O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: defect

  • Rumor: Apple suspends contract with MacBook Air component supplier Kerson after high ball bearing defect rate noted

    Rumor: Apple suspends contract with MacBook Air component supplier Kerson after high ball bearing defect rate noted

    Apple is apparently irked at MacBook bearing supplier Kerson, has suspended its production for inspection purposes due to “quality issues,” and shifted orders to other suppliers through the end of the year.

    Per Taiwanese industry publication, the suspension came after Apple discovered a high defect rate with the supplier’s bearings for the month of August. The bearings are used in previous-generation MacBook Air models, rather than the latest models, according to the report.

    The units are not used in the current MacBook Air models, and the article offers the following explanation:

    “Industry insiders indicate that the defects were present from the beginning, but Apple only detected them during destructive testing later in the process. A subsequent full batch inspection revealed a high defect rate. Fortunately, none of the faulty products have reached the market. However, bearing defects typically take one to two years of use before becoming noticeable to consumers.”

    It is unknown exactly which component the report is referring to.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and DigiTimes

  • Apple Watch SE overheating cases surface, 10 cases noted so far

    This definitely isn’t what a company wants to hear about its product.

    Apparently a small number of Apple Watch SE devices have shipped with a defect that causes the units to malfunction and overheat. The instances initially appeared in South Korea, but the problem has begun to spread.

    There are currently a total of 10 cases wherein the Apple Watch SE has overheated. The problem seems to affect the 40mm model in multiple varieties, and reports have indicated that the Silver, Space Gray, and Nike Edition watches have overheated.

    The issue seems to be present in both the GPS and cellular varieties, and has occurred either during charging or soon after charging. After the incident, owners noted a strange yellow blotch on the screen, near the Digital Crown. At present, the issue seems to have surfaced in South Korea and the U.S.

    The problems all occurred within three days of use after unpacking, and they all have factory codes of H4 or G9. The H4 factory code is manufactured in Zhejiang, China, while G9 points to Chongqing, China.

    If your Apple Watch SE has a factory code wherein the first two letters of the serial number are H4 or G9, please be careful. Don’t wear it to bed for at least three days, and if the device feels hot, remove it and contact Apple to obtain a replacement.

    Apple has yet to make an official statement regarding the issue.

    Via The Mac Observer and @cozyplanes

  • Apple faces class action lawsuit regarding 2016 MacBook Pro “Flexgate” defect

    If you’re irate about technical difficulties with your 2016 MacBook Pro notebook, there could be some justice down the line.

    Apple is on the receiving end of a nationwide, class action lawsuit over a defect in the 2016 MacBook Pro notebooks. The suit, nicknamed “Flexgate,” is represented by Mahan Taleshpour et al. v. Apple, Inc., United States District Court Northern District of California, Case No. Case 5:20-cv-03122-VKD. 

    The suit, which has been filed in the Northern District of California, claims that Apple knew about the defect in the MacBooks and concealed it from customers. The defect involves a thin, flexible cable that rubbed against internal hardware components every time these models are opened and closed.

    Per the complaint, Apple apparently sold customers an extended warranty plan that only covered part of the repair cost, the repair program allegedly failing to fix a large number of these MacBooks. Lead plaintiff Mahan Taleshpour, who purchased a 2016 MacBook Pro for about $2,500 in April 2017, noted that the screen began to fail in January 2020. He brought it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider who told him AppleCare didn’t cover the repair and would cost US$850.

    PARRIS Law Firm attorney R. Rex Parris:

    Imagine spending more than $2,500 on a laptop only for it to fail shortly after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. What’s even more appalling is Apple requiring customers to spend an additional $600 to $850 to replace the screen.

    If you’ve seen this issue on your end, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via The Mac Observer and Parris

  • Apple quietly launches iPhone 8 Logic Board Replacement Program for qualifying iPhone 8 units

    If you’ve been having trouble with your iPhone 8, this might be what you’re looking for.

    Late last week, Apple quietly launched an iPhone 8 Logic Board Replacement Program. The program addresses specific models produced between September 2017 and March 2018, and includes free repair and logic board replacement.

    Via Apple:

    (more…)

  • Apple unveils AppleCare+, adds limited coverage for user-caused damage

    Always have a backup plan.

    Per AppleInsider, Apple on Tuesday introduced AppleCare+ for iPhone, a new extended warranty service that combines traditional tech support, software support, and hardware support with the addition of the company’s first accidental damage plan.

    Like the traditional $US69 version of AppleCare for iPhone that it replaces, the new US$99 AppleCare+ for iPhone extends an iPhone’s repair coverage and technical support to two years from the original purchase date but also adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to an owner’s poor handling of the device.

    Each accidental damage incident is subject to a US$49 service fee and is available only for the iPhone and its original included accessories. In turn, Apple promises that the replacement equipment it provides to customers taking advantage of the “may be new or equivalent to new in both performance and reliability” (meaning either a new iPhone or a certified refurbished one).

    AppleCare+ also bundles standard AppleCare features, such as software troubleshooting and telephone-based technical support, while also offering customers with repair needs the option for mail-in or carry-in repairs, and an express replacement service.

    iPhones that exhibit defects in materials, workmanship or see their battery charge fall by 50 percent or more from original specification, remain eligible for a replacement from Apple at no cost under the new plan. Apple also notes that customers must purchased AppleCare+ together with their new iPhone, with the safest bet being to have both items appear on the same receipt (fine print).

    For Apple, the new service marks the first time that company has offered accidental coverage for drops, spills, and other incidents caused by the owner. Previously, iPhone customers seeking full coverage of their device were left to seek out pricey third-party alternatives that sell for the same price or more.

    Replacement costs for an out-of-contract iPhone can cost hundreds to replace new or US$200 previously though Apple’s Out-of-Warranty Service.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.