you'd rather get a replacement than do a repair...
... next time, consider the Mac Mini (with an external monitor of your choice, 27" 4k displays might work).

Minis are some of the most reliable Macs, and the current m4 version offers much power for the price.

A word of caution:
If you do get a Mini, I would advise that you get AT LEAST a 512gb drive. 256 is no longer "enough".
And even 16gb of RAM these days is "the minimum".
24gb or 32gb is better.