Apple not requiring failed iPhone battery diagnostic test before $29 replacement

Apple stores are reportedly offering their discounted battery replacements to any iPhone owner willing to pay the fee regardless of whether or not an old battery passes testing, and some users are reporting partial refunds on earlier battery exchanges — but this is not a universal policy.

The company has issued instructions to store staff on the matter, French site iGeneration noted on Tuesday. Apple launched $29 replacements last week, a month ahead of schedule.

Out-of-warranty replacements normally cost $79, but public outcry — including a flurry of lawsuits — followed its admission that it throttles iPhones with weak batteries, nominally to prevent sudden shutdowns that could damage electronics. Lawsuits have charged that intentionally or not, this prompts people to buy newer iPhones.

iGeneration added that Apple is also offering refunds to people who recently paid full price. AppleInsider, however, has confirmed that the refunds don't represent a universal policy, and are at present handled on a case-by-case basis.

Apple is only selling $29 swaps to people with an iPhone 6 or better, and only through Dec. 2018. Owners of older hardware will probably have to turn to third parties.

53 Comments

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macxpress 16 Years · 5915 comments

About 6 years ago

I see people are already thinking that maybe come November/December they'll schedule a swap of their iPhone X battery. I wonder how many will actually do this?

🎄

seanismorris 8 Years · 1624 comments

macxpress said:

I see people are already thinking that maybe come November/December they'll schedule a swap of their iPhone X battery. I wonder how many will actually do this?

My understanding is only the 6 & 7 are covered for the $29 replacement. It sounds like the software “fix” will prevent strain on the newer phones extending battery life, making an early replacement.

SpamSandwich 19 Years · 32917 comments

Fantastic. I’ll be able to keep this 6S for another 1-2 years.

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78Bandit 7 Years · 238 comments

macxpress said:

I see people are already thinking that maybe come November/December they'll schedule a swap of their iPhone X battery. I wonder how many will actually do this?

Apple's current diagnostic testing for battery capacity won't identify all instances where a battery can't supply the proper voltage under load. In those circumstances phones will test good but will still be throttled up to 50%. I would look for the informal policy of replacing batteries at the customers request for $29 to go away once Apple releases its new Battery Health app and the user and the Genius Bar employees can see if the phone is throttled because of voltage insufficiency.

I'm also hoping Apple speced a better battery in the iPhone 8 and X as well as worked on their chipset power draw requirements in designing the A11 Bionic. No way Apple engineers think it is acceptable to throttle a phone that is just over a year old; that was a stopgap measure to cover for a design flaw in the 6, 6S, and 7.

toysandme 16 Years · 243 comments

macxpress said:

I see people are already thinking that maybe come November/December they'll schedule a swap of their iPhone X battery. I wonder how many will actually do this?

Sign me up!