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Will Apple replace the motherboard and antenna for free if I don't have Apple Care?
- Thread starter hajime
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If, by "design fault", you mean a hardware failure, (and not simply an opinion about what you might consider poor design) and the Mac is within the 12 months from original sale (usually 24 months in euro countries, I believe), then, yes, Apple may fix hardware failures. That's controlled by Apple's warranty, which depends on the country where you live.
Apple has been collecting information from some users with wifi and bluetooth issues. They found that they are caused by interference from the HDMI port. I read that some users got their motherboard and antenna replaced. Is this free?
You can jump to Pages 30-32 of this very long thread.
discussions.apple.com
You can jump to Pages 30-32 of this very long thread.
Mac Mini M2 wifi issues - Apple Community
Have you tried asking on that thread? I took a brief look and people mentioned bringing their minis to an Apple Store and no one that I saw has mentioned a fee.Apple has been collecting information from some users with wifi and bluetooth issues. They found that they are caused by interference from the HDMI port. I read that some users got their motherboard and antenna replaced. Is this free?
You can jump to Pages 30-32 of this very long thread.
Mac Mini M2 wifi issues - Apple Community
Better to ask there than here, I think.
I expect that "got their motherboard and antenna replaced" implies that replacement was at no charge.
People will often mention/complain here if Apple does repairs and charges for the job, right?
People will often mention/complain here if Apple does repairs and charges for the job, right?
The fact that Apple is replacing the motherboard and antenna shows that there are some problems with the M2/M2 Pro Mini even somebody in the forum mentioned that he manages tones of Mini at work without any such issues.
I don't know if Apple has correct the problems in the factory line. I am trying to decide whether to give the Mini another chance (after returning 4-5 units), paying Apple more to get a Studio which I don't need the power nor RAM to avoid issues with wifi and bluetooth due to a design fault of the Mini or just get an Air 15" or MacBook Pro 16". If I buy the cheap Mini, I probably don't bother to buy Apple Care.
I don't know if Apple has correct the problems in the factory line. I am trying to decide whether to give the Mini another chance (after returning 4-5 units), paying Apple more to get a Studio which I don't need the power nor RAM to avoid issues with wifi and bluetooth due to a design fault of the Mini or just get an Air 15" or MacBook Pro 16". If I buy the cheap Mini, I probably don't bother to buy Apple Care.
They will usually only replace like-for-like. Do you mean trade it in with them and pay the difference for a Studio, Air or MBP?
No. I am not talking about trade-in here. I don't know if I should take the risk and order a Mini again and have the motherboard and antenna replaced in the near future or just go ahead to buy another model. Studio users in the forum said they don't have bluetooth nor wifi issues but I don't need 32GB RAM nor M2 Max. Tried a MacBook Air 15". It has no such issues but the screen is a bit small. Moreover, it can only connect to one external display. Tried displayport but it does not work well. If I recall correctly, the screen of a M1 MacBook Pro 16" is also a bit small. I guess I still love the 17" screen of the 2010 MacBook Pro. I cannot find anything better than that even I had the M1 MacBook Pro 16" next to it. The older 17" screen still looks somewhat better.
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Yes, they will - assuming it’s in warranty.
However…
Only if APPLE agrees that it’s a fault, not because that’s the outcome you desire.
Apple once replaced the screen on my 2009 iMac for free years after the warranty expired as it was due to a design fault causing the screen damage (overheating IIRC).
So, if it genuinely is a known fault, there's a chance.
So, if it genuinely is a known fault, there's a chance.