Apple announces free repair for iPhone 14 Plus but there’s a catch

Apple has announced it will fix iPhone 14 Plus devices for free, but the condition for the eligibility requires them to have a specific hardware issue. In a post on its service programme page, Apple said it would offer free repair for iPhone 14 Plus models with faulty rear cameras, showing no preview. Those who have already paid to have this issue fixed at one of Apple’s Authorised Service Providers will be eligible for a refund.

Checking whether an iPhone 14 Plus unit has faulty cameras is easy. The service programme page lets users enter the serial number of their iPhone 14 Plus to find out their eligibility. “Apple has determined that the rear camera on a very small percentage of iPhone 14 Plus devices may exhibit no preview. Affected devices were manufactured between April 10, 2023 to April 28, 2024,” said the company on the program page.

All the affected iPhone 14 Plus models are likely not showing a preview in the camera app. While the reason is unclear, Apple has confirmed that the problem is serious. The new service programme applies to all iPhone 14 Plus users worldwide. If a user has been facing the issue on their iPhone 14 Plus, they can take it to the nearest Apple Authorised Service Provider and get it fixed at no cost. Those who have paid to get it fixed can contact the store or Apple for a refund.

The announcement comes days after the launch of Apple’s new Mac portfolio, entirely powered by the M4 chip. The company unveiled the 2024 versions of the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro. The iMac uses the standard M4 chip, while the Mac mini and MacBook Pro have higher variants with M4 Pro and M4 Pro/M4 Max chips, respectively. The new models also have other improvements, such as a 12MP Centre Stage on the iMac and MacBook Pro and the smallest size of the Mac mini for the first time in years. The new iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro now also have 16GB of unified memory on their entry-level variants.

The 2024 editions of the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro are up for pre-orders in India and will go on sale starting November 8.