How can I find a replacement screen for my iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)?

Question

How can I find a replacement screen for my iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)?

After a 10 year wait I finally repaired the hinge on my Late 2012 i27. I cracked screen years ago attempting to remove it. I am now in need of a screen. I have everything in place and all powers up ok. BUT I need a screen. The old one was thrown away a good while ago because of the glass shards. I have the original box as I bought it new. can I identify the correct screen from this info on the specification label serial number etc. It is the thin edged model bonded screen and taped onto the chassis. didn't know then it was such a complicated issue!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 27″

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 2:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

dialabrain

Level 10

133,145 points

Jul 15, 2025 3:56 AM in response to grannysmith_25

FWIW, the replacement display for a 27" 2012 iMac stopped being manufactured years ago. Your only hope is to find a pre-owned one on ebay, etc. I don't know that I would trust that option. A replacement Mac would make more sense.

Reply

Answer 2

Jul 15, 2025 11:03 AM in response to grannysmith_25

Great news, I have hopefully solved my problem. I phoned Apple UK. quoted my serial number and other codes off the original box. They still are available from Apple NEW, I chose to buy a new one from a UK seller a bit cheaper. it arrives tomorrow 16/07/25

For anyone else looking for a late 2012 A1419 screen.

The code/part number is: 661-7169

or as a back up. 661-7885 is also compatible but the 661-7169 I am assured is the best fit.

Moral of the story is, don't throw any parts away without writing any numbers down first. I never!!

Thanks to everyone for looking and commenting. My problem is now solved pending this one is o.k.

Reply

Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

213,485 points

Jul 15, 2025 11:02 AM in response to grannysmith_25

Is this a "project'' iMac or your primary Mac?

If it's the latter I just scanned eBay.com for a 27" screen for a 2012 A1419 iMac and they run from $80 to $456. Have no idea why the difference. If you have to get the higher priced one that's 46% of a new M4 Mac Mini.

For reference today a 10 Core Mac Mini M4 with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD ($999 + tax) with a 27" LG 4k monitor ($250 + tax) is $1249 + tax which is $560 less than a similarly configured new 24" iMac ($1799 + tax) re 07/2025.

If it's a project iMac be advised that the latest system it can run is Catalina 10.15 and getting that system may be difficult.

A 2012 iMac is 13 years old and in computer years is older than me. It should be given a rousing Irish wake and recycled (not me - the iMac).

Just some food for thought.

Reply

Answer 4

Rudegar

Level 10

178,110 points

Jul 16, 2025 3:37 AM in response to grannysmith_25

the newst version of macOS that imac will run is Catalina macos 10.15

there are 5 newer versions to the latest which your imac will not be able to be updated to

this mean many apps in app store and also from other sources will not run on the mac (like anything microsoft office and many web browsers)

would be a shame to use a lot of time and effort to make the imac up and running only to realise that it will not forfill your computer needs

Reply

Answer 5

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,337 points

Jul 15, 2025 7:37 AM in response to grannysmith_25

I agree with dialabrain. eBay has all kinds of 27" iMacs listed at low prices.

Reply

Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

87,550 points

Jul 15, 2025 8:46 AM in response to grannysmith_25

I agree with dialabrain and tbirdvet.

Even on E-Bay, a replacement screen will cost more than the Late 2012 27" iMac is worth.

Reply