Apple Delays iPhone 6 Plus Battery Replacements Until March-April Due to Limited Supply

[TheShadowKnows!]

I changed many o my families 6 Batteries and numerous friends and neighbors. What seal are you talking about? not sure i see them for the model 6. I use iFixit's guide on removing the tape strips and then the batteries I get from Amazon come with the same strips. My understanding is the 7 starts with the water seal. Not the prior models. IMHO.

Dan, I stand corrected with your experiences.

But those are yours, after you "changed many or my families 6 batteries and numerous friends and neighbors." You are now, "semi-professional."

I am speaking of the occasional, one-time and done replacement.

I have done only a pair. And i found it a tad challenging even on the second one.

Just read the comment section on iFixIt where there is a sample of folks where things went South -- specially after trying their own shortcuts.

Let's leave it at this: we just disagree on the level of difficulty for the amateur. No sense beating this to death.

 

[Dan Holmstock]

Dan, I stand corrected with your experiences.

But those are yours, after you "changed many or my families 6 batteries and numerous friends and neighbors." You are now, "semi-professional."

I am speaking of the occasional, one-time and done replacement.

I have done only a pair. And i found it a tad challenging even on the second one.

Just read the comment section on iFixIt where there is a sample of folks where things went South -- specially after trying their own shortcuts.

Let's leave it at this: we just disagree on the level of difficulty for the amateur. No sense beating this to death.

Oh no worries and I apologize if it seemed like i was picking an argument with you, i was however confused about the DISPLAY seal for an iphone 6 - i thought maybe i left something out - lol, and for the record my 3rd repair involved me puncturing the battery it semi engulfed in flames but i was able to stop it ASAP, think it was an act of GODS help or I have lungs stronger then a Tornado lol

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

My point of view is more positive than yours, though.

New batteries will most likely restore as-new performance. But for how long? Another 12 months?

If so, this is probably OK with most in here because by then they will replace with new -- driven either by lifecycle or, simply, by aesthetics fatigue.

Lots of posters in here are looking for their new iPhone drug year-on-year. And that is to the delight of TK and his compadres in Cupertino.

I agree (yours IS more optimistic than mine). I am suspicious that if this throttling code associated with wearing batteries was secretly inserted, why not other throttling code insertions too? So far, the accused (that has then admitted to the accusation) is offering the excuse that seems to be so readily accepted by all as the whole truth. I'm looking for some objective verification of that, proving the conspiracy theory that would naturally be supported by throttling code wrong... or right. More simply: is there other throttling code in iOS or not?

And I certainly hope that we can all spend just $29 and get near "as new performance" out of older iDevices. In spite of some sentiment griping about even $29, that seems like a bargain to me if it buys "as new performance" in iDevices that are a couple of years old. Getting longer useful life out of older tools is great for consumers rather than them feeling pressed to buy new tools as often as every year or two.

In another thread, I asked whether Apple was going to make the throttling code (user) toggles in iOS much as we can toggle on and off other battery-burning features such as bluetooth, wifi and cellular. Apple could set these "power management" toggles to a (recommended) default and even include a "reset to default" button to put them back to Apple's view of ideal if users have made changes. Apple could also offer warning dialog boxes when changes users have made + wear on the battery is likely to result in less-than-ideal experiences such as sudden shut downs, etc. Personally, I'd like to see that myself, just like I like that I can turn on or off other faster battery-users like bluetooth, wifi & cellular on my iDevices.

If all this is indeed about worn batteries, this whole thing could have been mitigated by building in a few pop ups or similar advising users that a new battery would make their iDevice run X% faster, instead of secretly inserting code that tries to cover that up in the fog of the argument that older devices just naturally run slower... which, by the way, also becomes one of the main reasons for people to lay out the money to buy a brand new one.

 

[Bodycalming]

iPhone 6 Plus users hoping to take advantage of Apple's discounted $29 battery replacements may have to wait a few months.

Apple says iPhone 6 Plus replacement batteries are in short supply and won't be available until late March to early April in the United States and other regions, according to an internal document distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week and later obtained by MacRumors.

Apple's internal document quotes a shorter wait of "approximately two weeks" for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Plus battery replacements, and adds that batteries for all other models like the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone SE are expected to be available "without extended delays" in most countries.

Apple noted that lead times may vary in some regions, including the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Russia, and Turkey.

MacRumors has already received a few emails from readers with an iPhone 6 Plus who were quoted a late March to early April timeframe for the replacement service to be completed at Apple Stores in New York and North Carolina, in line with the information outlined in Apple's document.

A reliable source at an Apple Authorized Service Provider indicated that they recently received a package with dozens of replacement batteries, the majority of which were for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models.

Apple lowered its battery replacement fee to $29 last month for any customer with an iPhone 6 or newer as part of an apology over its lack of transparency about slowing down some older iPhone models to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Apple noted that initial supplies of some batteries may be limited.

As with any supply-demand situation, availability of replacement batteries will likely vary by location. Keep in mind that many Apple Authorized Service Providers like MacMedics and ComputerCare are able to replace iPhone batteries, so this may be an option worth considering beyond an Apple Store.

A source adds that Apple Authorized Service Providers are permitted to set their own prices for out-of-warranty parts and repairs, so some third-party repair shops are charging more than $29 for battery replacements, even if Apple might not prefer it, to ensure they are being fairly compensated.

Also keep in mind that Apple's discounted rate is available until December 31, 2018, so unless you absolutely need a battery replacement now, you may wish to consider waiting until later in the year to initiate the process.

If you are replacing your iPhone's battery for the first time, the $29 price is available regardless of whether the device passes or fails Apple's battery diagnostic test. To be eligible for any additional replacements at the discounted rate, however, the device must explicitly fail the test or the standard $79 applies.

To get started, read our guide on how to get your iPhone's battery replaced with an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. There's also a mail-in option, but we've heard that Apple's repair center may only be replacing batteries that fail a diagnostic test, and sending back devices that pass.

Article Link: Apple Delays iPhone 6 Plus Battery Replacements Until March-April Due to Limited Supply

 

[Ronlap]

I made an appointment at Best Buy through the Apple service web page to have my iPhone 6 battery replaced. They told me that it passed diagnostics, so they could not replace it. Said that Apple has different policies for authorized service centers.

 

[ronno]

You only see the slowdown if your battery is in bad shape. It's also unlikely to be noticed (which is why people didn't realize until all these articles came out). The slowdown would have happened over time, rather than suddenly.

Not true.
The slowdown is obvious for many people. A 40%-60% slowdown in processor speed - slowing frame rates, launching apps, etc is obvious. I feel the only people saying it is not obvious are the people who have *not actually tried* a throttled phone.

 

[laz232]

You only see the slowdown if your battery is in bad shape. It's also unlikely to be noticed (which is why people didn't realize until all these articles came out). The slowdown would have happened over time, rather than suddenly.

I noticed the slowdown, but figured it was due to the iOS 10/11 updates at the time.

My battery is good ("green" - according to apple diagnostics test at Apple Store, this week, 83% of full charge capacity). Yet when it goes <60% charge the performance of my SE goes from 2400 on GB4 to 1000 on GB4 and I notice stuttering when scrolling in system Preferences.

IF the battery was "good" in any objective sense then it should be able to deliver the necessary current throughout the discharge cycle.

Thus Apple's criteria for a "good" battery are not relevant to the use case.

 

[Baymowe335]

Step back and think about the proposition, NOT through the "Apple is always right" lens but through a consumer lens:

• A fellow consumer's iPhone (or maybe yours) feels slower
• Seemingly objective test strongly implies throttling in iOS code
• Apple admits throttling code but associates it solely with an aging battery
• Apple offers a new battery for $29 whether the existing battery needs replaced or not
• Consumer sees $29 buying them a much faster iPhone and/or adding some useful life to their existing iPhone

Consumers are doing nothing wrong. Apple has basically invited them to take this action to apparently remedy a problem Apple introduced with throttling code (and no consumer option to turn it off). Consumer has to PAY money to buy this upgrade. Pretending there is something wrong with consumers doing what Apple offered is ridiculous.

This business of "whether they need it or not" is not a consumer bashing catalyst either. Did you get AppleCare not knowing if you would need it or not? A flu shot? Insurance on your car, home, possessions, life, health, etc? We buy things all the time whether we need them or not. If the price is right and there is a tangible benefit (as is the case here), why not?

Before someone comes back about putting those who really need a battery replacement at the front of the lines, think through how to make that actually work in a retail-friendly approach. Try boarding a plane in a perfect order from back row to front, window, then middle, then aisle seats, for a perfectly orderly boarding process. No airline has been able to pull that off yet and that's only a few hundred people at most. How do you schedule most need to least need battery replacements on upwards of tens of millions of iPhones? "No sir, based on your battery's condition vs. all others, you are #11,646,788 in the que."

I know for some of us when the parties involved are Apple vs __________, the latter must be wrong. In this case, it's Apple vs. Apple consumers. Of course, those pesky consumers have to be wrong in this... in spite of Apple's own admission, a third party test driving the admission and all of us knowing first hand that aging iDevices do seem to slow down with each new iOS upgrade.

Personally, I hope all the throttling code is solely associated with an aging battery. Spend $29 and get back to near full speed sounds like a terrific consumer benefit to me... much like we used to spend about $49 to buy a new version of OS X.

Without knowing how many phones are impacted (remember, 800M of these devices out there) and the fact a new battery fixes it, there is no conspiracy.

 

[newyorksole]

You would think for a device that people use pretty much all day everyday that owners would take care of their device or even upgrade more frequently...

Don’t know why people swear by their phone and are using phones that are 3-4+ years old.

Also, if some of you would just set up your old iPhone as new it would run much better.

 

[Phonephreak]

This is Apples problem now. A full recall would be a nightmare. They can’t even supply what they need now. Clearly this is a bigger problem than some want to admit. The fact that supply is out for 2 months Says a lot.

I really believe Apple will end up recalling phones to replace battery’s. I love my Apple toys but this stuff is hard to deal with. Losing credibility in the business world is not good for business. They really need to step up and fix the problem. Then you look good. Like you care about the customer.

 

[Bodycalming]

Many years ago I knew an-up-and-coming young Engineer in a multi national company. On his wall of 'Things to Do' was an hand made poster, that simply said Ahead.jpeg That young man (Now very high up in that company) is much respected by me, and many who are still in that company.

In short don't offer anything unless you can fulfil your commitment, once you have planned Ahead.jpeg

 

[Phonephreak]

Think before typing. I guarantee I know more about Apple than you because I own more shares than you and have to know what’s going on.

so my d**k is bigger

 

[rootee]

You only see the slowdown if your battery is in bad shape. It's also unlikely to be noticed (which is why people didn't realize until all these articles came out). The slowdown would have happened over time, rather than suddenly.

Wrong. I have a 6-month old battery on an iPhone 6 (non plus) with just over 100 cycles, and the throttling starts on my phone as soon as the battery charge dips <90%, and it’s throttled ~20% according to Geekbench. I’ve had this phone since 15’, and I can feel when it slows down, which is then corroborated with a Geekbench measurement, and CPU DasherX.

 

[deferredAnon]

Wrong. I have a 6-month old battery with just over 100 cycles, and the throttling starts on my phone as soon as the battery charge dips <90%, and it’s throttled ~20% according to Geekbench. I’ve had this phone since 15’, and I can feel when it slows down, which is then corroborated with a Geekbench measurement, and CPU DasherX.

That is suspicious.

 

[rootee]

That is suspicious.

It irks me something fierce — now I read that the no-battery-diagnostic-required $29 battery swap only applies to phones that haven’t had previous battery swaps.

Just had an Apple tech diagnose/test my battery, and they tell me it has >90% health/life, so why is it getting throttled if it’s healthy?

 

[deferredAnon]

It irks me something fierce — now I read that the no-battery-diagnostic-required $29 battery swap only applies to phones that haven’t had previous battery swaps.

Just had an Apple tech diagnose/test my battery, and they tell me it has >90% health/life, so why is it getting throttled if it’s healthy?

I think you should consider legal options, or join an existing one.

If Apple is throttling after six months and 100 cycles, then what is the purpose of battery replacement?

 

[ronno]

"OldSchoolMacGuy said: ↑
You only see the slowdown if your battery is in bad shape. It's also unlikely to be noticed (which is why people didn't realize until all these articles came out). The slowdown would have happened over time, rather than suddenly."

Wrong. I have a 6-month old battery on an iPhone 6 (non plus) with just over 100 cycles, and the throttling starts on my phone as soon as the battery charge dips <90%, and it’s throttled ~20% according to Geekbench. I’ve had this phone since 15’, and I can feel when it slows down, which is then corroborated with a Geekbench measurement, and CPU DasherX.

Sounds like OldSchoolMacGuy is making proclamations without ever having tried a throttled phone...

 

[rootee]

It irks me something fierce — now I read that the no-battery-diagnostic-required $29 battery swap only applies to phones that haven’t had previous battery swaps.

I think you should consider legal options, or join an existing one.

If Apple is throttling after six months and 100 cycles, then what is the purpose of battery replacement?

Excellent question! It’s an Apple battery, serviced at an Apple store, and I’ve requested both a replacement, or a refund of the $50 (I paid the full $79), and they said NOPE to both.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This is Apples problem now. A full recall would be a nightmare. They can’t even supply what they need now. Clearly this is a bigger problem than some want to admit. The fact that supply is out for 2 months Says a lot.

Sounds to me like they should offer a very generous, one time only, trade-in program to get people on an 8/8+/X, in addition to the battery replacement options.

As with all problems in life, the first necessary step is truly admitting you have one (a problem).

 

[Baymowe335]

Wrong. I have a 6-month old battery on an iPhone 6 (non plus) with just over 100 cycles, and the throttling starts on my phone as soon as the battery charge dips <90%, and it’s throttled ~20% according to Geekbench. I’ve had this phone since 15’, and I can feel when it slows down, which is then corroborated with a Geekbench measurement, and CPU DasherX.

That would imply throttling occurs on device with perfect batteries, something that just can’t happen if nothing else is wrong. I think you’re one of the handful with defective phones.

Software doesn’t throttle one phone And not another without some logic. The fact there are non throttled iPhone 6 and 6s proves it’s not just Apple slowing down old models.

I think there are some bad batteries somewhere or another hardware issue on SOME phones. 1% or whatever number it is still means a lot affected but doesn’t mean Apple is purposely screwing customers.

Again, this would not be a smart strategy and Apple is not a stupid company. They think longer term than the next upgrade cycle.

 

[BGarza]

Question, does the iOS throttle the processor speed when the device is plugged in?

 

[apolloa]

You only see the slowdown if your battery is in bad shape. It's also unlikely to be noticed (which is why people didn't realize until all these articles came out). The slowdown would have happened over time, rather than suddenly.

You are completely unequivocally totally and absolutely WRONG!
because my batteries not ‘in bad shape’ in reality or according to Apples scam battery tests, yet my 6S is throttled...

You quite literally could not be more wrong with your comment.
[doublepost=1515706345][/doublepost]

Question, does the iOS throttle the processor speed when the device is plugged in?

Yes. Or won’t let the iPhone run at full speed.

 

[Krayzkat]

This is good news if you can wait that long, as all the 'old stock' batteries will be used up and all the new replacement batteries will be actually newly manufactured and haven't been sitting in warehouses for years...
[doublepost=1515706669][/doublepost]

What are you talking about? iPhone 6s are almost 3 1/2 years old now.

You mean iPhone 6 ('s) AND NOT iPhone 6S


ps. Also, I haven't seen anyone mention this but obviously now that iPhones over a certain age are having battery issues, this makes their resell value less, hence upgrading to newest iPhone is more expensive as we have to cough up more money to buy the latest version...

 

[Mildredop]

You mean iPhone 6 ('s) AND NOT iPhone 6S

It's the iPhone 6s, not the iPhone 6S.

 

[RickInHouston]

You would think for a device that people use pretty much all day everyday that owners would take care of their device or even upgrade more frequently...

Don’t know why people swear by their phone and are using phones that are 3-4+ years old.

Also, if some of you would just set up your old iPhone as new it would run much better.

What, in the world, does a 3 - 4 year old phone not do that a brand new phone does? Animated emojies? I mean, really??? You MUST work for apple or own stock to make a statement like that.