Apple's iPad Battery Replacement Program Forgoes New Battery, Replaces iPad

[MMX]

Who introduced a revolutionary battery with smart load logic? Apple did. Long before anyone else did. Just like the iPod back in 2001 and the aluminum casing for the Mac Books. And the list goes on and on...

So Apple should have waited for other companies to be first?

Battery technology and warranties are two different things.

Where is your proof?

Are you crazy?

 

[jragosta]

So because it's recyclable it's OK to needlessly throw away what will be hundreds of thousands of iPads' worth of materials? And if the plan is to sell them as refurbs, why not just replace the battery? A refurb means new boxes, packaging, accessories, books/manuals, etc. whereas an iPad with its battery replaced can go back to its owner in a padded cardboard box.

Any other BS rebuttals you can dream up?

Maybe you should read the thread and learn how it's done. Apple takes it back, replaces the battery, and puts it on the shelf to be sent to the next person who needs one. The only difference between that and what you're suggesting is that Apple also thoroughly tests the unit and replaces any defective parts and the case.

I'm sure the cases are recycled if it's possible.

Recycling doesnt need energy, fuel etc? Or you you think Jobs as Harry Potter making everything with magic? The whole thing with non replacable batteries is that they elliminate battery competion and cheaper prices. Too simple.

Order/buy replacement battery. Swap batteries. Done? Seems a lot easier to me.

Only because you've never designed electronic equipment. By using non-user-replaceable batteries, Apple is able to make the device, smaller, sturdier, and give greater battery life. For most people, that's worth the inconvenience of MAYBE having to pay more to replace the battery in 5 years. If it's not a reasonable tradeoff to you, don't buy one. Simple.

It is more convenient for Apple to have a cache of already battery replaced iPads on shelves so that they can turn around customers "iPads for battery replacement" than to open yours up and replace your battery! It is at the convenience of Apple, never mind that your just spent almost $900 on an iPad that you expected to be 100% functional including a battery. Oh, don't forget that you are also one of those meticulous individuals who prizes the electronic possessions and keeps them in pristine condition. Yeah, sure, I'll except and exchange in a pigs eye! Sounds like a class action suit brewing in a cauldron before the iPad even gets out of the running gate. Come on Steve Jobs. Would you except a trade in rather than a replacement one something that your worked hard for and kept up nicely ... say, your battery is dead on your BMW, Lexus, or whatever. Here's your scratched up car ... BTW, this one was in a fender bender. Sorry your trade in replacement just happen to be dropped on the floor at the airport!

I wonder where these people come up with this nonsense. "you just spent $900 on an iPad that you expected to be functional"? If you just spent the money, it will be covered by warranty. The battery replacement program only applies if it's out of warranty, so you didn't 'just spend' the money. Apple has NO obligation to offer any kind of battery replacement program, so what basis is there for a lawsuit? The fact that you don't like their completely optional battery replacement out-of-warranty program? The fact that you're too lazy to choose any of the other third party battery replacement deals? Class action? Yes, there are people stupid enough to try, but it wouldn't go anywhere.

Another reason the iPad sours me on Apple (and yes, I love apple):
What happens if you need a new battery? No worries, just send in your iPad and they'll send you a "new" one. You only need to-
"sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc." because "Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad." Then when you get a new iPad all you have to do is resync all your information, movies, music, etc and reconfigure all your network settings. Simple as that!

What happens if a hard drive fails in your computer? Do you think you're going to get your data back? Let's say you have a Logitech remote that you've spent hours programming and it dies. Do you think you're going to get it back with the programming intact? Heck, you buy an alarm clock and set the time on it then it dies. Will the replacement come back with your time and alarm settings in place?

It's YOUR responsibility to keep track of and back up your data. Why is it Apple's fault if you're too lazy to do that. If I remember correctly, it's one click when you connect your iPhone to a Mac. The iPad will probably be the same.

Pretty cool, assuming there is no catch (which I doubt because Apple customer support has helped me out greatly in the past without a catch).

The fact that I saw a ton of negative votes about this is pretty sad. I mean what the hell guys? Are you stupid or just an extreme fanboy to the point where you'll flame Apple for being taken care of? It's like being a genius to the point where you're on the brink of insanity. The fanboyism that is (sometimes) displayed on this forum makes me sick, which is probably why I've been a member so long and still have yet to been privileged an icon (or avatar for you nitpicky ones).

Come on, $99 for a new (or like new for the nitpicky ones [again...]) iPad with a BRAND NEW battery? That deserves a positive vote (or maybe I'm just insane).

You have to understand that there are a large number of people whose whole lives revolve around bashing Apple's every move. They don't use Apple products and are proud of it, but they troll these forums whining about every move Apple makes.

Apple could stuff checks for $50,000 in every iPad box and these people would whine that it should be cash. What about the people buying iPads who don't have checking accounts to deposit the money into? Why doesn't Apple gross the amount up to cover taxes?

Their rebuttal will be that other people go to these forums talking about how great Apple is. That's true, but it's a lot more natural to have a product you like and want to tell other people that you like it than to go around spending your time attacking something that doesn't even concern you. I've never figured it out.

So they don't replace the battery, they just chuck the whole device?

Score for environmental responsibility.

Score one for lack of reading comprehension. They don't chuck the device. They refurbish it to give to the next person who needs a new battery.

My point is you can't use thinness as a reason to have the battery non-replaceable. I'm sure it's easily done, but Apple has decided to stop it being done, presumably for reasons of total control of the device.

Or, for the reasons that they've publicly stated and that anyone with any engineering experience at all can understand. A replaceable battery would reduce battery life, make the unit less sturdy, and add bulk and weight.

I always seem to be an exception to that rule. Both times I sent my phones into repair they always game me a brand new one! Shrink wrap and everything.

How do you know that? I don't know Apple's process, but someone here said that they replace the case and keep the internals. I'm sure Apple would have no problem shrink-wrapping a refurbished device. So if it has a new case and old internals, how would you know that it isn't refurbished?

 

[diabolic]

So for me, an iPad battery replacement policy that just requires me to clean off my iPad and nets me a brand new-seeming unit is no great drama. One less thing to worry about!

I don't see how anyone can find this policy a bad one. People can be ridiculous in their expectations and sense of entitlement though.

I had to replace my iPhone last year due to my own clumsiness. I dropped it and it flew across a driveway breaking the mute switch and denting the exterior.

When I took it in to the Apple store, the Genius was shocked when I said I dropped it and just needed to know how much I had to pay to replace it. He actually thanked me for being honest and said a lot of people come in with a phone that they obviously damaged themselves and demand a free replacement. I'm sure it will happen quite a bit with the iPad too. And people here say Apple is the greedy one...

 

[*LTD*]

[great post . . .]

Kudos. I would never have had enough patience to address all that, most of which is nonsensical. Tip 'o the hat to ya.

If you examine closely what Apple is doing here, it's one of the greenest possible solutions they could have come up with, and one which is incredibly convenient for the consumer.

 

[sanPietro98]

fail. this shows they are expecting problems. not to mention if the battery is dead how the hell am i going to sync it?

Not necessarily. These things probably take a LOT of manual labor to open, diagnose, repair, and reclose. Apple probably weighed the two options and figures its more cost effective to send out a replacement.

 

[Master Chief]

WTH are you talking about??

I am saying that Apple changed so much in the industry already, like they did with the introduction of the iPod and aluminum casing for Mac Books, and that it could make a huge change in this area. I mean Apple already has a great patent portfolio with all sorts of new technology, including battery related tech inventions, which it could use to attract more consumers. After all. Extended warranty is used in the car industry to attract new consumers. Apple could do the same.

Battery technology and warranties are two different things.

Right. Like I didn't knew that. Thanks.

 

[*LTD*]

I am saying that Apple changed so much in the industry already, like they did with the introduction of the iPod and aluminum casing for Mac Books, and that it could make a huge change in this area. I mean Apple already has a great patent portfolio with all sorts of new technology, including battery related tech inventions, which it could use to attract more consumers. After all. Extended warranty is used in the car industry to attract new consumers. Apple could do the same.

Batteries are warrantied for only one year. That's standard. Why do you think that is? (Hint: It has nothing to do with the battery technology itself being any good.)

 

[Eidorian]

Are you crazy?

I would find it very remarkable if you were able to prove my sanity or insanity online.

Otherwise can you prove what I said earlier is wrong?

 

[iamPro]

I would find it very remarkable if you were able to prove my sanity or insanity online.

Otherwise can you prove what I said earlier is wrong?

I don't see what you're trying to smart about.

So what if that specific process you mentioned is true regarding how green or not it may be.

MMX was talking in a general sense, I believe the majority out there would think it is true that recycling computer parts is a good/green thing.

And perhaps, Apple has a better way of approaching the specific problem you mentioned. Forgive me if I am talking out of thin air, cuz I'm not really knowledgeable regarding this matter...

But, do you have any proof Apple's recycling process is not green?

 

[Master Chief]

Batteries are warrantied for only one year. That's standard. Why do you think that is? (It has nothing to do with the battery technology itself being any good.)

When this isn't based on a technical limitation, then it has to be about profit. I think we all agree on this. But Apple also wants to expand, and this was why the price of the iPad [and Snow Leopard] was so important. And I think that a longer warranty period, of three years, can help too. Just like it did [in the past] for car manufacturers.

 

[Xibalba]

I can only believe this from Apple. True story, yesterday I went to see the Apple Man about an iTouch it was having problems with, a simple thing the top button was sticking, that all, but of course I have had this one for 16 months with no problems.

I get to the Apple store in Dallas and the place is buzzing, I ask about an appointment and get one for 30 minutes in the future, I go get my self a nice Starbuck Triple Expresso Grande and return. I get seen by "Steve" and he takes my iTouch, looks at it says be right back, comes back 2 minutes later with a bran new iTouch, I am surprise even for Apple customer service; tells me to sign a paper which is small and simple to read. No selling of your life or first born on it so I am all for it.

And walk away with a bran new iTouch.

So I can see where Apple would care more about the experience of the customer with the iPad than having a small amount of returns which they can refurbish back to perfect spec. That experience is what keeps me more than anything coming back to Apple.

I had a problem with my iphone 3G a time ago and they gave me a refurb, which it either is a refurb or not I can't tell you, I was perfectly new, I looked it up and down and found not one nick or scratch or anything that did not show it was a bran new phone, but it was a refurb supposedly.

I can see Apple moto been "the customer happy, brings business" I know it does with my money.

Thanks for the story of your personal experiences with Apple customer care - makes me wish the closest Apple store wasn't 2 hours away. But then again, so far I have not had many problems yet with my Apple hardware.

 

[thisday]

Thats what you got from my post? Recycling is bad? Rescycling is not bad to clear my state. What is bad, for me as customer and you dont want to accept cause you adore Apple, is that if your battery was dead you would get a new one from a store for 40$ and swap it. Now you pay 100$ and you get in the "trouble" to restore iPad, wait a week etc. I cant believe you actually prefer this than replace your own battery in seconds.
What happends to the personal data of the old iPad? Formated i guess, but still recoverable.

 

[NakedPaulToast]

Kudos. I would never have had enough patience to address all that, most of which is nonsensical. Tip 'o the hat to ya.

If you examine closely what Apple is doing here, it's one of the greenest possible solutions they could have come up with, and one which is incredibly convenient for the consumer.

How can you say it's one of the greenest solutions possible?

Replacing anything unnecessarily is NOT a green solution. Refurbs have replacement cases, if they replace the battery and send me back my original unit, no case replacement is necessary. It appears this program requires perfectly good cases to be destroyed or recycled, simply because they have some scratches or scuffs.

That is not green, no matter how you spin it.

 

[Martin Castillo]

I am sure that they will do cross shipping on these with a valid CC #.

 

[rtdunham]

The iPad is too small to include a battery door (don't argue) so that's why they are charging the 1/6 the price of the device to replace a $10 rechargeable battery! It makes perfect sense. Design the device to screw the customer. Design the device to screw the software developers. Screw everyone. Send all $$$ to Steve Jobs for his next body replacement part. Everyone is happy.

Gee, Magnus, you seem upset. I don't mind criticism--that's how we'll pressure the company to make its products better. But it does bug me when people express points of view with great vehemence ("Screw the customer..." "screw..." "screw everyone...") without a foundation in fact. It wastes space here and time for everyone who reads it.

A replacement battery for my sub-$300 compact digital camera costs $49. It's a replaceable battery, true. But the times I bought off-brand replacements they lasted about a third as long as the mfgr's original. How do you calculate a $10 cost for a battery that's custom molded to the device to save space, and that has much higher mAh than my camera battery?

I'd just like to see the discussion continue on a rational level. Give it a shot.

 

[Btom]

Um, yeah... I'm sure they don't use the old units as refurb stock but just pile them up in a landfill.

I'd like to see your happy face getting your old unit back! Or somebody's else, with peculiar germs...
No, wait, those are going to be sent to poor people...

Tom B.

 

[diabolic]

I'd like to see your happy face getting your old unit back! Or somebody's else, with peculiar germs...
No, wait, those are going to be sent to poor people...

Tom B.

I've never had a case where I wasn't satisfied with a refurb replacement of a product, even after the warranty period had expired. I'd imagine you could probably complain until you got one you liked, like those who replaced their iPhones several times over due to some miniscule "defect". Apple does have the best customer service I've seen. Every experience I've had with them has been great, but I don't go in with unrealistic expectations.

It's easy to find good reasons for a non-replaceable battery. It's definitely a greener solution, even if only from a battery disposal standpoint, and that was what you were complaining about.

 

[3282868]

So because it's recyclable it's OK to needlessly throw away what will be hundreds of thousands of iPads' worth of materials? And if the plan is to sell them as refurbs, why not just replace the battery? A refurb means new boxes, packaging, accessories, books/manuals, etc. whereas an iPad with its battery replaced can go back to its owner in a padded cardboard box.

Any other BS rebuttals you can dream up?

Apple has stated that all aspects of the device are checked for full functionality and reissued. Any parts that are not fully functional are recycled. As e-waste is a major concern in today's environmental awareness landscape, I give Apple a lot of credit for demonstrating that going green doesn't mean going "red" in the technology business. As well, Apple uses aluminum, glass, arsenic/pvc/mercury free materials and also insists on handling their devices to ensure that all aspects are properly recycled or disposed. With the increasing advent of cheaper electronic devices, more consumers are apt to throw away their electronics rather than recycle their electronics, which is especially true with mobile devices and batteries. Apple implemented this program knowing that it may backlash, however Apple stands by their stance on improving environmental awareness in technology. Kudos.

 

[3282868]

Recycling doesnt need energy, fuel etc? Or you you think Jobs as Harry Potter making everything with magic? The whole thing with non replacable batteries is that they elliminate battery competion and cheaper prices. Too simple.

What if Apple uses green energy?

 

[Eidorian]

And perhaps, Apple has a better way of approaching the specific problem you mentioned. Forgive me if I am talking out of thin air, cuz I'm not really knowledgeable regarding this matter...

But, do you have any proof Apple's recycling process is not green?

What if Apple uses green energy?

I'm as much of an authority as you are.

Maybe they can audit their recycling process now. It would make for good PR and damage control.

 

[3282868]

I'm as much of an authority as you are.

Maybe they can audit their recycling process now. It would make for good PR and damage control.

I'd actually be quite interested in knowing what Apple does with unusable parts. What exactly constitutes a battery? Can Apple take the old battery and "recharge" it? My knowledge with regards to the science of batteries/ions/chemicals is limited at best.

 

[MH01]

Yay as the consumer, though i can see the tree huggers raising a few eyebrows..

 

[Btom]

I've never had a case where I wasn't satisfied with a refurb replacement of a product
.........
It's easy to find good reasons for a non-replaceable battery. It's definitely a greener solution, even if only from a battery disposal standpoint, and that was what you were complaining about.

Those are going to be 3-5 years old units, full of scratches and dings, not relatively new units returned for whatever reason. Recycling sounds great, but do we ever think how exactly computers are being "recycled"? It is a pile of three generations old components, boards and modules, dirty and not always working. A million little brown people somewhere patiently disassembling that stuff and putting it into some new products?? Be real, it is junk and goes to garbage.

So, on the positive note, hows about replacing FAILED battery for, say, $15 while you wait, without the hassle of transferring any data back and forth? Just MHO...

Tom B.

 

[MorphingDragon]

How do you know that? I don't know Apple's process, but someone here said that they replace the case and keep the internals. I'm sure Apple would have no problem shrink-wrapping a refurbished device. So if it has a new case and old internals, how would you know that it isn't refurbished?

Because I take it in myself to the repair shop in Sylvia park. And in New Zealand they have to either Repair it, Replace it or Refund it if it fails under warranty.

 

[paul4339]

I think Apple is just trying to leverage the iPhone/iPod battery replacement program and make it consistent across product lines.

I believe the iPhone out of warranty battery replacement is $79, so $99 for the iPad seems consistent.

I'm sure people will always want a lower price, or a program that is more optimized for themselves, but the iPhone/iPod battery replacement program seems work ok for a massive consumer base (so far), and customer satisfaction is pretty high; why mess with something that is working well?

Seems to make sense to start off by aligning the service programs (incl battery replacement) for the iPhone, iPod, iPad as much as you can, then once aligned, fine tune the program. I'm sure Apple has encountered all the gripes mentioned in previous posts (about damaged casing, battery life span and charging problems, damaged screens, etc,) with the iPhone, and knows how to handle those situations and probably just want to leverage the same program for the iPad.



P.