As you can see in the YouTube video posted below, Apple really needed to fix the sleep/wake button fault in its iPhone 5 handsets or risk having too many annoyed users aiming at its reputation. Already, a simple Google search as well as the company’s support forum will reveal complaints that have been made by customers since 2012.
So we’re not sure why it’s only now that the brand has come forward with the proposition. The faulty sleep/button key is said to affect iPhone 5 units that were manufactured in March 2013. As you can see in the video, it seems to be acting erratically by not always responding to the user pressing down on it.
If you’re not sure whether your iOS smartphone qualifies for the free repair offer, you can type the serial number of the device into the box provided on this Apple support page and click on Submit. For those of you who don’t know how to find the serial number, simply tap Settings, then choose General and finally, About.
In iOS 6 or higher versions of the OS, you can tap and hold the serial number, IMEI/MEID or ICCID in order to be presented with the copy option. If the handset is eligible for the deal, then Apple will replace the sleep/wake button mechanism without asking you to cough up anything for it.
But if you’ve got a cracked screen, you’ll need to pay for fixing this first and then the company will tend to the power key problem. Owners with an affected device can take it directly to an Apple Store or authorized retailer to have it mended, or send it in via mail. You have the option to ask for a 16GB capacity iPhone 5 on loan while it is being serviced.
Apple has thrown open its free repair program for the sleep/wake button of the iPhone 5 in the US and Canada. It will roll out to other countries on May 2, 2014.