Apple announced the iPhone 12 series in October 2020, and the standard model was reviewed quite favorably at Neowin. We awarded it a 9.5/10 rating with the only notable issues cited being a massive notch and the lack of a charger in the box. However, it appears that the handset has started to show signs of latent defects, and Apple has now opened a new service program for handsets affected by sound issues.
Some iPhone 12 and 12 Pro owners have been experiencing sound-related issues where the handsets will not produce sound from the receiver during calls. Apple says that this is due to the failure of a component in the receiver module, and as such, affected customers are eligible for free repairs.
According to the Cupertino tech giant, this issue only affects a "very small percentage" of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro devices produced between October 2020 and April 2021. iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max are not eligible for free repairs.
The process to get your handset fixed is fairly simple. You just have to get in touch with an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the Apple Retail Store, or Apple Support to initiate the process. Prior to handing over your iPhone for repairs, Apple has recommended that you back up the device to iCloud.
However, there are a few caveats. If there are other existing defects such as a cracked screen, they will have to be repaired first before the company fixes the receiver module. Of course, this also means that you may have to pay additional costs before you get your affected device in a fully functional state. Furthermore, Apple has cautioned that this service program does not extend your standard warranty, is applicable to iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro units two years after their retail sale, and may be locked to your region of purchase.