Apple launched a replacement program for some iPhone 5 models affected by a sleep/wake button problem. The company said it would replace the mechanism for free on qualifying iPhone models, which include devices manufactured through March of 2013, whether or not they are out of warranty.
"Apple today launched a program to replace the sleep/wake button on a small percentage of iPhone 5 models where the button may stop working or work intermittently," Apple said in a statement given to The Loop, which first reported the program. "Apple will offer the service free of charge to iPhone 5 customers with models that exhibit this issue and have a qualifying serial number."
On the replacement program website, Apple wrote:
Apple has determined that the sleep/wake button mechanism on a small percentage of iPhone 5 models may stop working or work intermittently. iPhone 5 models manufactured through March 2013 may be affected by this issue.
Apple will replace the sleep/wake button mechanism, free of charge, on iPhone 5 models that exhibit this issue and have a qualifying serial number.
The company has a serial number checker on the webpage. If your device does qualify, you can bring it into a "participating provider," an Apple Store, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also choose to mail it in—Apple will send you a postage-paid box for this purpose.
All of the steps needed are explained on the recall site.
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