iPhone 16 Pro — Motherboard failure. Casual use only. Goodwill repair denied. Is this acceptable?

I'm writing this hoping to find others in a similar situation, and perhaps get some visibility on what feels like a deeply unfair outcome.


My iPhone 16 Pro suffered a complete motherboard failure at just 16 months old — only 4 months outside the standard one-year warranty. It was diagnosed by an Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP), with no signs of accidental damage, liquid damage, or any misuse whatsoever.


My usage couldn't be more casual: calls, messages, and occasional photos. No gaming, no heavy apps, no drops. This phone was treated with care from day one.


The timing also concerns me. The device started showing symptoms — sluggishness, unresponsive screen, display staying black for 5–10 seconds — roughly two weeks after I updated to iOS 26. I'm not pointing fingers, but the correlation is hard to ignore. Shortly after, it died completely.


I contacted Apple Support multiple times requesting a one-time goodwill repair, explaining the circumstances clearly. I was denied. The quoted repair cost is €640 for a new motherboard, with only a 90-day warranty on the repair — which, frankly, offers very little confidence for that price.


I find it difficult to accept that a €1,100+ device has an expected lifespan of just over a year. I'm not asking for anything unreasonable. A goodwill exception in a case like this is exactly what that policy exists for.


[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 2:19 PM

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Posted on Feb 26, 2026 6:53 AM

Hi, you might want to follow up with Apple Support on the 2 year warranty in the EU. Apple Authorized Service Providers are less likely to grant a curtesy repair. If the 2 year EU warranty doesn’t workout try following up directly with Apple. A 90 day warranty is pretty standard in the repair industry, regardless of the original price or subsequent repair price.


I can’t comment on your friend’s situation as I have no knowledge of the specific circumstances. However, I’ve considerable experience with granting exceptions for repairs. I’m retired now but I was an Apple Retail Store manager and during my tenure I granted exceptions. In my experience, 4 months out of warranty is a stretch. The circumstances would need to be very compelling. You might do better in an actual Apple Store and requesting a discounted repair rather than a free courtesy repair.


I wish you the best of luck in pursuing your warranty claim.

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32 replies

Feb 26, 2026 6:18 AM in response to Katana-San

Hello Katana-San, thanks for the suggestion, but a bit late for AppleCare now :)


Even if I do a repair which would cost me €640~670 I won't be able to buy AppleCare (already checked that) I will just have 90 days of warranty of the repaired part only.


p.s Also, this wasn't meant as a poll, I was simply sharing my experience and hoping to find others in a similar situation.





Feb 26, 2026 7:09 AM in response to veselin195

Valid point. At least some kind of "meeting somewhere in the middle"-kind of thing.

As @Jeff Donald suggested, I would get facts together and give Apple Support (EU) a try.

Needless to say, be polite and don't lose yourself in anger and frustration.


I hope this has a satisfactory outcome for you. Would appreciate if you could let me know(us here) know the outcome.


Best wishes

Feb 26, 2026 10:01 AM in response to veselin195

veselin195 wrote:

Thanks for your comment, but a €1,100+ iPhone 16 Pro, failing completely at 16 months with no misuse, no scratches, no drops and no liquid damage... I think expecting some goodwill consideration is pretty reasonable. I'm not asking for a free phone, just a fair outcome for what looks like a manufacturing defect.

Honestly, your opinion is irrelevant. The only thing that matter is the written warranty.

As already pointed out, an exception a few days or even a week or so after the warranty expires is one thing. Months is something else entirely.


Welcome to the real world.

Sep 20, 2026 5:13 AM in response to Katarama

Katarama wrote:
I had same issue a little over 2 years. They must have issue with this. It’s totally reasonable that you would try and get a good faith accommodation from apple. They must be aware of the logic board issues. Having to buy a phone over $1000. to work two years is insane and apple should’ve compensated and must be very aware of issue .

Just pointing out that you just responded to the Authors (OP) first post from February 2026. You might want to check the date of a post before responding. I'm sure whatever happened in the Author's case has long been resolved one way or the other by now.

iPhone 16 Pro — Motherboard failure. Casual use only. Goodwill repair denied. Is this acceptable?

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