The third-generation Apple TV wasn’t a huge update from the generation prior: Its major addition was support for 1080p video. But reports suggest the one other significant add-on included in that third-gen Apple TV is the introduction of Wi-Fi networking issues—at least for a small subset of the set-top boxes sold.
9to5 Mac published what it says is official Apple retail correspondence, indicating that “a very small number of Apple TV (3rd generation) products might experience one of these Wi-Fi related connectivity issues,” which include an inability to see networks, connect to them, or stay connected to them.
The screenshot provided by 9to5Mac also states that Apple will replace affected Apple TV units for up to two years from the original date of purchase, free of charge.
According to the document, affected units will have a serial number ending in DRHN, and the third and fourth characters of the serial number must contain one of these pairs: 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, J9.
Apple hasn’t yet responded to Macworld’s request for comment. That said, when we contacted two Apple Stores in New Jersey inquiring about issues with Apple TV Wi-Fi, representatives from each store indicated that if a third-generation Apple TV failed specific in-store tests, the boxes would be replaced for free.
Author: Lex Friedman, Senior Contributor
Lex is a former writer for Macworld. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and three kids.