ReplacementProgram
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GPU replacement program announced for 2011 iMacs, Apple to offer refunds for previous service
Remember the 2011 iMac's HDD replacement program? It seems like the machine thought it was time for an encore. Apple recently announced that 27-inch iMacs sold between May 2011 and October 2012 may be eligible for a free repair, citing faulty AMD Radeon HD 6970M GPUs (you can find the official statement after the break). The issue specifically affects machines with 3.1GHz Core-i5 and 3.4GHz Core-i7 processors, and can cause visual distortions, white or blue vertical lines or a solid black display. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is also issuing refunds to customers who paid to have the GPU fixed before the program was announced. Fair enough if you're on a budget, but we won't blame you if you use the issue as an excuse to upgrade.
Apple begins graphic card replacement program for mid-2011 27-inch iMac
Apple has begun a graphics card replacement program for the 27-inch mid-2011 iMac, reports 9to5Mac. The news comes from a leaked memo issued to some Apple Support employees. The models in question first went on sale in May 2011 and were sold until October 2012. The program only affects 27-inch iMacs with 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 or 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processors. Those models include Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt ports and, according to Apple, a AMD Radeon HD 6970M card that could fail. From the leaked memo: Apple has determined that some AMD Radeon HD 6970M video cards used in 27-inch iMac computers with 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 or 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processors may fail, causing the computer's display to appear distorted, white or blue with vertical lines, or to turn black. iMac computers with affected video cards were sold between May 2011 and October 2012. The last four digits of affected models must include DPM1, DPM2, DPNV, DNY0, DRVP, DY6F, F610, DHJQ, DHJW, DL8Q, DNGH, DNJ9, or DMW8 to qualify for the replacement program. Affected units will have their graphics card replaced for free for up to a period of three years after first purchase and anyone who has previously paid for a new graphics card in an affected model will have their purchase refunded.
Apple Korea to replace iPads, iPods to comply with regulations
Apple changed its after-sales policy in Korea and is now offering a "best in the world" replacement plan for Korean customers with defective products, according to a report in The Korea Herald. In compliance with its global return policy, Apple previously replaced a defective product with a refurbished one. Now, the company has a new set of standards in Korea that will provide customers with a new unit when a defective product is returned within 30 days of purchase. Apple started replacing defective iPhones with new units back in October 2011 and recently said it will apply the same policy to the rest of its products, except the iMac. The change was prompted by a bill that went into effect on April 1. The bill requires companies to adhere to the country's stringent after-sales policy or state on the product packaging what terms the consumer loses when it buys a product that does not comply. [Via The Next Web]
Apple reportedly swapping recalled iPod nanos for 6G counterparts; you have yours?
It's been a few weeks since Apple's issued a worldwide recall on a number of its first-gen iPod nanos at risk for becoming uncomfortably hot under the collar. Evidently, many folks who've sent their devices into AppleCare to get swapped are finding that they've being treated with an upgrade to the current sixth-gen variant. Lovers of click wheels may view its square, touchscreen shell as folly, but hey, its hard to fuss over owning latest there is, right? The replacement program is still ongoing, so if you haven't checked to see if your nano qualifies, hit up the "more coverage" link below to find out. Already got yours back? Let us know your mileage in comments! [Thanks, Scott]
Apple is replacing first gen iPod nanos due to faulty batteries
After offering to swap out a few faulty first gen iPod nanos in Korea back in 2009, it appears Apple has finally seen fit to get them out of owner's pockets here in the US (update: worldwide) too. An email just sent to registered owners (included after the break) and notice posted on its replacement program site inform users the affected units were sold between September 2005 and December 2006. If you have one (seriously, yours still works?), stop using it right now and fill out the form at the link below to order a free replacement unit. The main inconvenience -- other than finding out you've been walking around with the possibility of a "rare case" of overheating taking place in your skinny jeans -- is an anticipated six-week lag between Apple receiving the old unit and shipping you out a replacement. The reason given for waiting so long to replace them is that when it comes to this issue "the likelihood increases as the battery ages"; that, and it's finally too late for you to run out and get a Zune. No word yet on which models will be sent out as replacements, but if yours is personalized, then sorry -- no inscriptions available. [Thanks, Paul & Jordan]
Apple initiates replacement program for 'small number' of iMacs with 1TB Seagate HDDs
Did you pick up a new iMac between May and July 2011 sporting a 1TB Seagate HDD? You should probably know that the platter might be of the prone to failing variety. No worries though, Apple's announced it'll replace potentially faulty drives at no cost to keep ya smiling, and your fixed disk a-spinnin'. Owners of registered rigs at risk are being notified via email, but if you skipped that form you can check the serial number on Camp Cupertino's website (linked below). After confirming that the machine's eligible, you'll be able to drop it off at an Apple Store or authorized service center for the swap. It's also suggested that you back up the drive prior to bringing it down; at the very least, it's an excuse to make use of that Thunderbolt port, right?
Apple launches Headphones with Remote Replacement Program
Apple has launched a replacement program for third-generation iPod shuffle headphones with remote controls that exhibit performance problems. The symptoms of the issues, which have led to some lengthy discussions in Apple's Support Forum, include controls that are non-responsive or work intermittently, unexpected volume increase or decrease, and unexpected playing of voice feedback. The serial number ranges of the iPod shuffle with the affected headphones are xx909xxxxxx to xx952xxxxxx and xx001xxxxxx to xx004xxxxxx. A very small percentage of iPod shuffle owners have experienced the problems, according to Apple. The issue is apparently limited to headphones that were included with the 3rd gen iPod shuffle made between approximately February 2009 and February 2010. Apple also notes that any Apple earphones with built-in remote, like the ones that ship with the iPhone, are covered under this replacement program as well. Full details on the replacement program, including how to locate your serial number and the steps to go through to obtain your new headphones, are on the Apple Headphones with Remote Replacement Program page. Thanks to reader Michael B. for the tip.
Sony to begin global "battery replacement" program
We're still scrounging for more info, but we've just been alerted to the fact that Sony, the mothership of all of these battery problems, is going to begin a global replacement program. As surely those of you who've been following along already know, Sony's batteries have been at the heart of this explosive saga that has already claimed IBM / Lenovo, Dell, Apple, Panasonic and Toshiba as victims. It appears, however, that because Sony makes the internal components to each of these batteries but not the actual computer-specific housing that finishes them, the company is putting the onus of recalling and replacing the bad batteries on OEMs "that choose to participate regarding the quantity and scheduling of replacement battery packs." Well, at least ol' Sony is finally going public with the scope of the problem, and no longer trying to just put the whole mess behind it in favor of pushing those PS3s out the door.
