Apple admits issue with Mac mini M2 no longer powering on - but you can get a free repair

Apple has said that a "very small percentage" of Mac mini computers with M2 chips suffer from a fault that means they don't power on, while letting affected users know how they can get a free repair.

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This is the compact computer which was launched in 2023 and Apple clarifies that affected PCs were manufactured between June 16 to November 23 in 2024.

If you've got a Mac mini M2 and it's no longer coming on when you hit the power, you can use Apple's serial number checker (as flagged by Apple Insider) to see if your device is part of the free repair program.

Apple says the scheme covers eligible computers for three years after the "first retail sale of the unit" which was January 24, 2023, so coverage will run through the rest of this year.

You can either organize a repair at your local Apple store, or with an Apple-authorized service outfit.

As mentioned, it won't cost you a cent, but Apple does explain: "If your Mac mini has any damage which impairs the ability to complete the repair, that issue will need to be resolved first. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the additional repair."

It's good to see Apple coming forward to offer a repair in this way, but obviously the ideal situation would be that the flaw didn't manifest in the first place.

Still, no device is cast-iron bulletproof from possible production line gremlins, and seemingly only a very small number of Mac mini M2 computers have been hit by this issue.