Apple have revised the launch date of their battery replacement program. Originally planned for late January 2018, the program has now started globally.
Last week, we reported that Apple were drastically reducing the price of battery replacements for out-of-warranty iPhone 6 (or later) devices from $119 to $39.
At the time, Apple stated the replacement program would start late January 2018. Apple have now removed this statement from their announcement and have confirmed the program has started worldwide.
“We expected to need more time to be ready, but we are happy to offer our customers the lower pricing right away. Initial supplies of some replacement batteries may be limited.” said Trudy Miller, a spokesperson for Apple.
What to expect with a battery replacement
Owners of an out-of-warranty iPhone 6 (or later) device who take up the offer will see an immediate improvement in battery life. This will also avert the cpu slow down that ultimately led to the battery replacement program.
Our observations indicate that you should get another 1-3 years of useful life from your iPhone (if it is still receiving iOS updates) after a battery replacement.
If you plan on selling your iPhone, consider replacing the battery just before hand as buyers prefer second hand iPhones with new batteries.
We highly recommend that all owners of eligible iPhones take advantage of this offer before it ends in December 2018.
Note: Users who bought their iPhone 6 (or later) in 2017 won’t be eligible for this offer until their one year warranty has expired.
How to get your battery replaced for $39
Head over to the Apple Support page, click iPhone, then “Battery, Power & Charging”. Click “Battery Replacement”, then “Bring in for Repair”.
At this point, you’ll be asked to log in with your Apple ID. Once you’ve logged in, find the Apple store nearest you and book your meeting.
Before your appointment
Replacing the battery can occasionally result in the iPhone becoming unusable. Apple will provide you with a replacement iPhone if this happens.
Therefore, please be sure to back up the data on your iPhone before your appointment — either on your computer or using iCloud.
Learn how to back up your iPhone here.
To service your iOS device, Find My iPhone will need to be temporarily turned off. In order to turn off Find My iPhone, you must know your Apple ID and Password.*
* If you are unable to turn off Find My iPhone, Apple cannot provide support services. This policy is in force to prevent unauthorized persons from servicing your device without your knowledge. If you don’t remember your Apple ID and Password, please go to iForgot.
Refunds for recently replaced batteries
You might be able to get a refund if you’ve recently paid $119 for a battery replacement of your out-of-warranty iPhone 6, 6S or 7, according to a widely reported internal memo.
There has been no official statement from Apple yet so this might not be official policy. That being said, we have regularly found Apple Support staff will “go the extra mile” for pleasant customers. We suggest putting on your friendliest voice and asking politely for a refund as you could save yourself $80.
Have you had your battery replaced?
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