For some time now, some users have been complaining about loudspeaker problems on their iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro (test) where the other party can no longer be heard. Apple is assuming a defective component and is fixing the error free of charge as part of a new service program.
The company has announced this through support. The current iPhone 12 and its Pro version are said to be affected, but not the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max. is not known. According to Apple, it is also only a “very small percentage” of the series of smartphones generally sold to date.
The proportion of affected devices will be limited to iPhones manufactured between October 2020 and April 2021. Apple does not offer a way to determine whether your own iPhone was manufactured in the period mentioned, for example via the serial numbers. Apple says, “If your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro doesn't play any sound when you make or receive calls, it may be eligible for [the] service.”
Repair now possible
Affected customers can now contact support to arrange a mail-in service via the Apple repair center or an appointment in an Apple store. It is also possible to contact an authorized repair service (Apple Service Provider, ASP). If the iPhone 12 (Pro) shows damage on delivery that prevents the repair from being carried out, such as a cracked display, this defect must first be repaired according to Apple, which in turn can cause additional costs. In addition, users should remember to create a backup of their iPhone before handing it in.
Apple also states that the device does not necessarily have to be returned to the place for a repair it was bought – with a device purchased in the European Economic Area, this can also be returned anywhere in this. However, this does not change the standard warranty coverage.