iPhone SE (2016) What is the criteria for a battery replacement under AppleCare+?

[Dangerous Theory]

Hi,

I have an iPhone SE with iOS 11.3. The Battery Health menu suggests that the battery is retaining 85% of its maximum capacity, however it also states “Your battery’s health is significantly degraded...”

I was under the impression that only capacities below 80% were considered “significantly degraded” and therefore eligible for free replacement under AppleCare+. I got Apple to do a remote diagnostic and they said that the battery was “Good” and nothing more specific. They suggested taking it to an Apple Store for a full diagnostic.

Before I do this, does anyone know whether there’s an official line from Apple regarding what constitutes a replacement under AppleCare+? Does it have to be below 80% or does the fact it states “significantly degraded” allow for a free replacement?

Thank you.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Before the battery firestorm, 80% was the threshold that Apple Genius' used to grant a battery replacement for $79.00. Apple has now implemented a policy whereby a person owning an iPhone 6 and newer, can get a battery replacement for $29.00, even if the exact threshold percentage hasn't been met.

 

[Dangerous Theory]

Before the battery firestorm, 80% was the threshold that Apple Genius' used to grant a battery replacement for $79.00. Apple has now implemented a policy whereby a person owning an iPhone 6 and newer, can get a battery replacement for $29.00, even if the exact threshold percentage hasn't been met.

Thanks, however my question specifically relates to obtaining a free battery replacement under AppleCare+.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I believe that Apple Plus will require you battery be less than 80%.

I would not be in a hurry unless your AC+ is getting ready to run out.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thanks, however my question specifically relates to obtaining a free battery replacement under AppleCare+.

As Newton stated, it has to be 80% or less under an AppleCare replacement.

1. Service coverage is available only for iPhone and its original included accessories that are defective in materials or workmanship or for batteries that retain less than 80 percent of their original capacity. The replacement equipment that Apple provides as part of the repair or replacement service may be new or equivalent to new in both performance and reliability. See terms at www.apple.com/legal/applecare/applecareplusforiphone.html for full details.

https://www.apple.com/support/products/iphone.html

 

[Dangerous Theory]

Thanks for the replies. I wonder what results in the battery being characterised as “significantly degraded” if not the 80% battery capacity that I previously thought it was based on? I just wonder what the above term means, and if it does relate to a specific % capacity at all or some other factor(s).

So two more questions spring to mind:

1. Has anyone with a battery capacity above 85% (my currently stated capacity) got this “significantly degraded” message
2. Has anyone with less than 85% battery not got this message on their phone?

N.b. I guess this is specifically iOS 11.3 related.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Just keep in mind that only Apple’s diagnostic counts.

 

[akash.nu]

If this “significantly degraded” thing is being shown on a random app then Apple will not agree with that and also apps can’t show proper battery wear anymore since iOS 10 onwards as that API has been deprecated.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

If this “significantly degraded” thing is being shown on a random app then Apple will not agree with that and also apps can’t show proper battery wear anymore since iOS 10 onwards as that API has been deprecated.

He’s on the 11.3 beta using the Apple battery health info..

 

[tonybarnaby]

85% is significantly degraded if you think about it. Considering 80% is considered end of life, you're 75% of the way to end of life.

100% - 80% is the "lifespan" for a battery, and you're 3/4 of the way there. Not sure if the capacity will keep dropping in a linear way, but you might as well plan to replace it.

Everyone thinks they will just go in December before the end of the year to get the most out of this $29 deal, but I have a feeling it'll be a nightmare to do it then. Millions of people are planning on going in December.

I'd just take it in soon and if you have to pay $29, that's not the end of the world.

 

[akash.nu]

He’s on the 11.3 beta using the Apple battery health info..

Ah. Missed that info.