We repair and upgrade the iMac 24-inch M1 (2021) at our workshop in Bermondsey, from power and start-up faults to storage upgrades and data recovery. It is a 24-inch all-in-one Mac from 2021, identified by model numbers A2438, A2439. Storage and memory are both fixed to the board, which shapes what can be upgraded and how data is recovered.
- Model numbers
- A2438, A2439
- Model identifier
- iMac21,1, iMac21,2
- Released
- 2021
- Type
- All-in-one Mac
- Screen
- 24-inch
- Storage
- Soldered to the board
- Memory
- Unified memory, part of the chip
Repairs we carry out on the iMac 24-inch M1
Screen replacement
The 24-inch panel is the front of the whole machine. We replace cracked, dark or lined panels and check the backlight circuit, because a black screen on an all-in-one is not always the panel.
Price confirmed before work starts
Storage
Storage on the iMac 24-inch M1 is soldered and cannot be upgraded. We can help with external storage, clearing space, or moving to a new machine.
Memory
Memory in the iMac 24-inch M1 is part of the Apple silicon chip and cannot be changed after purchase.
macOS reinstall and repair
We reinstall macOS, migrate data, and can revive or restore the firmware in DFU mode from a second Mac when an update has left the machine unresponsive.
We also carry out logic board repair, overheating and fan repair, macOS reinstallation on the iMac 24-inch M1, along with stand repair, no-picture and no-boot diagnosis, port repair, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card replacement and data transfer to a new PC.
Notes from the workshop
- Storage and memory are soldered on the 24-inch Apple silicon iMac, so data recovery depends on the logic board working.
- The display is bonded to the chassis with adhesive and has to be cut free to reach any internal part.
- Power comes from an external adapter, which on some configurations also carries the Ethernet port.
Data recovery from the iMac 24-inch M1
The SSD in the iMac 24-inch M1 is soldered and hardware-encrypted, so there is no drive to remove. If the Mac is dead, data recovery means repairing the logic board far enough to start it and copy the data off. If you have a Time Machine or iCloud backup, tell us, as that may be the quicker route.
Estimate the cost with our data recovery calculator, or read about recovering files after a ransomware attack.
Where the iMac 24-inch M1 sits in the range
Its nearest relatives in the iMac range are the newer iMac 24-inch M3 (2023). It is the earliest 24-inch model of the range that we list.
Questions
Can the SSD or memory in the iMac 24-inch M1 be upgraded?
The storage is soldered and cannot be upgraded. Memory is part of the chip and cannot be changed.
My iMac 24-inch M1 will not turn on. Is my data lost?
Not necessarily, but the storage is on the main board, so the board has to be repaired far enough to read it. Do not keep trying to power it on, and tell us about any backups you have.
How much does a iMac 24-inch M1 screen replacement cost?
Price confirmed before work starts. The exact figure depends on the part your machine needs, and we confirm it before any work starts.
Where do I find the model number on my Mac?
The model number, an A followed by four digits, is printed in small text on the underside. Apple menu > About This Mac shows the year. For this model, look for A2438 or A2439.