Apple Makes $29 Battery Replacements Available Immediately for iPhone 6 and Newer

[laz232]

I'm not making anything up. As a lithium ion battery discharges, the max voltage available to the CPU lowers. For the first 80% of discharge, it's going to provide the nominal (average) voltage or higher. Most of that is going to be within a fairly steady plateau of voltage with minimal reduction. 20% or lower is when the voltage will start to drop off steeply and is logically the most likely time for a user with a healthy battery to experience voltage issues that could trigger Apple's throttling feature.

This link has the chart with the standard discharge/voltage levels...note the very steep/rapid voltage drop at 20% charge or lower. And like I said, that corresponds to Apple's low power pop-up in iOS.

https://learn.adafruit.com/li-ion-and-lipoly-batteries/voltages

Your are misinformed about how power management (DC/DC converters) and battery chemistry works work - please don’t post stuff that is not relevant/ incorrect.

Source: design DC/DC converters, senior IEEE member

 

[mebehere]

Wait for their tool to come out in an update (if you can wait). It should tell us if they’ll replace the battery.

 

[deferredAnon]

That was my point, that they possibly weren't actively trying to hide it

Also, to answer the question, "How could they detect it was a benchmark running and not a game?"... Where there's a will there's a way, just ask VW

We can look at everything in this manner... it's called playing the devil's advocate.

For example, how do we know that VW wasn't the one who did the scandal, but some bad apples at their engineering department? If VW truly wanted to hide their emissions, why didn't they keep hiding it from customers? That proves their innocence! See how this works?

 

[DotCom2]

I think they should make battery replacement cost a permanent $29 cost instead of the rediculous $79 for any iPhone.

 

[Keebler]

Ok so I'm not a sw programmer, but can Apple not simply release a software update reversing whatever code they put in to change it BACK? Ie. if they put in whatever lines to cause the slowness, reverse it.

That to me, would be the sensible approach.

Huge Apple fan here, but this acknowledgement ticks me off.

I don't expect my vehicle to slow down after x amount of use - however long that may be, BUT if my battery dies or gives me issues, I will change it up.

Apple forcing this decision on its users isn't right.

I'd like to decide myself if I want my device to run full throttle and if the battery takes a crap, then so be it, I'll replace it.

What is the point of replacing a battery at a lower cost if the software still limits how it functions?

Or did I miss something?

Cheers and Happy New Years!
Brian

 

[violetdudley]

Made online appointment with local Apple Store on 12-29 for today 1-1 for replacement. Braved the sub zero temps and went there. Was required to endure the standard admonishments about other solutions than replacement. Yet when told ‘I want a replacement for $29’ they switched deftly to a different script. However, was advised that, wait for it, no batteries in store. I inquired of the manager how one could know at time of appointment whether a needed part was in stock to avoid a double visit. In plain words, can one speak to an individual at your local store as was possible in the recent past. The answer was a theoretical yes. Yet, others have noted here no such store specific contact is now possible, absent having been personally provided a number. In terms of a 70’s meme Apple seems to be caught in the rings of its own future shock. Things are changing via corporate dictum at a rate that exceeds the whole’s ability to adapt. And 800 Helpdesk support is also out of sync with what local stores are doing. I did learn that a lot of requests have come in the door in the last two days and staff are unable to respond why Apple would change the effective time of replacements from late January to immediately, knowing the inventory was insufficient. Apparently, the diagnostic is mandatory before any replacement is authorized. Hence the need for physically presenting the device, even though no battery is available.

 

[firewood]

Ok so I'm not a sw programmer, but can Apple not simply release a software update reversing whatever code they put in to change it BACK?

An update (or optional setting) that causes any significant percentage of user's devices to crash or suddenly power down would be much more of a marketing nightmare and potential legal issue. "Hi, this update may cause your working iPhone to suddenly shutdown and potentially corrupt important data!". No way.

 

[3lite]

But have you tried resetting it and setting it up as new?

Yes.

The real question is, will Apple replace my battery for $29 even at 91% battery level?

 

[violetdudley]

I wonder if the 6 and 6s have a design flaw in the way they handle aged batteries . My 6S was the only iPhone that did not cope with cold, resulting in shutdowns .

I have a suspicion engineering got thier tolerances wrong . From my experience, other than the 6S , the rest had no issues with poor batteries. The 6 plus is the only iPhone I did not keep long term .

Exactly the same here: I can’t walk outside in the cold without my 6s battery dropping. This is new.

 

[3lite]

Apple is not making their battery replacement resolution convenient. While traveling, I visited an Apple store and said I wanted my battery replaced while I waited. Beforehand, I tried phoning the store to learn whether they performed the task on site, or if they sent the phone elsewhere. Of course, it’s impossible to reach a store’s staff by phone—calls are forwarded to special operators. The operator assured me the task was done on site. However, the store’s greeter tells me that the stores don’t stock batteries! They would have to order the part and I would have to return a week later for the install! Furthermore, they still require a diagnostic test to qualify for the battery replacement! So much for Apple’s apology. I ordered a replacement battery from a third party instead.

Freaking hell.

How much does it cost from a third party? Is it easy to install?

 

[violetdudley]

Yes.

The real question is, will Apple replace my battery for $29 even at 91% battery level?

Took mine to an A Store today. They require you to endure the usual lecture; they have to run their diagnostic test; if/when they report the battery is healthy and you counter that your experience is otherwise and you want the $29 replacement, they will then write up the order. But, few batteries remain and you’re put on a list for when stock arrives at some unspecified future time.

 

[citysnaps]

They are making a profit and a nice one too. Apple does very little to NOTHING for the "Loyal" customer (Black Friday limited discounts included) so let's not be fooled by the so called nice gesture especially after they openly admitted that they were playing games w consumers. Any clear thinking person would agree and you can bet that its not the last that we will be hearing about their unsavory tactics especially if and when the case goes to depositions. This laughable act of kindness Battery Replacement program and the coming Class Action lawsuit isn't the end of this PR disaster for Apple. It's just the beginning. As I mentioned in an earlier post: If Steve was still w us this would NOT be happening. The Executive staff in place IMHO lacks what made Apple the great company that it was and thats - "Integrity".

Oh, ok... Since you are clear-thinking, apparently having business experience, and know they're making a profit on battery replacements, how much would that be? And be specific on how you arrived at the number.

 

[JForestZ34]

Phones shutting down to protect circuits is a phenomenon in all (see not just Apple) lithium batteries and is not indicative of a "hardware/battery problem." It's inherent in lithium batteries and dependent on how many cycles, environment, tasks performed, and other stressors on the battery. To say every battery in every iPhone 6/6s/7 is a hardware issue is just ridiculous and untrue.

Apple implemented the software update to improve user experience. The power management was to not be noticeable in every day speeds since benchmarks are designed to artificially tax hardware and wouldn't be a daily occurrence in normal use. Perhaps they miscalculated the effect this would have on hundreds of millions of phones, but it doesn't prove intent or knowledge they were purposely ruining user performance in effort to coerce premature upgrades. That's where everyone is making huge leaps.

Again, my Samsung Note constantly shut itself down at 50% and I never understood why (because Samsung doesn't support their hardware or give software updates) until Apple reported this.

Andriod software update are available right when they come out.. It's your carriers fault as to why your not getting them... I think when the iPhone first came out they said that apple would had out update seperate from the carrier that the carrier had no say or call about that...


James

 

[mrcrlee]

Took 6+ to store today. Phone was diagnosed at 80.6% capacity at 89% charge. Coconut reported 63% yesterday.

They decided to offer the replacement at $29 but no batteries in stock. I was told I should hear back about dropping phone off on 3-5 days.

 

[kstotlani]

Yes.

The real question is, will Apple replace my battery for $29 even at 91% battery level?

This makes me wonder at what degradation level are they throttling or the code is not looking at battery degradation but just avoids CPU spike. I had mine at 85% degradation and it would randomly shut down at 20-40% battery. Is it hardware or software or both?

 

[jay47]

Little of topic but just checked my 4s running 6.1.3 with coconut battery & again after updating to 8.4.1 . As you can see battery health dropped 1% with a single charge . Anyone willing to bet me if I update to 9.3.5 battery health will further degrade , any takers?

 

[Technarchy]

As they should have. They should also make the price permanent.

And make replacements easy. As in, I walk in, pay money and battery is replaced.

I don’t want a secondary opinion or diagnostics.

Just do it and go away.

 

[Piggie]

You know what........

Reading so many posts about this from so many people.

It's really starting to sound more and more as if there is something going on here, that's not been found out yet, and Apple might be PUSHING the battery degradation line, in the hope it totally overshadows anyone looking into this issue deeper and possibly finding out this is linked to some much deeper flaw in design/power management, overall design of the iPhone.

It really sounding more and more as if phones with still very good batteries are throttling down, in a manner one really would not expect to be the case yet.

Makes you wonder if there is some much larger problem deep down that Apple are keeping hush about, hoping no ones going to find it.

Certainly seems more to it than some old phones with old batteries needing replacement.

 

[Martyimac]

Freaking hell.

How much does it cost from a third party? Is it easy to install?

iFixit has a kit for $29, one poster here said it took em 30 minutes but I don't know their skill or comfort level with doing it themselves.

 

[gijoeinla]

I just got back from the Genius Bar. My 6s is from launch and is included in the free battery replacement program. Coconut Battery put my battery at 76%. Apple today said it was 84%. After a little BS they are going to replace my battery for free under the program, but they don’t have any batteries in stock so I’ll have to go back once they get one in. I’ve been putting off getting my free battery to get as much life as possible out of the phone, but it’s lately gotten so bad lately and the throttling was the last straw. I guess waiting bit me in the butt a little since so many people are trying to get batteries now.

How bout saying you’re been able to get a FREE battery and you chose to wait... and now that Apples being crushed by requests... you walk into the store wanting it right then and there. Curious. What was the little bs you mentioned?

 

[Baymowe335]

In what way and which one. The Takata recall is out of their hands, when they get the new airbags from Takata, they will be replaced. I assume there is an actual recall on the blower motor?

Wiring for blower. Trust me, I won’t go into it but let’s just say the part for airbag was available a year ago and I just got it last week.

 

[Martyimac]

Wiring for blower. Trust me, I won’t go into it but let’s just say the part for airbag was available a year ago and I just got it last week.

You do know they replaced the entire airbag right? It wasn't just a part they needed.

 

[bmark]

Apple is ridiculous to drop the battery replacement cost already if they don’t have enough inventory to meet the demand. They obviously have enough iPhone X’s in stock since that iPhone release was a major disappointment. No one wants a freaking notch in their phone, only true idiots at Apple designed that monstrosity!!

 

[Black Tiger]

Well, none of this has ever happened to me, so I guess it just wasn't a consideration, though I do see your point. *If* it were to die at this point, how much would they have given me for a two and a half year old phone, against a new one? Do you know? Without knowing this figure, it's hard for me to say whether I'd have done things differently. All I can tell you is that I put a high price on being able to do the fix myself (at midnight, as it happened) without leaving my house, as opposed to a 2 - 4 hour roundtrip out of my day.



Er, yes. But there's nothing "desperate" about holding onto an old phone. I think you'll find it's probably the least "desperate" option. It actually involves no effort at all. I have a 6 now, and my previous one was a 4S. Frankly, I far preferred the size of the old 4S, and even that was too big, IMO. Phones are just stupidly large now. I miss the days when a phone comfortably fit in my pocket. The *only* reason I replaced it with a 6 was because it had become so slow. I'm not saying I don't use some of the features on the newer phone, but they alone would never have made me hand my money over. I couldn't care less about facial recognition or touch ID. I recently bought a car with CarPlay and I see no benefit over that than simply connecting with Bluetooth. I can't even use Google Maps with it!

So yes, I'm sure there are plenty of people like me, who would only upgrade when the frustration of a slow phone became too much to bear. And don't for a minute think Apple doesn't know we exist.



Yup. I've had two iPhones now, and I think I might well try something different next time.

All phones get slower over time, particularly as internet and video standards, for example, advance. You’re not going to be able to watch 4K video on a 4S, for example. The screen size is a valid point, but then the SE is pretty close.

 

[Baymowe335]

In what way and which one. The Takata recall is out of their hands, when they get the new airbags from Takata, they will be replaced. I assume there is an actual recall on the blower motor?

Wiring for blower. Trust me, I won’t go into it but let’s just say the part for airbag was available a year ago and I just got it last week.