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Apple: “we are sorry for slowing down your phone, we’ll replace your battery for $29”

by 24 Comments

After infuriating the users all over the world by slowing down their iPhones, Apple is now trying to make up for their mistake. They have issued a letter of apology, saying that there’s been a lot of misunderstanding about the issue. As compensation, they are offering a discount on iPhone battery replacement during the entire 2018.

In their letter to the users, they apologize for the issue and explain that all rechargeable batteries become less effective over time. As a result, a worn-out battery may result in a sudden shutdown of a device. This is why about a year ago Apple implemented a software update that would prevent the unexpected shutdowns. The only problem is that they didn’t tell their users about it.

As The Verge writes, Apple had actually announced the software update. After hearing complaints from users that their iPhones were shutting down unexpectedly, Apple fixed the issue. They told Tech Crunch at the time that they were “seeing a more than 80% reduction in iPhone 6s and over 70% reduction on iPhone 6” when it comes to unexpected shutting down. However, as we all know, Apple didn’t announce how they fixed the issue. So, they prevented the phones from shutting down but reduced their performance at the same time.

In addition to the public apology, Apple offers a discount for all iPhone users who want to replace the batteries for their out-of-warranty devices. Instead of $79, they will now pay $29 for the replacement. Anyone with an iPhone 6 or later can replace their battery at this price from late January through December 2018.

In addition to the discount, Apple has also announced an iOS software update coming in early 2018. They say it will contain new features that will “give users more visibility into the health of their iPhone’s battery.” With this update, the users will be able to see if the battery’s condition is affecting the phone’s performance. Too bad they didn’t think of it earlier. If they did, they would probably avoid this entire fuss and they wouldn’t disappoint so many of their users.

[via The Verge]

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  • Only 6 and newer.

    Not for 5s or older

    • 5S and older are not receiving iOS updates any longer, either. As an iPhone 4 user, I could really use battery health tools, but it looks like Apple doesn’t think I deserve them.

      Apple insists that they want their devices to last as long as possible, but they still refuse to support the software for the older phones. I know that it is possible for iOS to behave differently on different devices because I have witnessed critical differences between my iPad and iPhone. If they meant what they said, then they would continue to support iOS for older phones.

      The only reason we are seeing this peace-offering from the at all is because the discontent is so vast that people are talking about class action lawsuits, and that would actually cost them money and drag their image through the mud. I’m sure they did the math and calculated that replacing batteries at a reduced rate would be cheaper. It does make me wonder what their profit margin is on batteries.

      • Jeff Murray

        You do realize that any other manufacturer would have pulled support for that old of a phone many years ago, if they ever released any updates for it at all. There always comes a time that support needs to end, but Apple keeps support way longer than anyone else, thats just a fact.

  • The I stands for idiot because only an idiot would buy one.

    • Exactly. Just like a Samsung will “blow” your mind! 😂😂😂

  • Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhaahhaahahahahahahahahahahahaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah !

  • They were doing it prior to iPhone 6. We had to replace 2 iPhone 4 shortly after our contract obligations were met. Both phones “mysteriously” were going nuts and shutting down unexpectedly even with a charge over 60%. What’s to say their latest iOS update will “tell” you your iPhone battery is deteriorating and do other crazy things to make you upgrade to their next phone?

    • Jeff Murray

      Similar symptoms do not the same problem make.

  • mario

    And what’s about Ipads?

  • I bought a 6s in October 2016. My 6s battery was replaced earlier this year because it would randomly shut down the battery completely in cold weather. After that battery replacemrnt, IMO the new battery didn’t last as long as the old one (cold weather aside) and it’s been getting worse with every update. Screw their battery program. They’re losing a customer. And I own 2 iPhones, 2 iPads, 3 AppleTV, an iMac and a MacBook. Buying a Google Pixel 2.

    • My Mac completely crashed with the new update and they turned and put the blame on me! Saying it’s my fault I lost everything on it because “I didn’t properly back it up”. 😡😡 now every update they release my Mac gets worse and worse.

      • Jeff Murray

        Wait, sounds to me like you are the one turning blame because your lack of a backup bit you. Anyone who has any important data at all knows that any kind of updates involve some level of risk and you MUST have a backup. That goes for Apple, Microsoft, any computer. I know data loss is no fun, ive been there, but dont blame apple for your lack of planning.

  • Looks like they fixed my iPhone 6Plus after the recent update due to the mounting lawsuits.. No battery upgrade here..

    • Jeff Murray

      Then clearly your issues had nothing to do with this

  • Apple manipulate his customers! They slow down the phones and they let you pay to change the battery!

    • Jeff Murray

      Why should they replace the battery for free? Your device is out of warranty, or else it would be free. The battery is a consumable part and needs to be replaced if you are in fact experiencing this situation. That is not Apple’s responsibility at that point.

  • Apple should replace the battery free of charge after that stunt

  • $80 later…..

  • Wonder if they’d reimburse me with a copy of my receipt?

  • I don’t believe they’re the only company doing this, either. I had to reset my old Samsung to factory condition and turn off updates to keep it functioning, because it slowed down to a crawl after the newest updates.

    • Faithful Samsung customer for many years. Few months back my Samsung Note 3 gets very hot often, even when not in use. Dumped it and got an Oppo.

  • Was that there plan from the start?

  • Billion dollar profits aren’t enough for Apple …GREED!

  • Timothyf7

    “…disappoint so many of their users”? Really? Disappoint? How about lost total trust in the Company? How many others are doing this? Or how many others will find a way to sabotage their product, without getting caught? Anything connected to the internet can be sabotaged with a download. What if Ford installs a program to make the computer controlled engine malfunction with a download to a WiFi equipped vehicle? How about a Samsung Big Screen TV quits working after 3 years, with a quick Company delivered update? Apple needs to be fined “Big Time” and I mean “BIG TIME”. $999B doesn’t seem out of the question. This is the worst Consumer rip-off in history and should be dealt with, as such. A statement MUST be made on how Consumers will not be tolerant of this unethical practice from anyone!!! They have opened a Pandora’s Box that can’t be resealed.

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