Expert reports have revealed a design flaw that could cause a component in the fifth-generation Apple AirPort Time Capsule to fail, putting user data at risk.
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The flaw in the AirPort Time Capsule’s internal design was discovered by Datenrettung Berlin, a German data recovery company. According to 9To5Mac, many Mac users continue to use the AirPort Time Capsule to securely back up their data, even though Apple discontinued it in 2018. Unfortunately, based on these new reports, that data may now be at risk.
When designing the AirPort Time Capsules, Apple used Seagate Grenada hard drives to meet the device's internal storage needs. According to Datenrettung, a flaw in the materials used to make those drives is the culprit behind the problems users are now experiencing.
"We have to assume that this is a design flaw of the Seagate Grenada hard drive installed in the Time Capsule (ST3000DM001 / ST2000DM001 2014-2018). The parking ramp of this hard drive consists of two different materials. Sooner or later the parking ramp will break on this hard drive model, installed in a rather poorly ventilated Time Capsule," the report reads.
