Some iPhone X smartphones and MacBook Pro laptops have defects that are impeding their use. Find out which models are affected and how you can get the defects fixed at no charge.
On November 8, 2018, Apple announced the creation of a program to replace a defective component in certain iPhone X smartphones. Apple found that a component in the display module has been failing in some of these phones, causing the following problems:
- Part or all of the phone’s display does not respond when touched or it responds intermittently
- The display sometimes reacts even though it was not touched
On the same day, Apple also announced the creation of a program to fix a defect in certain 13-inch MacBook Pro laptops. Apple found that the solid-state drives (SSDs) in some of these laptops are experiencing an issue that leads to data loss and drive failure.
If you have encountered these problems in your iPhone X or MacBook Pro device, you might want to look into these programs. Apple will fix the problem free of charge if your device is involved in one of the recalls.
The iPhone X Display Module Replacement Program
To find out whether your smartphone is part of the iPhone X display module replacement program, you need to have it examined by an authorized representative. Before having it checked, though, you should back up your phone to iTunes or iCloud.
You can take your phone to an Apple retail store or an Apple-authorized service provider for examination. Alternatively, you can mail it to the Apple Repair Center. You have up to three years from when you purchased your phone to have it examined for this defect. If you already replaced your display module because of this flaw, you can ask Apple for a refund.
The MacBook Pro SSD Service Program
The 13-inch MacBook Pro laptops involved in the MacBook Pro SSD service program have 128 gigabyte (GB) and 256 GB solid-state drives. These laptops do not have a Touch Bar and were sold between June 2017 and June 2018.
You can easily check to see whether your MacBook Pro laptop is part of the recall. Turn on your laptop and follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen and select “About This Mac”.
- Check to see if your model is listed as “MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)” on the “Overview” tab of the window that appears. If so, go to step 3. If a different model is listed, your laptop is not part of the recall.
- Obtain your laptop’s serial number, which will also be listed on the “Overview” tab.
- Go to the MacBook Pro SSD service program web page that Apple set up.
- Enter the serial number in the box provided.
- Click the “Submit” button.
If your laptop is part of the recall, Apple will fix the SSD problem by updating your drive firmware. You can have this update done at an Apple retail store or through an Apple-authorized service provider. Alternatively, you can mail your laptop to the Apple Repair Center. (If you already paid to have your drive firmware updated because of this issue, you can ask Apple for a refund.)
Before you get your laptop fixed, it is crucial that you back up all the data on it because the SSD will be erased during the repair process. When you get your laptop back, you will need to restore your data from that backup. If you need assistance performing the backup or restoring it, give us a call.