Apple has announced that there is a fault with some of its iPhone 11 phones that means they will stop responding to touch and has launched a program to replace affected devices. The firm says the issue is with the display module component itself. iPhone 11 owners whose devices are showing a touch issue can check to see if they are eligible to be replaced.
The iPhone 11 was released in September 2019 with an ultra-wide angle camera, the powerful A13 processor, and a U1 ultra-wideband (UWB) location and positioning chip. Despite having now been superseded by the iPhone 12, Apple’s first with 5G, the iPhone 11 remains an excellent device. However, even excellent devices can suffer from the odd fault every so often and Apple has determined that the iPhone 11’s touch issue is not an isolated one.
Specifically, the issue has been traced back to iPhone 11 devices manufactured between November 2019 and May 2020. Apple simply says that the touch functionality of the displays for some of those devices may stop working, but doesn’t go into any greater detail. It does, however, provide a serial number checker via which owners can identify whether their device is eligible for repair through the iPhone 11 Display Module Replacement Program. The program is similar to one Apple rolled out recently for rectifying a crackling or rattling noise in its AirPods Pro earbuds.
How To Check If An iPhone 11 Is Eligible
To check eligibility, iPhone 11 owners need only enter the serial number of their device into the checker on Apple’s website. The serial number can be found by navigating to ‘Settings > General > About’ on the device. For devices on which that is not possible — for example because they are suffering from the touch issue — Apple advises that the serial number can also be found by the barcode on the packaging in which it was sold or on a receipt or invoice that was issued at the time.
iPhone 11 devices that are exhibiting the issue and that have been shown to have been produced during the given time-frame will be repaired by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for free subject to a final examination when the device is presented. This is to determine if there is any damage that might need to be repaired prior to the display being serviced. The program is available worldwide for two years after the first retail sale of a device. Apple also says it may refund the cost of a repair for individuals who believe their device was affected by the issue but who have already paid to have the display fixed.
