Apple offers free iPhone 5 on/off button fix

Apple will fix a small number of faulty iPhone 5 models free of charge, following issues with the on/off button.

According to Cupertino a "small percentage" of iPhone 5 models manufactured in March last year may stop working, leading to a iPhone 5 Sleep/Wake Button Replacement Program to combat the problem.

"Apple has determined that the sleep/wake button mechanism on a small percentage of iPhone 5 models may stop working or work intermittently," the company said via its support website.

"iPhone 5 models manufactured through March 2013 may be affected by this issue.

"Apple will replace the sleep/wake button mechanism, free of charge, on iPhone 5 models that exhibit this issue and have a qualifying serial number."

The replacement process is available in New Zealand as of May 2, with Apple advising customers to bring their iPhone 5 to a participating wireless carrier where the device will be examined to verify eligibility, before proceeding with the replacement process.