In case your iPhone 12’s earpiece failed, Apple may repair it free of charge

Apple has introduced a service program to repair failing receivers on iPhone 12 and 12 Professionals (by way of 9to5Mac). The corporate says that non-Mini or Max telephones made between October 2020 and April 2021 might have a difficulty the place no sound comes out of the earpiece when making or receiving calls, and that it’ll repair the problem free of charge as a part of the brand new program. Based on Apple, the issue is brought on by a element within the receiver module failing.

Apple’s web page says that solely a “very small proportion” of units could also be affected. Whereas it may be laborious to inform what Apple means by “small proportion” (it infamously used the phrase when describing the variety of butterfly keyboards that skilled points), it doesn’t seem that the earpiece subject is widespread — trying to find reviews of failing receivers on Reddit or Twitter solely turned up just a few complaints.

Nonetheless, for these with these telephones, it’s good to know that in case your earpiece begins to go you’ll have some recourse. Whereas all iPhone 12s are nonetheless underneath Apple’s one yr guarantee, the service program covers units for 2 years after buy, giving your earpiece an additional yr of protection. There’s one factor to notice in the event you’ve obtained this drawback and wish to ship your telephone in, although: Apple says that in case your display is cracked, it’ll should be fastened earlier than it’ll perform the receiver restore. Whereas the earpiece repair received’t price you something, the display injury restore may, so simply remember.

Apple additionally says that telephones “can be examined previous to any service” to verify they’re eligible for this system. This possible signifies that you received’t be getting a free repair in the event you’re like me and broke your telephone’s receiver by unintentionally spilling boiling scorching pickling liquid into it. C’est la vie.