Apple Sees Shortage of 2014 and Mid-2015 5K iMac Displays, Offers Free Repair or Discounted Upgrade

It looks like the Retina 5K display of your late-2014 and mid-2015 27-inch iMac is not getting fixed anytime soon.

That’s according to a new internal service document (via MacRumors), which explains that the Cupertino company has notified both Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers that its inventory of the aforementioned displays are on hold until sometime mid to late December.

If you’re in the unfortunate boat of those needing a new display, there are a couple of options, the first being that the repair process can continue as intended, but with a delay in place. Those who go into get their machine repaired might have to wait until the end of the year to get the machine fixed properly. But, if they are willing to wait until that period of time, then the repair is free — even if their computer is out of warranty.

If you can’t wait, however, there’s a second option on the table. If you were thinking about pulling the trigger on a new, “functionally equivalent” 2017 27-inch iMac with 5K display, you can trade in your old machine for a new model with a $600 USD discount.

According to MacRumors‘ report, the 2017 models will be Customer Replacement Units, or CRUs, although it’s still unclear whether Apple will provide refurbished or brand-new models.

It’s important to keep in mind that if the customer’s current/broken 2014 or 2015 5K iMac is still under warranty — through Apple’s standard one-year warranty or through AppleCare+ — the repair process is their only option. Both Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been instructed to not offer the $600 USD discount on a new model.

It goes without saying that any iMac with excessive damage as a result of reckless or abusive behavior is considered ineligible for repair.