14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has issued a firmware update for 27-inch iMac models reported to have screen issues. In some cases, users reported black lines appearing on their display. Others reported flickering and other kinds of bad behavior. While it is obvious the new iMacs have some issues, Apple has failed to acknowledge them in a formal manner.
"The new iMac has been a huge hit and we are working hard to fulfill orders as quickly as possible," an Apple spokesperson told CNET as reports of screen issues were piling up on Apple’s Discussions forum. "We apologize for any inconvenience or delay this may cause our customers." Although Apple didn’t acknowledge any particular issues at the time, the Mac maker has discovered that the problems stemmed from the firmware of ATI Radeon HD 4670 and 4850 graphics cards.
On the Downloads section of its website, Apple reveals that, "[The 27-inch iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0] updates the graphics firmware on ATI Radeon HD 4670 and 4850 graphics cards to address issues that may cause image corruption or display flickering. The iMac Graphics Firmware Update will update the graphics firmware on your iMac. Do not disturb or shut off the power on your iMac during this update. Loss of power could result in your iMac failing to start up."
In usual Apple manner, an additional Support document is provided with thorough instructions on how to properly apply the new firmware update, as well as important notes for users of a 27-inch iMac. The company headquartered in Cupertino, California, seems to suggest that the firmware update may not solve everyone’s issues. "If your screen remains black after applying the updater or if you continue to experience image corruption or display flickering after successfully completing this update, contact AppleCare or an Apple Authorized Service Provider," the Mac maker explains. In such a case, Apple suggests the user might have a hardware-related problem. Download 27-inch iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0 (Free)