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Some M1 iMac models appear to sit off-center due to manufacturing flaw

Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider

Last updated

Some M1 iMac buyers are reporting an apparent issue with the way that the device is mounted to its stand, causing some iMacs to sit slightly crooked when on a flat surface.

One M1 iMac owner posted on the Apple Support Communities that their iMac was off-center with a difference of about 1mm between the left and right sides of the display. Another person complained about the issue on Reddit, stating that their iMac was "not completely level."

YouTuber iPhonedo also published a video depicting his affected iMac, which sat noticeably crooked. The YouTuber said he returned his device to Apple.

Additionally, MacRumors reports that an orange M1 iMac it purchased for testing purposes appeared to have a slant.

It isn't clear how exactly widespread the issue is, but reports suggest that it's a fairly limited problem. Unfortunately, the manufacturing defect doesn't appear to be user-fixable.

Apple customers who have recently purchased an M1 iMac should check if their displays are crooked before the two-week return window has elapsed. Apple has yet to acknowledge the issue, so dealing with a return means going through Apple Support. It's possible that Apple could allow for replacements or fixes after that period, however.

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27 Comments

sbdude 5 Years · 291 comments

1mm. I have no idea what apple’s tolerances are, but that can’t be far outside, if at all. something like that measurement could be an issue with the feet on the stand.

Hank2.0 5 Years · 151 comments

In the spirit of the alleged Steve Jobs' "You're holding it wrong" and Apple's unfortunate penchant to respond slowly to reported product flaws, I see an opportunity for some ingenious entrepreneur to offer leveling wedges to be placed under the table legs thus bringing the iMac to the correct viewing position.

Kuyangkoh 7 Years · 838 comments

The qA might be crossed eyes….ehehehe

sdw2001 23 Years · 17460 comments

The best part is his “Tim Apple” shirt.  

6502 10 Years · 382 comments

sbdude said:
1mm. I have no idea what apple’s tolerances are, but that can’t be far outside, if at all. something like that measurement could be an issue with the feet on the stand.

If it's noticeable, then it is too much. I remember getting a new LCD in the early days and it had one bad pixel (representing less than 0.0001% of all the pixels). It drove me nuts from day one so I exchanged it for one without a dead pixel.