Will mid 2017 iMac 5K get dust in the screen like the previous models？

Question

iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display (Mid 2017)

Model A1419 / EMC 3070 / Mid 2017 / 3.4, 3.5 or 3.8 GHz Core i5 or 4.2 GHz Core i7 Kaby Lake Processor (ID iMac18,3) / Retina 5K display. Refer to the older iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display (Late 2014 & 2015) guides as the system is very similar.

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Chris @deepdevil

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crwdns2893826:0crwdne2893826:0: Mha 17, 2017

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Will mid 2017 iMac 5K get dust in the screen like the previous models？

I know this problem usually takes over 1 year to show up and it's hard to tell at this moment.

So if there's no one can answer this question right now, I'll just leave this question here and if someone have the same concern later, maybe there will be a answer then.

(Maybe I'll answer this question myself then)

This is case shows all 300 imac (2015 version) have dust in their screens.

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I have the same dust issue with an iMac Pro. Screen replaced twice by Apple

crwdns2893770:0Kul 28, 2021crwdnd2893770:0 James Paulley crwdne2893770:0

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Dan @danj

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crwdns2893826:0crwdne2893826:0: Mha 17, 2017

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Technically none of the 'Thin Series' from 2012 onwards have this issue unlike the 2011 and back have a dust issue.

But! Apple has had a few bumps with the display makers with insects caught in the sealed sandwich.

The first versions had a small weep hole so the atmospheric pressure could be equalized which maybe how the little guys got in. The newer models have a more breathable foam which should be better unless the insect bores its way though.

I suspect the newest infestation was the foam tape was not properly sealed so sitting on the shelf the insects made a home only to discover to be on the inside surface of a sealed space.

In any case Apple has been good in replacing displays which have evidence of insect infestation.

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Hi Dan!

Thanks for your respond.

But I think the thin series are still have the dust problems.

I'm sure about that for 2 reasons:

1, I've checked some forums and all of them have users complain about that (Including 2014 models to 2016 models )

2, I've checked 2 local mac stores nearby and their display machines are also have dust in the corner of their screens.

crwdns2893770:0Mha 17, 2017crwdnd2893770:0 Chris crwdne2893770:0

I think you are reading about the older iMac's. Really, just not an issue in the newer series. I haven't seen any newer iMac system with a dust issue.

Now with that said I have seen persistence burn issues which can look like dust! My own 2011 27" system has this issue.

I have not seen it with the newer models but it could happen if you set the brightness high and have a background image that never changes.

The chemistry of the liquid crystal material has improved over the years which is why I doubt this is as big a problem as it was in the older 2011 model and older. I should point out any LCD display would face the same problem as a static image is the hardest for any display to handle, CRT's, Plasma, OLED and even micro LED displays will have issues too.

crwdns2893770:0Mha 17, 2017crwdnd2893770:0 Dan crwdne2893770:0

I've updated the question, the pics and video should be available in the question now.

crwdns2893770:0Mha 17, 2017crwdnd2893770:0 Chris crwdne2893770:0

@deepdevil - Chris, I'm sure all of these systems have Persistence Burn! Not Dust! Given the environment as a computer cafe I think you'll find they had a static welcome page image which had burnt into the screen. I can understand why this guy is angry and wanted to call attention to it. I should point out a dust problem wouldn't settle in the corners the weep hole in the first version 2012 screens was smack in the middle on the bottom edge. You would have seen a fanout from there.

Here's some more:

- Avoiding image persistence on Apple displays

- Screen burn-in

- How to fix ghosting problem

crwdns2893770:0Mha 18, 2017crwdnd2893770:0 Dan crwdne2893770:0

I have 2014 5K model, had replaced screen because of dust 3 times during extended warranty. Just like that, so probably it is still an issue. Cheers.

crwdns2893770:0Dzi 10, 2018crwdnd2893770:0 Treku crwdne2893770:0

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I have the same dust issue with an iMac Pro. Screen replaced twice by Apple — James Paulley
Hi Dan!

Thanks for your respond.

But I think the thin series are still have the dust problems.

I'm sure about that for 2 reasons:

1, I've checked some forums and all of them have users complain about that (Including 2014 models to 2016 models )

2, I've checked 2 local mac stores nearby and their display machines are also have dust in the corner of their screens. — Chris
I think you are reading about the older iMac's. Really, just not an issue in the newer series. I haven't seen any newer iMac system with a dust issue.

Now with that said I have seen persistence burn issues which can look like dust! My own 2011 27" system has this issue.

I have not seen it with the newer models but it could happen if you set the brightness high and have a background image that never changes.

The chemistry of the liquid crystal material has improved over the years which is why I doubt this is as big a problem as it was in the older 2011 model and older. I should point out any LCD display would face the same problem as a static image is the hardest for any display to handle, CRT's, Plasma, OLED and even micro LED displays will have issues too. — Dan
I've updated the question, the pics and video should be available in the question now. — Chris
@deepdevil - Chris, I'm sure all of these systems have Persistence Burn! Not Dust! Given the environment as a computer cafe I think you'll find they had a static welcome page image which had burnt into the screen. I can understand why this guy is angry and wanted to call attention to it. I should point out a dust problem wouldn't settle in the corners the weep hole in the first version 2012 screens was smack in the middle on the bottom edge. You would have seen a fanout from there.

Here's some more:

- Avoiding image persistence on Apple displays

- Screen burn-in

- How to fix ghosting problem — Dan
I have 2014 5K model, had replaced screen because of dust 3 times during extended warranty. Just like that, so probably it is still an issue. Cheers. — Treku

Mr Houdini @mrhoudini crwdns2893822:0crwdne2893822:0: 49 1 · Answer 1 · 2018-04-25T17:27:55-07:00

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Mr Houdini @mrhoudini

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crwdns2893826:0crwdne2893826:0: Dzi 25, 2018

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I have a 2017 5k iMac and yes it is beginning to show dust in the bottom corners, just like in the pics, only not quite as large yet. It is not burn in!

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I should note that I had a virtual machine running that had a hung app, therefore causing fan to run at full speed, for about 12 hours.

crwdns2893770:0Nhl 15, 2018crwdnd2893770:0 Mr Houdini crwdne2893770:0

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Percival H. @percivalh crwdns2893822:0crwdne2893822:0: 121 2 1 · Answer 2 · 2019-12-17T22:49:11-07:00

Percival H. @percivalh

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crwdns2893826:0crwdne2893826:0: N'w 17, 2019

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Chimin in as the owner of an iMac. 2017 models are still susceptible from what I have gathered. My “advice” would be to try to get the screen swapped as soon as possible within the warranty or apple care period.

My understanding is that Apple is aware of that problem, and they won’t try to deny it. Many people were able to get the screen replaced — a guy an YouTube cleaned it manually, which could be another option if your mac is no longer under warranty and feel brave enough.

This is such a shame, iMacs (especially retina ones) are gorgeous, and the whole concept of having an entire computer embedded in a gorgeous screen is imho unmatched.

I am wondering if iMac pro will also be susceptible to that issue, as in a few years, they will be cheaper.

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My iMac pro has this issue. It is one year old and still under warranty. I've contacted support and scheduled and appointment for a repair. My fear is that the issue will reappear in a year or so.

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Thanks Lupin!

So yeah.... fundamentally flawed design. Apple will be releasing new iMacs soon (M1), let's hope that they fixed the issue -- but if the design is the same, unlikely :(

crwdns2893770:0Kul 28, 2021crwdnd2893770:0 Percival H. crwdne2893770:0

It's been a year and a half since the screen of my iMac pro was replaced and now I have the same issue, again :(

I have been very scrupulous during this time adding a cover on it every time it was not in use and cleaning the desk regularly.

All useless. Now I have to bring it in again for repair and it is no longer under warranty...

Such a shame.

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William Vaughan @williamvau92094 crwdns2893822:0crwdne2893822:0: 33 5 2 · Answer 3 · 2018-11-30T08:28:36-07:00

William Vaughan @williamvau92094

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crwdns2893826:0crwdne2893826:0: Huk 30, 2018

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I've owned 4 iMacs in the last 13 years, and they all (except my current 2017 model) had fan noise / overheating issues after 2-3 years, which is why I replaced them. I never noticed the screen issues, but will pay more attention with my 2017 model. If it starts having problems in the next year or two, I may no longer buy iMacs.

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Fan & overheating is a sign of dust build-up! You may want to look at your surroundings where your system is located. Do you have pets? Old carpeting or rugs which are shedding? Lots of dust in the air? All of which can get into your system.

You may need to work on a deep clean of your systems internals.

crwdns2893770:0Huk 30, 2018crwdnd2893770:0 Dan crwdne2893770:0

Yes, I have a dog and am aware of possible hair issues over time, but none of my PC laptops and prior desktops have been an issue, as they are all easily vacuumed when necessary. My main complaint with the iMac is that it is overly complicated to clean them without removing the screen, which is a real hassle. Discussion has occurred on MacRumors about why Apple doesn't incorporate some sort of easily removable panel on the back of the machine for easily blowing/vacuuming the internals. Perhaps such a solution could be made available to add/replace memory modules or disks as well.

crwdns2893770:0N'w 7, 2018crwdnd2893770:0 William Vaughan crwdne2893770:0

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