| Cult of Mac

Apple makes no profit from Mac or iPhone repairs

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independent repair program
Apple will still fix your iPhone, even if you take it to an unauthorized repair shop first.
Photo: Apple

Apple told the US Congress that it doesn’t profit from making repairs to iPhones or Macs.

And it defended its practice of only selling genuine Apple parts to companies that have technicians trained to install them.

Got an Apple Watch 3 in need of repair? You could get a free upgrade

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Save big on the Apple Watch Series 3
Get your Apple Watch for under $200.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If you have an Apple Watch Series 3 in need of repair, there’s a chance Apple will upgrade it to a Series 4 model at no extra cost.

Apple has given retail staff and Authorized Service Providers permission to give out newer units in some cases because Series 3 devices are in short supply. It’s not yet clear if this is a permanent or temporary move.

MacBook Pro 2017 suffers from SSD/logic board problem

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MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar
If the SDD in a 2017 MacBook Pro fails, the logic board needs to be replaced, and vice versa.
Photo: Apple

The 13-inch Touch Bar-less MacBook Pro 2017 has a problem that requires the solid state drive and the logic board to be replaced if either one fails. 

This warning comes from Apple, who notified its stores and authorized repair providers of the issue.

iOS 11.3 breaks some iPhone 7 microphones

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iPhone-7
How’s your iPhone 7 mic after updating to iOS 11.3?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s recent software updates have broken some iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus microphones.

Users report that they cannot be heard during calls since updating to iOS 11.3 or later. Apple has advised Authortized Service Providers that they can initiate repairs if necessary — even on devices that are no longer covered by a warranty.

Apple pilots U.S. repair program for 2011 iMac

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The 2009 unibody iMac proved a watershed design for Jony Ive and Apple.
Apple went all-in on unibody design in 2009.
Photo: Apple

Apple is launching a pilot repair program in the U.S. for iMac models released in mid-2011.

The machines will be classified as “vintage” next month, but for a short time, Apple will allow its stores and Authorised Service Providers to continue carrying out repairs.

Apple will no longer repair or service your sixth-gen iPod nano

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iPod nano
Don't ask Apple to fix your broken sixth-gen iPod nano.
Photo: Apple

Apple is no longer providing repairs or service for the sixth-generation iPod nano.

The device was added to the company’s list of vintage and obsolete products on August 30, and a memo distributed to Apple stores and Authorized Service Providers confirms that repairs are no longer being carried out… unless you live in California.

A faulty first-gen Apple Watch could get you a free upgrade

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Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 3 will look exactly the same as its predecessors.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

If you have a first-generation Apple Watch that’s faulty, you could bag a free upgrade when you take it to the Apple store.

Employees and Authorized Service Providers in some countries have been given authorization to replace original models with Apple Watch Series 1 units, but only certain variants are eligible.

Apple will make four more Macs obsolete at end of 2016

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Mac App Store
It's time to upgrade.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If you own a Mac that was made between 2009 to 2011 it is about to become officially obsolete.

Apple plans to no longer offer support for two MacBook Pros, a Mac mini and MacBook, according to a new report that reveals the devices are set to join the long list of vintage Apple products.