Apple has recently started reaching out to certain customers who have recently acquired third-generation Apple TVs for a product recall on the devices.

The company is informing the contacted customers that the third-generation Apple TVs were shipped with a faulty component and that Apple will be replacing the defective device with a new unit.

Apple, however, did not mention which component was faulty in the Apple TV devices being recalled. In addition, unlike most other recall orders or repair programs, Apple has not released an advisory to the public about the Apple TVs replaced. This could mean that the recall order is only affecting a small number of third-generation Apple TV units.

According to Apple news website MacRumors, an Apple TV device that was purchased only a few weeks ago was one of the affected units, raising the possibility that the Apple TVs being recalled are those that have bene purchased within a similar timeframe.

An e-mail by an Apple representative to the owner of the defective Apple TV unit reveals that contacted owners will be receiving new devices as soon as they confirm their shipping address. FedEx labels will also be sent to the user along with the replacement device to be able to send back the defective unit at no cost for the customer.

The e-mail also reveals that once the defective unit has been received by Apple, the customer will be receiving a gift card that can be redeemed on iTunes, though the amount of the gift card was not stated.

Some of the customers that received a recall order from Apple may not be experiencing problems with their Apple TV devices, but the e-mail also did say that Apple is replacing the defective units proactively, replacing them as a preventative measure before any major issues occur.

Apple TV owners will not need to worry to have their devices checked as if the unit is defective. Apple will be making contact regarding the replacement of the Apple TV unit. Apple TV users that were contacted by Apple are also assured that the replacement initiative is a legitimate one by Apple and not some sort of scam.

A report released last month revealed that a new Apple TV is on its way, and that it will be officially unveiled at the upcoming September event of Apple.

Apple initially planned to unveil the next generation of the Apple TV at its annual Worldwide Developers Coneference  in June, but the plan was ditched for the company to focus on the iOS and Apple Music.