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Apple recalls small batch of 3rd-gen Apple TVs over defective part

In what appears to be a targeted recall program, Apple this week notified an unknown number of customers that their recently purchased third-generation Apple TV unit would be replaced due to a faulty part.

Apple reached out to a MacRumors staff member who bought an Apple TV "a few weeks ago" to inform him of the situation, explaining that only customers affected by the unspecified problem are being contacted. The company did not further detail the issue, but the fact that customer service is emailing buyers individually suggests it is limited to a small number of units.

Apple is overnighting replacement Apple TVs to users confirmed to have a defective unit, even if the hardware is not yet experiencing problems. Because the faulty part was not identified, it is not clear what owners need to look out for, though it seems Apple is already taking proactive steps to ensure seamless operation.

Apple last initiated a recall program for Beats Pill XL speakers in June after it was discovered that the internal battery posed a fire risk. Those who purchased the defective product were offered $325 in Apple Store credit or cash.



27 Comments

leavingthebigg 11 Years · 1291 comments

Hmmm.... Even though Apple is being proactive about the replacements, I wonder how quickly an unscrupulous customer and lawyer will concoct a class action lawsuit attacking Apple for willingly, knowingly selling the faulty devices in the first place? /s

cy_starkman 16 Years · 653 comments

My Apple TV isn't defective, she has personality.. come Sally we must find a place where people will let you be you

suddenly newton 14 Years · 13819 comments

It's probably the Blu-Ray drive. Those troublesome mechanical media formats are way past their prime in the digital age. Wish Apple would give it up. /s

plankton 16 Years · 108 comments

I'd ask for cash refund since ATV4 is only (reputedly) 3 weeks away.

solipsismy 10 Years · 5099 comments

Surerly Apple is calling people to tell them they are "defective" for buying a new Apple TV a month before the next Apple event¡ edit: Reversed my exclamation point. edit2: As noted by [@]PScooter63[/@], inverted, not reversed.