Apple is running a repair and replacement service for the third-generation iPad Air after it found that a “limited number” of devices “go blank permanently”.
The 10.5-inch tablet only went on sale in March last year, but a number of units manufactured between the initial launch date and October 2019 have been found to be faulty, with screens that may flicker or flash briefly before turning off.
The irreversible problem is isolated, but Apple deems it serious enough to announce a new program that will enable affected customers to get a new display or replacement unit without having to pay a charge.
The free service is only available to those deemed eligible, so customers will have to pop into an Apple Store, contact Apple Support, or get in touch with an authorised repair centre to see if their device fits the bill.
The repair program is also limited to the country where a customer purchased the device.
There is a two-year eligibility window from the retail date, so anyone affected should look at getting it fixed or replaced in the coming months.
The third-generation iPad Air, which was released almost five years after the iPad Air 2, is powered by the A12 Bionic processor, making it three times faster than the previous model, and is available in 64GB or 256GB storage options.
There is also a large battery that offers up to 10 hours of battery life, faster RAM memory and Bluetooth 5.0.
On its website, Apple offers more information about the program and options to expedite the repair and replacement of devices.
It says: “Choose one of the service options below to have your iPad Air serviced. Your iPad Air will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program.”