Apple offers free fix for iPhone 14 Plus users experiencing camera issue

Apple has announced a free repair program for iPhone 14 Plus users experiencing a rare camera issue that affects select devices released between April 10, 2023 and April 28, 2024.

The issue, which Apple attributes to a manufacturing defect, prevents the rear camera from displaying a preview, rendering it unusable for affected users.

To find out if you’re eligible, go to Apple’s support page and enter your phone’s serial number. If your device qualifies, Apple will repair it for free. Additionally, if you have already paid for repairs for this particular issue, you can also request a refund.

Affected users can choose from several repair options: visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider, making an appointment at an Apple Retail Store, or arranging a repair by mail through Apple Support. Apple will test all eligible devices before starting repairs to ensure the issue meets the program’s criteria.

However, if your iPhone 14 Plus has any damage that might prevent the camera from being repaired (such as a cracked back glass), you’ll need to fix the problem first, which may incur some costs.

The repair program is valid for up to three years from the date of original purchase of iPhone 14 Plus. Apple clarifies that the program is only for a “very small percentage” of iPhone 14 Plus models and does not apply to iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, or newer devices.

This is Apple’s first free repair initiative since 2021, when the company offered repairs to iPhone 12s with a faulty earbud.