iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program Now Includes Models with Third-Party Displays

[MacRumors]

Apple's iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program now covers iPhone 5 models that had their displays replaced with third-party components, according to a new posting on Apple's GSX site for service providers that was brought to MacRumors' attention.

Previously, iPhone 5 models that had their displays replaced were barred from receiving a brand new battery replacement from Apple. The company generally did not replace batteries in devices that might have seen damage due to liability issues and required phones with damaged displays to correct that issue before progressing.

Additionally, Apple's refusal to replace batteries in phones with new displays likely saw some contention amongst those who purchased refurbished iPhone 5 models and had not personally had any work done on the device.

Article Link: iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program Now Includes Models with Third-Party Displays

 

[loveisfeet]

I just told a lady today that she couldn't get her battery replaced because her display was fake. This sucks.

 

[danielsutton]

[url=http://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image[/url]


Apple's iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program now covers iPhone 5 models that had their displays replaced with third-party components, according to a new posting on Apple's GSX site for service providers that was brought to MacRumors' attention.

Image​

Previously, iPhone 5 models that had their displays replaced were barred from receiving a brand new battery replacement from Apple. The company generally did not replace batteries in devices that might have seen damage due to liability issues and required phones with damaged displays to correct that issue before progressing.

Additionally, Apple's refusal to replace batteries in phones with new displays likely saw some contention amongst those who purchased refurbished iPhone 5 models and had not personally had any work done on the device.

Article Link: iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program Now Includes Models with Third-Party Displays

Apple is slowly adopting kinder, more generous policies, and is treating their customers with more respect. This is a much better way to build goodwill and to demonstrate soundness and responsibility. as Apple becomes more and more of a mainstream technology company, they will need to move more in this direction, providing stronger support to their consumer and enterprise clients.

 

[memnemon]

I'd like to see this extended to the power button replacement program as well ( https://www.apple.com/au/support/iphone5-sleepwakebutton/ ) ... I just got knocked back (Apple Store Canberra Australia) because mine had a third party screen installed - now have an annoyingly almost functional device that has no other problems...

 

[Aluminum213]

iPhone 5 battery was disgrace


Thank God for my 6+, can get through 2 days with moderate use

 

[gixxerfool]

I had my original 5 replaced under warranty. My replacement needed a battery due to calibration issues. I was way out of warranty and expecting to pay for a battery as I did not fall into the replacement program. They were cool enough to still replace it under warranty for me. I thought apple had tightneded the reigns on this, but apparently not. It's reasons like this I stick with apple. It s worth dealing with mishaps and temporary bugs if they keep taking care of customers instead of making excuses not to.

 

[Ms6boost]

Apple is slowly adopting kinder, more generous policies, and is treating their customers with more respect. This is a much better way to build goodwill and to demonstrate soundness and responsibility. as Apple becomes more and more of a mainstream technology company, they will need to move more in this direction, providing stronger support to their consumer and enterprise clients.

While it does honor a quality program the customer is "qualified" for, it is also going to be an issue if the third-party display is cracked (which cannot be replaced by Apple), or is broken during repair (also unable to be replaced by Apple), or no longer functions after the repair (a possibility with third-party displays).

This outta be fun.

 

[576316]

Still annoys me that my girlfriend's iPhone 5 fitted the exact description of the battery issues stated but isn't eligible for a replacement battery. How can this be right?

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I had my original 5 replaced under warranty. My replacement needed a battery due to calibration issues. I was way out of warranty and expecting to pay for a battery as I did not fall into the replacement program. They were cool enough to still replace it under warranty for me. I thought apple had tightneded the reigns on this, but apparently not. It's reasons like this I stick with apple. It s worth dealing with mishaps and temporary bugs if they keep taking care of customers instead of making excuses not to.

That sounds promising. The battery in my girlfriend's iPhone 5 has been crappy since day 1 but she's apparently not eligible in the program. Sounds like it might be worth taking it to Apple anyway.

 

[gixxerfool]

Still annoys me that my girlfriend's iPhone 5 fitted the exact description of the battery issues stated but isn't eligible for a replacement battery. How can this be right?

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That sounds promising. The battery in my girlfriend's iPhone 5 has been crappy since day 1 but she's apparently not eligible in the program. Sounds like it might be worth taking it to Apple anyway.

My 5 would start shutting off at 2% left on the indicator. Then it crept up to 5%. Then to 12%. They do free battery diagnostics. When he ran the diagnostic it came back well within spec. According to the genius the battery can still test ok, but can have a bulging issue causing the issue, but still testing ok (likely due to the diagnositc not being a physical load test). He took it in the back and opened it up to visually inspect it and came back with a white box replacement.

Maybe they are allowing for off program replacements just to be safe. The diagnostic is free with exception to your time. Can't hurt to have it looked at.

 

[576316]

My 5 would start shutting off at 2% left on the indicator. Then it crept up to 5%. Then to 12%. They do free battery diagnostics. When he ran the diagnostic it came back well within spec. According to the genius the battery can still test ok, but can have a bulging issue causing the issue, but still testing ok (likely due to the diagnositc not being a physical load test). He took it in the back and opened it up to visually inspect it and came back with a white box replacement.

Maybe they are allowing for off program replacements just to be safe. The diagnostic is free with exception to your time. Can't hurt to have it looked at.

I'll definitely take it in to have it looked at. Her's shuts off with, supposedly, 50% battery left.

 

[sik08amg]

I had my battery replaced by third party because of the issues. Little more than a week after was the first announcement of battery replacements. Now this. I wonder since the screen is still original, if they will replace battery with no questions. Hmmm

 

[TheByrus]

My favorite part of this clusterf*ck is I reported this issue 4 months after the iPhone 5 came out, the Apple "Genius" didn't believe my phone was dying at 20-30%. So, I made him stand there for about 15 minutes and watch and sure enough, 26% and it dies. He says "Oh, i guess there is a problem" and replaces my phone. Now, 16 months later, my phone is doing the same thing and Apple refuses to replace my iPhone battery again because "it's already been replaced once" with another crappy battery.

Thanks, Apple.

 

[kolax]

My favorite part of this clusterf*ck is I reported this issue 4 months after the iPhone 5 came out, the Apple "Genius" didn't believe my phone was dying at 20-30%. So, I made him stand there for about 15 minutes and watch and sure enough, 26% and it dies. He says "Oh, i guess there is a problem" and replaces my phone. Now, 16 months later, my phone is doing the same thing and Apple refuses to replace my iPhone battery again because "it's already been replaced once" with another crappy battery.

Thanks, Apple.

Exact problem I'm having. If they sold me a new battery for £20 I'd happily pay, as batteries are consumables. But these battery issues are more Apple issues than general battery wear and tear.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

The only time I've gone "ballistic" at an Apple 'Genius' was over the battery replacement policy.

When the original iPhone came out, there was anxiety over the non-user-replaceable battery. Apple quelled this by saying that they would replace the battery for you for $70 (which was expensive, but not completely out of the realm of normalcy for a battery - some other high-end cell phones had custom batteries that cost $100.)

A couple years later, I brought my original iPhone in to have its battery replaced. Yes, it had water damage, but it worked fine. And I was paying to replace the battery, which had nothing to do with the water damage. I was told they couldn't replace the battery because it had damage. I demanded to talk to the manager, and read the manager the riot act when he confirmed the policy. Something along the lines of "if I had gotten any other phone, I could go to any electronics store and get a new battery for $20-$50 and replace it myself in two minutes. This is severely impacting my opinion of Apple, and the chances of future purchases."

About half an hour later, I got a call from a different manager, apologizing for the confusion, and saying that they would do the replacement. (Of course, what I didn't know at the time is that "battery replacement" really meant "swap the phone with a refurbished one," hence their reluctance.)

About a year later, I went to get the battery replaced on my iPhone 3G. Which had a cracked screen. I was prepared to give the same "make a scene" performance - only to have the Genius take my phone, and swap it for a refurbished model. Didn't even charge me. I don't know if my name was in a "be nice to this guy" list, or what. He claimed my phone was still under AppleCare - which it most certainly was not - it was two years old, and bought brand new with no AppleCare purchased.

So I've had direct experience with the silly policy of disallowing battery replacements because of non-stock issues. Which is nuts - "battery replacement" should be literally replacing the battery, just as with any "conventional, replaceable battery" phone. The physical condition of the phone shouldn't matter - unless the technician finds it in such condition that it may physically harm the replacement battery. Then the buyer should be warned and given the option of replacing the battery with potentially no warranty on the new battery.

 

[Yumbo]

I had my battery replaced by third party because of the issues. Little more than a week after was the first announcement of battery replacements. Now this. I wonder since the screen is still original, if they will replace battery with no questions. Hmmm

Try asking for a refund on your battery cost.

 

[TheIntruder]

I understand Apple wants to protect itself in cases where they're asked to work on a device with an unknown history, or that has potentially been altered outside of their control.

But, the problem is that the store personnel are using that policy as a sledgehammer, when a chisel will do. The Geniuses don't have much latitude to make critical judgements, so it's up to the managers, and [deity] help you if you don't have a good one in your store.

Just like any other retail establishment.

I had a not so enjoyable experience with the battery replacement at my store that required multiple visits to resolve.

It involved shoddy work, violation of their own policy, a false accusation, and a lot of wasted time before I got a resolution. I also got a firsthand look at the weaknesses of the Genius system, and not just for myself.

I know I'll never trust the techs at that location again.

 

[Ms6boost]

The only time I've gone "ballistic" at an Apple 'Genius' was over the battery replacement policy.

When the original iPhone came out, there was anxiety over the non-user-replaceable battery. Apple quelled this by saying that they would replace the battery for you for $70 (which was expensive, but not completely out of the realm of normalcy for a battery - some other high-end cell phones had custom batteries that cost $100.)

A couple years later, I brought my original iPhone in to have its battery replaced. Yes, it had water damage, but it worked fine. And I was paying to replace the battery, which had nothing to do with the water damage. I was told they couldn't replace the battery because it had damage. I demanded to talk to the manager, and read the manager the riot act when he confirmed the policy. Something along the lines of "if I had gotten any other phone, I could go to any electronics store and get a new battery for $20-$50 and replace it myself in two minutes. This is severely impacting my opinion of Apple, and the chances of future purchases."

About half an hour later, I got a call from a different manager, apologizing for the confusion, and saying that they would do the replacement. (Of course, what I didn't know at the time is that "battery replacement" really meant "swap the phone with a refurbished one," hence their reluctance.)

About a year later, I went to get the battery replaced on my iPhone 3G. Which had a cracked screen. I was prepared to give the same "make a scene" performance - only to have the Genius take my phone, and swap it for a refurbished model. Didn't even charge me. I don't know if my name was in a "be nice to this guy" list, or what. He claimed my phone was still under AppleCare - which it most certainly was not - it was two years old, and bought brand new with no AppleCare purchased.

So I've had direct experience with the silly policy of disallowing battery replacements because of non-stock issues. Which is nuts - "battery replacement" should be literally replacing the battery, just as with any "conventional, replaceable battery" phone. The physical condition of the phone shouldn't matter - unless the technician finds it in such condition that it may physically harm the replacement battery. Then the buyer should be warned and given the option of replacing the battery with potentially no warranty on the new battery.

Heres the issue that you are not aware (or perhaps failing to recognize):

Liquid can cause fault to electronics

If the display is compromised due to physical damage, it has the greater likelihood of breaking when being removed to access the battery. Third-party (the cheaper versions) especially.

The question then is, "Will Apple then replace the broken third-party display, which voids warranty service in most cases, with an Apple Genuine part?"

My hope is no.

 

[kolax]

Heres the issue that you are not aware (or perhaps failing to recognize):

Liquid can cause fault to electronics

If the display is compromised due to physical damage, it has the greater likelihood of breaking when being removed to access the battery. Third-party (the cheaper versions) especially.

The question then is, "Will Apple then replaced the broken third-party display, which voids warranty service in most cases, with an Apple Genuine part?"

My hope is no.

He was paying for the battery replacement, not Apple.

 

[gnasher729]

I'd like to see this extended to the power button replacement program as well ( https://www.apple.com/au/support/iphone5-sleepwakebutton/ ) ... I just got knocked back (Apple Store Canberra Australia) because mine had a third party screen installed - now have an annoyingly almost functional device that has no other problems...

FYI: If you go to settings, you can switch on a home button on the screen. Don't know where, just read about it and how it makes a phone with broken home button usable again

 

[Ms6boost]

He was paying for the battery replacement, not Apple.

... ok?

 

[kolax]

... ok?

Meaning if you want your battery replaced, Apple should do it. If your screen is a bit cracked, or something, then their problem. Or, if Apple really doesn't want to risk being liable for completely damaging the screen, they should just give you the battery to do it yourself.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

And yet again, on a new to me iPhone, the site still says "Our records show that your battery has already been replaced. If you paid for a battery replacement service, check with Apple to see if you are eligible for a refund."

I've never had the battery replaced. Is it a factory second?

 

[Ms6boost]

Meaning if you want your battery replaced, Apple should do it. If your screen is a bit cracked, or something, then their problem. Or, if Apple really doesn't want to risk being liable for completely damaging the screen, they should just give you the battery to do it yourself.

 

[Qstick333]

Iphone 5. Battery now only charges to 86%. If I unplug it, then plug it back in, I can get 88%. Tried different charges and cables, etc... but all do the same thing. The cables and plugs all work fine on my wife's phone.

I tried letting it run down to the point that it shuts off and then charge to calibrate but it didn't change anything.

Went to Apple store and they told me the battery is not covered for my serial number.

Damn.