Apple TV with Wi-Fi problems? You could get a free replacement

Owners of the third-generation Apple TV who have experienced Wi-Fi connectivity problems may be able to obtain a replacement from Apple, even if the device was purchased more than a year ago. According to 9to5Mac, which obtained documents sent to retail AppleCare employees, Apple has initiated a replacement program for the set-top box thanks to these Wi-Fi issues. The replacements will be available for free for up to two years after the original purchase date

The third-gen Apple TV was originally introduced in March of 2012 alongside the third-generation iPad, so the devices currently in people's homes are likely to be less than a year old. Still, according to the document issued this week, Apple says it has "determined that a very small number of Apple TV (3rd generation) products might experience one of these Wi-Fi related connectivity issues." The listed problems include an inability to locate a network, inability to join a network, and dropped or intermittent connections.

Technicians evaluating the devices will first verify that they're running software version 5.2.1, according to MacRumors, and will likely also determine whether there were third-party interference issues before offering a replacement.

If you're wondering whether your Apple TV qualifies, remember it's the 1080p version, not the 720p version. The serial numbers of potentially affected devices have these characters in the fourth and fifth positions: H9, HC, HD, HF, HG, HH, HJ, HK, HL, HM, HN, HP, HQ, HR, HT, HV, HW, HX, J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, and J9. (The company initially said these would be in the third and fourth positions but has since corrected itself.) The last four letters of the serial number must be DRHN, according to Apple.