Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) recently acknowledged that some iPhone 6 Plus devices may actually exhibit ‘Touch Disease’ symptoms, and has rolled out a program to help fix the “disease.”
The term ‘Touch Disease’ was coined on the internet to refer to the display flickering or Multi-Touch issues that surface after the iPhone 6 Plus undergoes stress, such as being bent several times or dropped on a hard surface.
Many iPhone 6 Plus users have in fact complained that the touchscreen will stop working entirely for several months. The issue reportedly stems from faulty chips inside the devices, according to repair site iFixit. When the iPhone 6 Plus is dropped or bent, the chips become loose.
Now, the California-based tech company has said it will repair affected iPhone 6 Plus devices for a service fee of $149 — as long as your screen isn’t cracked or broken, and the phone is in working order.
Although some iPhone 6 users have also reported the issue, Apple’s new ‘Touch Disease’ repair service, (officially named Multi-Touch Repair Program) only applies to the larger-sized iPhone 6 Plus for now.
Apple’s Multi-Touch Repair Program
According to the Support team on Apple’s official website, you must choose one of the following options prior to any service to verify that your iPhone 6 Plus is eligible for this program, and is in working order:
- Apple Authorized Service Provider – Find one here.
- Apple Retail Store – Make an appointment here.
- Apple Technical Support – Contact us.
Once your device is cleared for repair, you are advised to back up your data to iTunes or iCloud before taking it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider for the repair service.
Apple added on its website that it will also reach out to iPhone 6 Plus users who may have already paid for a service repair related to this ‘Touch Disease’ issue, either through Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to arrange reimbursement.
“The reimbursement amount will equal the difference between the price you paid for the original service to your iPhone 6 Plus and the $149 service price,” Apple wrote.
Apple’s Multi-Touch Repair Program covers affected iPhone 6 Plus devices worldwide for 5 years after the first retail sale of the unit, added the tech company.
Image: Apple
Aira Bongco
I thought it was just me. But it seems like they are not really keeping up with their name in the world of innovation.
It is too bad that they are experiencing things like this. I think that it is very important to do some testing before the launch.
At least, there is a solution for this. It just doesn’t look good for it seemed like it is a bug.
Joe
Lifetime apple user- no more. Anything widespread like this is a manufacturer glitch. Bad decision charging the consumer. Apple will lose market share by not covering this. Hello Android…
Allan
They need to cover the IPhone 6 as well. This is happening to the regular sized phone too because of similar design flaws and no underfill. All people affected please join the class action suits in your respective country. Apple needs to fix this crap.
Mena
This is ridiculous iPhones are expensive as it is without paying a fee for repair through apple that is at fault for the touch disease problem
Al Davis
My 6 plus is not working half of the time due to this ‘Touch Disease’ issue and they say I have to pay $149 PLUS ship it off for up to a week? So I should just let my business fall from not having a phone for the week? Ridiculous! ABC News should get ahold of this story and run with it. Apple is wrong for this and they know it.
Trystan
Incredible… No wonder Apple only holds FIFTEEN percent of the worldwide smartphone market. You’re going to release faulty product, then charge the customers? I’m a college student and can barely afford my rent and other expenses, and now I’m expected to shell out $149 to fix someone else’s problem.