For months a number of iPhone 6 Plus owners have experienced the dreaded “touch disease,” a flickering gray bar on the device’s screen, which eventually renders the device unresponsive to touch.

Despite facing class action lawsuits in response to the problem, Apple Inc. had not publicly acknowledged the problem and affected users would only benefit from a free repair if they were still under warranty or had AppleCare.

Apple has now announced that it will offer a reduced repair cost for iPhone 6 Plus devices affected by “touch disease.”

You, not Apple, are responsible

“Touch disease” stems from a flawed controller chip soldered to the logic board with additional rumors pointing towards it being the same design flaw that caused the “bendgate” controversy.

While many third-party repairers agree that “touch disease” is due to a design flaw, Apple doesn’t agree. According to the description given on Apple’s “Multi-Touch Repair Program for iPhone 6 Plus” page, the problem is due to the device “being dropped multiple times on a hard surface and then incurring further stress on the device.”

Despite some iPhone 6 users also experiencing the same telltale signs of “touch disease,” Apple is only offering reduced repair costs for iPhone 6 Plus users.

Repair process: conditions, cost, service options

If your iPhone 6 Plus is exhibiting “touch disease” symptoms, is in working order and your device’s screen isn’t cracked or broken you will be eligible for an Apple repair at a reduced cost.

Note: The first visible thing that you will notice with “touch disease” is a flickering gray bar displayed at the top of your iPhone’s screen. Over time the iPhone’s touchscreen will start to lose functionality and intermittently become unresponsive.

While Apple has reduced the repair cost by more than half, iPhone 6 Plus users will still need to fork over $149. An out of warranty repair cost is normally $329.

You can get your iPhone 6 Plus fixed for $149 by taking it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider in your area or you can make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store. Alternatively, contact Apple Support with any additional questions. Prior to fixing your iPhone 6 Plus, Apple will examine it to make sure it is in working order and is actually affected by “touch disease.”

Note: Before you take your iPhone 6 Plus in for repair, make sure you make a backup of all your data via iCloud or iTunes.

Get a reimbursement for “touch disease” repair costs

Since this issue has been going on since August you may have already paid the full repair costs to get your iPhone 6 Plus repaired.

If this is the case, Apple will reimburse you the difference between the original repair cost and the reduced $149 repair cost. You will only be eligible for the reimbursement if you went through Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Apple will contact relevant customers who are due a reimbursement, alternatively, you can contact the company if you don’t hear back and feel you are eligible.

Image via Kārlis Dambrāns; Flickr