Apple May Replace Some iPhone 6 Plus Models Needing Whole-Device Repairs With iPhone 6s Plus Through March

[MacRumors]

If you have a damaged iPhone 6 Plus that qualifies for a whole-device replacement, Apple may replace it with an iPhone 6s Plus through March, according to an internal document distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers today.

Apple specifically states that "orders for whole unit service inventory of some iPhone 6 Plus models may be substituted to an iPhone 6s Plus until the end of March 2018." MacRumors confirmed the memo's authenticity with multiple sources, who requested to remain anonymous due to their positions.

Apple doesn't specify which iPhone 6 Plus models are eligible, nor does it provide a reason for the substitution, but it likely relates to Apple's shortage of iPhone 6 Plus replacement batteries until late March to early April.

A previous internal document obtained by MacRumors states that Apple no longer manufactures the iPhone 6 Plus, so it likely has to reboot its production lines to replenish its supply of both the device itself and batteries, which would certainly take time. Apple did not respond to our request for comment.

It's possible that some customers who have visited a Genius Bar recently opted for a whole-device replacement rather than waiting until March or April for a new battery, which may have depleted the little supply of iPhone 6 Plus replacement units that Apple had, but this is only speculation on our part.

Apple and most Apple Authorized Service Providers can replace an iPhone's display, battery, speakers, rear camera, or Taptic Engine individually, while a defective Lightning connector, faulty logic board, and most other repairs are generally eligible for a whole-device replacement, our source said.

Your mileage may vary depending on the exact damage to your iPhone and the results of Apple's diagnostic tests. Apple Support can be reached on the web or by scheduling a Genius Bar appointment. Apple Authorized Service Providers can be searched for on Apple's Find Locations page under Service & Support.

Article Link: Apple May Replace Some iPhone 6 Plus Models Needing Whole-Device Repairs With iPhone 6s Plus Through March

 

[Vanilla35]

Wow they are spending a lot of money on this issue.

They could honestly do less. We already know they messed up. The damage is done.

If it were me, I'd stop at the reduced battery costs.

 

[MecPro]

I’m an example of someone it affected and ended up going to a 7+ Due to the issues

It feels very disappointing from Apple

 

[MacGod]

Got a 6 PLUS sitting in a drawer with the TOUCH DISEASE IC issue. The phone was replaced twice by APPLE and still has the same issue - each replacement (paid to apple) has failed. May bring this device in for another swap to a 6S which is more sturdy and less prone to the IC issue...

 

[iapplelove]

I also have a launch day 6 plus lying around the house. Don’t really use it and don’t plan on giving it away.

I may just try to get some new parts for the device.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Fantastic news! I'm still rocking a 6 Plus and it is STUFFED full of hardware and software issues.

 

[ryansimmons323]

It's intriguing to see all these headlines about iPhone 6 Plus batteries being seemingly most in demand/short supply etc. Probably to do with the fact how they sold like nothing else before it upon release.

That, and the fact they've had such great longevity. The 6 Plus battery was consistently fantastic for the whole 2 years I had mine, and the form factor is one that has barely changed until the iPhone X.

That's why there's probably so many around still.

 

[deanthedev]

Wow they are spending a lot of money on this issue.

They could honestly do less. We already know they messed up. The damage is done.

If it were me, I'd stop at the reduced battery costs.

"This issue"? What issue would that be?

Did you read the part about this being for people who require "whole device replacement"?

 

[ACG12]

They should've automatically upgraded ALL 6 Plus owners after selling us that under powered, cheaply built trash we spent a lot of money on. Nope, instead they gave us another one and demanded $150 more...

 

[mtneer]

They should've automatically upgraded ALL 6 Plus owners after selling us that under powered, cheaply built trash we spent a lot of money on. Nope, instead they gave another one and demanding $150 more...

Not a chance of Apple doing that. Just ask how the iPad 3 owners feel.

 

[ACG12]

Not a chance of Apple doing that. Just ask how the iPad 3 owners feel.

Depends on how bad you complain. A co-worker of mine was successful in getting them to upgrade him to a 6s Plus, even after the 1 year warranty had expired. And this was back in 2015.

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[Hal~9000]

So, does this mean that someone could smash the screen of their 6 plus, then just pay the $329 out-of-warranty cost and get upgraded to a 6s plus?

 

[sundog925]

still doesn't compare to the **** small battery of the iPhone 8

 

[paul4339]

Wow they are spending a lot of money on this issue.

They could honestly do less. We already know they messed up. The damage is done.

If it were me, I'd stop at the reduced battery costs.

It’s always a catch22....
- If a company tries to fix something, they get people saying “ah ha! So you admit you are guilty! Too bad, damage is done.”
- If they don’t do anything or limit what they do, they still get people saying “with all your billions, you could at least admit your mistake, come clean, and just replace the product. Greedy.”

They will never make everyone happy.

just my two cents.

 

[Villarrealadrian]

I think this issue is not about the battery rather the shielding issue that afects in time the touch on the device

 

[44267547]

If it were me, I'd stop at the reduced battery costs.

But you don't conduct a billion dollar corporation either. Apple is at least creating alternatives for those with issues with their iPhone 6 Plus and offering a 6S Plus.

 

[coolbreeze]

Every poster on SD will run to get a new phone for resale. Can't have nice things, I guess.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Got a 6 PLUS sitting in a drawer with the TOUCH DISEASE IC issue. The phone was replaced twice by APPLE and still has the same issue - each replacement (paid to apple) has failed. May bring this device in for another swap to a 6S which is more sturdy and less prone to the IC issue...

I think it has to be under AppleCare still in order to get the replacement?

 

[MRI3T]

It’s always a catch22....
- If a company tries to fix something, they get people saying “ah ha! So you admit you are guilty! Too bad, damage is done.”
- If they don’t do anything or limit what they do, they still get people saying “with all your billions, you could at least admit your mistake, come clean, and just replace the product. Greedy.”

They will never make everyone happy.

just my two cents.

What makes you guys think it has anything to do with the ‘battery replacement’ issue going on??? It could possibly JUST mean that they are VERY low in certain stock of 6plus models.... and maybe a surplus of 6s plus....???!!! Have you ever just sat and thought about how many different models of iphones are STILL in production???? You have almost almost a dozen, and then you have different colors, different memory amounts......
Just be F@@@kin happy With the newer model or upgrade if you will!!!!!!

 

[paul4339]

What makes you guys think it has anything to do with the ‘battery replacement’ issue going on??? It could possibly JUST mean that they are VERY low in certain stock of 6plus models.... and maybe a surplus of 6s plus....???!!! Have you ever just sat and thought about how many different models of iphones are STILL in production???? You have almost almost a dozen, and then you have different colors, different memory amounts......
Just be F@@@kin happy With the newer model or upgrade if you will!!!!!!

Agree... I’m not saying it’s a battery issue. Whether is low stock or battery or anything else, Apple is trying to do right... I don’t see how getting a new model or new battery or new component is bad.

 

[tmphoto]

Make no mistake, the 6 Plus is worst iPhone ever made.

Mine still works fine. No problems ever, despite the dent I put in the back of it when it was new.

 

[SeaFox]

I’m an example of someone it affected and ended up going to a 7+ Due to the issues

It feels very disappointing from Apple

Unless your disappointment is going to translate to lost business I don't think Apple is going to be too concerned. Contrary to the groupthink around here, Apple is just another large consumer electronics company.

• They write software and sells doohickeys made in China.
• They have C-level executives making salaries grossly disproportionate to their rank and file, a board of directors, and shareholders who they are most concerned with keeping happy.
  
• They use their money and public clout to influence politics and public policy.

Will you express your displeasure in a way that will actually be heard?
I doubt it.

 

[profets]

Got a 6 PLUS sitting in a drawer with the TOUCH DISEASE IC issue. The phone was replaced twice by APPLE and still has the same issue - each replacement (paid to apple) has failed. May bring this device in for another swap to a 6S which is more sturdy and less prone to the IC issue...

I helped a friend with this issue last year. Replaced 3 times. Every device showed the same symptoms among other issues. Quite frustrating and eventually they replaced it with a 6s Plus.

 

[Highmo]

I think it has to be under AppleCare still in order to get the replacement?

How can you still have Apple Care on a device that's more than 2 years old????