Apple Delays iPhone 6 Plus Battery Replacements Until March-April Due to Limited Supply

[MacRumors]

iPhone 6 Plus users hoping to take advantage of Apple's discounted $29 battery replacements may have to wait a few months.

Apple says iPhone 6 Plus replacement batteries are in short supply and won't be available until late March to early April in the United States and other regions, according to an internal document distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week and later obtained by MacRumors.

Apple's internal document quotes a shorter wait of "approximately two weeks" for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Plus battery replacements, and adds that batteries for all other models like the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone SE are expected to be available "without extended delays" in most countries.

Apple noted that lead times may vary in some regions, including the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Russia, and Turkey.

MacRumors has already received a few emails from readers with an iPhone 6 Plus who were quoted a late March to early April timeframe for the replacement service to be completed at Apple Stores in New York and North Carolina, in line with the information outlined in Apple's document.

A reliable source at an Apple Authorized Service Provider indicated that they recently received a package with dozens of replacement batteries, the majority of which were for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models.

Apple lowered its battery replacement fee to $29 last month for any customer with an iPhone 6 or newer as part of an apology over its lack of transparency about slowing down some older iPhone models to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Apple noted that initial supplies of some batteries may be limited.

As with any supply-demand situation, availability of replacement batteries will likely vary by location. Keep in mind that many Apple Authorized Service Providers like MacMedics and ComputerCare are able to replace iPhone batteries, so this may be an option worth considering beyond an Apple Store.

A source adds that Apple Authorized Service Providers are permitted to set their own prices for out-of-warranty parts and repairs, so some third-party repair shops are charging more than $29 for battery replacements, even if Apple might not prefer it, to ensure they are being fairly compensated.

Also keep in mind that Apple's discounted rate is available until December 31, 2018, so unless you absolutely need a battery replacement now, you may wish to consider waiting until later in the year to initiate the process.

If you are replacing your iPhone's battery for the first time, the $29 price is available regardless of whether the device passes or fails Apple's battery diagnostic test. To be eligible for any additional replacements at the discounted rate, however, the device must explicitly fail the test or the standard $79 applies.

To get started, read our guide on how to get your iPhone's battery replaced with an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. There's also a mail-in option, but we've heard that Apple's repair center may only be replacing batteries that fail a diagnostic test, and sending back devices that pass.

Article Link: Apple Delays iPhone 6 Plus Battery Replacements Until March-April Due to Limited Supply

 

[Moorepheus]

But, we can buy a new 8/8+ or X...lol

 

[SteveJUAE]

No surprise there then........

Usual slowdowns

 

[Angsju]

I bet all of their batteries got sold out to cheaper repairing services. Wouldn’t be surprised if they stacked up on batteries after hearing the “Apple slowing down phones” looking for some extra buck.

 

[Narcaz]

Ramp up the production. If they start to lose the lawsuits, there will be even more demand.

 

[vicviper789]

no worries, i planned to replace my battery at the end of the year to maximize my money

 

[macTW]

Likely due to the influx of people, justified or not, asking for cheap replacements due to the placebo of thinking their phones are slow.

 

[vkd]

The situation is turning into something of a farce.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Was going to tell my parents to go but after seeing all the threads and unhappy people - looks like they'll be waiting till after tax season! I think waiting till the end of the year (not the very last) is probably best.

 

[vpndev]

Anyone know if they'll replace a third-party battery? My iPhone 6 has one but it's not very good. I have the original Apple battery and could put it back - anyone know if I need to do that ??

 

[Strelok]

Anyone know if they'll replace a third-party battery? My iPhone 6 has one but it's not very good. I have the original Apple battery and could put it back - anyone know if I need to do that ??

I think you have to break a seal when you change the battery, so most likely the answer is no. You can try putting the original battery back in and having it done, with a 3rd party battery in there they will not touch it.

 

[deferredAnon]

Don't wait too long to get replacements. Because they might have the same supposed shortage issues toward the end of the year when everyone else tries to make use of it. I recommend late summer.

 

[Cougarcat]

Anyone know if they'll replace a third-party battery? My iPhone 6 has one but it's not very good. I have the original Apple battery and could put it back - anyone know if I need to do that ??

I’d put it back. Once I had a third party battery and had an unrelated power issue with the phone. They charged me the full replacement cost because I’d changed the battery.

 

[aliensporebomb]

I told my wife to get in there right when the news hit but she dragged her feet. She constantly has to recharge in mid-afternoon most days and coconut battery says it's past time to replace. Now she'll have to suffer with it some more.

 

[Dan Holmstock]

"oy vey"
[doublepost=1515684914][/doublepost]

But, we can buy a new 8/8+ or X...lol

Oh most definitely - lol

 

[NomadicTy]

So they basically chose crappy batteries that have to be throttled down within a year of purchase, or be replaced, so they can have thin phones?

I've had iPhones since the first, and have converted all my family members to iOS devices and macs. But this leaves a bad taste.

 

[AJ5790]

This whole thing is so dumb! At my local Apple Store yesterday. The Genius said they have replaced batteries on iPhone Xs, 8s, and brand new 7s. The media has so completely mis-handled this story, and caused a huge delay in people getting genuine issues fixed. He said probably less than half of the batteries actually need replacing. So ridiculous.

 

[Scottsoapbox]

Enjoy your slower phone for the next four months.

 

[SwiftBunny]

no worries, i planned to replace my battery at the end of the year to maximize my money

You'll only be maximizing if you keep the iPhone after the battery replacement as long as you have had it thus far...

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

New conspiracy: Apple intentionally slowing down iPhone 6+ battery replacements to spur purchases of new iPhone X.

 

[true god]

Batteries cannibalizing new iPhone sales.

 

[Dan Holmstock]

Anyone know if they'll replace a third-party battery? My iPhone 6 has one but it's not very good. I have the original Apple battery and could put it back - anyone know if I need to do that ??

My understanding is any NON APPLE PART - APPLE WILL NOT SERVICE. I would put in the other Apple battery then go in for service. Seems like you have some time to do that too.

 

[AJ5790]

So they basically chose crappy batteries that have to be throttled down within a year of purchase, or be replaced, so they can have thin phones?

I've had iPhones since the first, and have converted all my family members to iOS devices and macs. But this leaves a bad taste.

What are you talking about? iPhone 6s are almost 3 1/2 years old now.

 

[edhudley]

I made an appointment last week at the Cherry Hill, New Jersey Apple Store to have the battery in my 6+ replaced, but got a call early this week stating whats now in the headline, don’t count on a replacement until March or April. I’m disappointed that Apple seem to find new ways these days to crap on the customers.

 

[rplat]

iPhone 6 Plus users hoping to take advantage of Apple's discounted $29 battery replacements may have to wait a few months.

Apple says iPhone 6 Plus replacement batteries are in short supply and won't be available until late March to early April in the United States and other regions, according to an internal document distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week and later obtained by MacRumors.

Apple's internal document quotes a shorter wait of approximately two weeks for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Plus battery replacements, and adds that batteries for all other models like the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone SE are expected to be available without extended delays in most countries.

Apple noted that lead times may vary in some regions, including the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Russia, and Turkey.

MacRumors has already received a few emails from readers with an iPhone 6 Plus who were quoted a late March to early April timeframe for the replacement service to be completed at Apple Stores in New York and North Carolina, in line with the information outlined in Apple's document.

A reliable source at an Apple Authorized Service Provider indicated that they recently received a package with dozens of replacement batteries, the majority of which were for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models.

Apple lowered its battery replacement fee to $29 last month for any customer with an iPhone 6 or newer as part of an apology over its lack of transparency about slowing down some older iPhone models to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Apple noted that initial supplies of some batteries may be limited.

As with any supply-demand situation, availability of replacement batteries will likely vary by location. Keep in mind that many Apple Authorized Service Providers like Best Buy, MacMedics, and ComputerCare are able to replace iPhone batteries, so this may be an option worth considering beyond an Apple Store.

Also keep in mind that Apple's discounted rate is available until December 31, 2018, so unless you absolutely need a battery replacement now, you may wish to consider waiting until later in the year to initiate the process.

If you are replacing your iPhone's battery for the first time, the $29 price is available regardless of whether the device passes or fails Apple's battery diagnostic test. To be eligible for any additional replacements at the discounted rate, however, the device must explicitly fail the test or the standard $79 applies.

To get started, read our guide on how to get your iPhone's battery replaced with an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. There's also a mail-in option, but we've heard that Apple's repair center may only be replacing batteries that fail a diagnostic test, and sending back devices that pass.

Article Link: Apple Delays iPhone 6 Plus Battery Replacements Until March-April Due to Limited Supply