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Apple Says iPhone 6s Shutdowns Result of Manufacturing Issue Causing Batteries to Degrade Faster

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Apple has posted a message on its Chinese website to address unexpected battery shutdowns affecting some iPhone 6s models, noting the issue is related to some batteries having been overexposed to "controlled ambient air" during the manufacturing process (via Business Insider).

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We found that a small number of iPhone 6s devices made in September and October 2015 contained a battery component that was exposed to controlled ambient air longer than it should have been before being assembled into battery packs. As a result, these batteries degrade faster than a normal battery and cause unexpected shutdowns to occur. It's important to note, this is not a safety issue.
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Apple added that iPhones are designed to shut down automatically under certain conditions, such as extremely cold temperature. In this case, some iPhone 6s models are shutting down with around 30% battery percentage remaining to protect the device's internal components from low voltage.

Apple said it has investigated other factors that could potentially cause an iPhone to shut down unexpectedly, but it has not identified any new factors. Nevertheless, the company said it will continue to monitor and analyze customer reports. Apple reiterated the battery issues are not a safety concern.

Apple launched a repair program earlier this month offering free battery replacements for affected iPhone 6s models. These devices fall within a limited serial number range manufactured between September 2015 and October 2015. Apple has since launched a tool to check if your serial number is affected.

Apple is also offering refunds to customers who previously paid to have their eligible iPhone 6s battery repaired or replaced. Apple recommends customers experiencing iPhone 6s battery issues visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support.

Article Link: Apple Says iPhone 6s Shutdowns Result of Manufacturing Issue Causing Batteries to Degrade Faster
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/12/02/iphone-6s-battery-shutdown-apple-statement/
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Reactions: OttawaGuy
I wonder how cold is too cold? As my phone has been shutting off at 30% then flashing the charge icon then turning back on, showing 1/2% then going back to 30%. I didn't think -5 was too cold...
 
It sucks because we went in sept to have them look at my wife's phone (it shuts down randomly at 20-40%). It was about 2-3 days before the warranty was about to run out and the Apple guy said her phone was "fine". Now we have to book another appointment and get it fixed finally. But it's a hassle and it sucks we have to go twice and they made us feel like we were making it up the first time. "oh you have Facebook AND spotify on your phone, that's why the battery drains so fast".
 
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Reactions: 5105973, realeric, saiz66 and 5 others
"Oh, the battery is fine" yall said. "I don't have to charge my iPhone 3 times a day!" "If you want a better battery go to Samsung." This is what yall said.

The batteries in the 6s, there's something wrong with it. I told Apple this. Months ago I went to the Apple store and sat back and told them that.

And it's panning out just like I said it would. Now they can't make enough of these new batteries as they're backordered for over two weeks.

I told you so! And yall found out that you are what I said yall were. a fraud. This is why I don't argue on this forum. I don't have to. I just slap you in the head with your own book.

I knew that sooner OR LATER. Something would come to light that proves everything I've ever told you. And I'll be damned if it hasn't happened one mo gain.

Goddammit he's right again!
 
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bladerunner2000 said:
To everyone that made fun of Samsung's exploding batteries;

What's good?
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This isn't even remotely the same thing. On one hand you have a battery that just shuts down because it can't hold power as well as it should be. On the other hand, you have a phone blowing up in your face.

Can you read?
"This is not a safety issue."

Please tell me you weren't being serious....
 
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MacRumors said:
Apple added that iPhones are designed to shut down automatically under certain conditions, such as extremely cold temperature.
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My iPhone SE sometimes shuts down with 20% battery left, when it is around 5°C and windy. As Apple specifies the usage temperature of the iPhone with 0°C to 35°C, I don't think this is "extremely cold"
 
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miniroll32 said:
So do they replace the battery or the device itself? I can't imagine it would that safe (or clean) to replace these things.
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They're replacing the batteries themselves which simply requires Apple to lift off the screen assembly which they do on a daily basis for all sorts of repairs. Had my screen replaced once for a faulty Facetime camera. No indication anything was even done aside from a fixed camera. So if you mean "safe or clean" with respect to the condition of the phone there is no possibility for an issue. If they themselves damaged it during repair there is no doubt in my mind they would make it right. Unless you go and do it with some unauthorized 3rd party. No reason at all to think Apple would not use a tested and safe part, open and replace the battery in their own devices properly, and safely dispose of the old battery. Not sure where your concern comes from. This is not an exploding battery thing like Samsung. Its merely the lack of the battery to hold a charge for its rated lifetime.
 
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:D we have 3 iPhone6s and all shutdown when it goes under -3 and you are outside :D
extremely cold temperature. :DD
 
I sent my phone in with this issue a couple of months ago and they tried to tell me it was something to do with the lightning port being damaged (the port worked perfectly) and I had to pay £100 for that repair before they'd even look at the battery. I told them to forget that, and they returned it unfixed. Surprise surprise, the serial number is now eligible.

I suspect this is WAY more widespread than they're making out. It was obvious at the time that they were looking for any reason not to do the repair under warranty, probably because they were awash with them.
 
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Reactions: mdouglas75, Speedy Dingo, sososowhat and 7 others
My phone was having this issue, bought in early october. Was at Apple about a month ago and the diagnostics were all green.

I guess i got lucky, but the genius pulled up the battery usage history and it showed my battery level increasing in the middle of the day without charging.

Replaced my phone for free, no more scratches hehe.
 
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