Apple Service Programs: The Complete Guide (2023)
Learn more about the Apple Service/Repair/Replacement Program:
- Repair/replacement services are limited to certain regions.
- The service program is not an extension of your warranty program unless you choose to.
- To claim a service program for some products, you must verify that the product has not been physically damaged.
It’s undeniable that Apple sets high standards to maintain the quality of its products. However, despite all the measures, some users may still receive devices with factory defects. To err is human, and even giant brands are not immune from it.
Fortunately, the fruit company is not inclined to admit their mistakes and will be ready to help you solve the problem. However, how can you check if there is a problem with your iPhone, Mac, or any other Apple device? And what support programs does the brand offer? All of these questions are answered in this detailed guide to Apple’s service programs.
How to check your device for eligibility
Luckily, Apple has listed fairly simple eligibility criteria for the Apple Service Program.
If you have the serial number of the device
- Visit the official Apple Service Programs website on your iPhone or Mac.
- Select the service associated with your Apple device.
- Enter the serial number of the device.
- If your device meets the requirements, you will see what to do next. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Contact Apple Support
If you don’t see this option, or if it shows you don’t qualify, your best bet is to contact Apple Support or visit your nearest Apple Store to see if you can get more help with a repair or replacement.
Apple’s current feedback and service programs
At the time of publication, these are service programs offered by Apple.
1. Apple Watch Series 6 Utility Tool to Solve Blank Screen Problem
If your 40mm Apple Watch Series 6 was manufactured between April 2021 and September 2021, chances are it will be blank forever. If it is constantly empty, quickly follow the link given below to use the Apple Repair Program where you can get a free service.
You can use this free service two years after the first retail sale of the device.
2. iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Service Program to Fix Audio Issues
No sound for calls on your iPhone? This may be due to a component failure in the receiver module. If your iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro were manufactured between October 2020 and April 2021, you can request free service for your device.
You will be eligible for this repair program three years from the date of purchase.
Note. This Apple maintenance program is only valid for iPhone 12 and 12 Pro during the specified period. This means it does not apply to iPhone 12 mini, 12 Pro Max, or other iPhones released before and after.
3. iPhone 11 display module replacement program for touch screen problems.
The iPhone 11 has been widely criticized for its use of an LCD display, and you know what? Devices manufactured between November 2019 and May 2020 may have issues. The display may not respond to touch. If you are experiencing the same problem, check if your device can benefit from the Apple iPhone Display Replacement Program.
You need to make sure your screen is not cracked. If so, you must replace it to claim the offer within two years of the device being first sold.
4. AirPods Pro Tool for Sound Problems
If you’re experiencing problems with crackling, quiet sound, or ANC not working, and if it’s manufactured before October 2020, it may need service at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You will be able to file a claim within 3 years from the date of the first purchase of the product.
5. iPad Air (3rd generation) utility to fix blank screen issue
For iPads released between March 2019 and October 2019, there may be a chance that the display will permanently dim. There may be a brief flicker or flash before the screen goes completely blank.
In this case, you can check eligibility and even request a free service within 2 years of the first sale. Keep in mind that you can only claim this for the 3rd generation iPad.
6. Smart Battery Case Replacement Program for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
Let’s say you have a smart battery case manufactured between January 2019 and October 2019 for an iPhone XS, XS Max, or iPhone XR. If it does not charge or charges intermittently when plugged in, you may be eligible for a free replacement.
You can claim a free replacement of the Smart Battery Case within 2 years of the first retail sale of the device. Don’t worry. Replacement battery cases will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
7. iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus Service Program for Power Problems
Apple has discovered that a limited number of iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices manufactured between October 2018 and August 2019 are unable to consume power due to a component failure. As a result, Apple is offering free repairs that can be claimed for 2 years after the device is first sold at retail.
If the device has any issues that prevent repair, such as a cracked screen, you will need to resolve these before sending it in for a free repair.
8. Multi-Touch Recovery Software for iPhone 6 Plus
This recovery program is designed for iPhone Plus that has display flickering or multi-touch issues. You can have these devices repaired at an Apple Authorized Service Provider for a fee of $149, as long as the display doesn’t show any other cracks or breakage.
Additionally, Apple will later refund the difference between the original repair cost and the $149. If you paid for a repair that you think was related to this issue, but you haven’t been contacted, contact Apple. This program will be available 5 years after the first sale of the device.
9. 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program
The 15-inch MacBook Pros manufactured and sold between September 2015 and February 2017 are notorious for overheating and being a fire safety hazard. However, regardless of the date of sale, you can check and see if it qualifies for a free battery replacement.
You must verify your MacBook model before you qualify for the replacement program.
10. Keyboard Maintenance Program for MacBook, Air and Pro
While we all enjoy a great keyboard on our MacBook, there was a time when many users reported that the MacBook keyboard was not working. Since the problems arose in large volume, Apple soon fixed them and offered a keyboard or key replacement program that shows the following problems:
- Letters/characters repeat unexpectedly or do not appear
- Keys feel “sticky”or do not respond properly.
You can apply for this replacement program if you encounter similar issues on any of the following MacBooks:
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015 and 2016)
- MacBook (Retina 12″2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018 and 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 2017, and 2019 with two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch 2016 and 2017 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016 and 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018 and 2019 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018 and 2019)
This program will be available for 4 years from the date of the first sale of any of the MacBooks mentioned above.
11. Three-prong AC wall outlet adapter recall program.
Apple has often shocked the world with its products, but one product really shocked customers. Of course, I’m talking about the Apple 3-pin AC adapter available for the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong markets.
This wall outlet adapter came with select Apple products from 2003 to 2010 and was sold separately. Thankfully, Apple recognized the design flaw and announced a recall program 10 years after the initial release (smirk).
If you have this plug, you can go to your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Support to exchange and receive a new wall jack adapter free of charge. This program may also be useful to users in Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina and Brazil.
You can exchange this adapter for a new one if you feel comfortable, but I advise you to get a new one as soon as possible to avoid electric shock.
12. Apple AC Dual Plug Replacement Program.
In addition to the three-prong AC adapter, Apple’s two-prong AC adapters designed for use in continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina, and Brazil are also known to cause electric shock when touched.
If you have the same travel adapter, your best bet is to visit your local Apple Authorized Service Center and exchange it for a new, more secure adapter.
13. Apple 5W USB Power Adapter Replacement Program.
The Apple 5W USB Power Adapter shipped with iPhone 3GS, 4, and 4S from October 2009 to September 2012 may overheat and present a safety hazard. You can take advantage of this program if you are from any of these regions:
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Chech republic
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
14. iPhone X display module replacement program for touch screen problems.
The iPhone X was a revolutionary device from Apple that completely changed the industry. While the device has caused quite a buzz in the industry due to its unique design and display, it has also given some people unpleasant sensations such as no response to touch or a ghostly touch.
The cause may be a defective display module component. If you encounter similar problems, you can easily replace the display module at an authorized service center free of charge.
Before shipping the device, make sure that the device display does not have any other cracks or internal component failures that could affect the process. You can qualify for this program for 3 years on your first device sale.
15. Beats Pill XL speaker recall program
Apple also has a Beats product recall program. Beats Pill XL speakers can overheat and pose a fire safety hazard. It has been sold worldwide since January 2014 by Beats, Apple and other retailers.
Instead of a replacement, the brand offered to recall the product. If you own a Beats Pill XL speaker, the brand has asked users to stop using it and fill out a form to return it to Apple. In return, you’ll receive an Apple Store credit or electronic payment of $325, or the approximate equivalent in your local currency.
Once users are deemed eligible, Apple will send you a paid postage box to return the Pill XL speaker. Once received, you’ll receive an Apple Store credit or digital payment within 3 weeks.
FAQ
The cost of repairs depends on the conditions associated with the repair programs. Sometimes users are required to pay small fees or even pay for the entire repair, of which Apple can refund a certain amount to users.
If you subscribe to Apple Care+, you get theft and loss protection that gives users a replacement if their iPhone is lost.
Have peace of mind ?
Apple has always been known for its high quality standards, but programs like this prove that no one can be completely perfect. Luckily, even Apple knows the same thing and ensures that any customer who receives a product with quality issues is entitled to a fix.
In addition to these programs, for which products do you think Apple should introduce its service program? Let us know in the comments ?
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