iPhone battery program available regardless of defect


It appears that Apple is replacing any iPhone 6 or newer battery even if it is operating within specifications. The replacement program costs $29, which is discounted from $79. The program runs through 2018.

MacRumors

This morning, French tech blog iGeneration reported that an internal Apple Store memo has been circulated which states that if a customer asks for a battery replacement on an iPhone 6 or later, then the Genius Bar should allow it, even if their phone passes Apple's own diagnostic test.

Apple has since independently confirmed to MacRumors that it will agree to replace an eligible battery for a $29 fee, regardless of whether an official diagnostic test shows that it is still able to retain less than 80 percent of its original capacity. The concession appears to have been made to mollify the anger of customers stoked by headlines suggesting that Apple artificially slows down older iPhones to drive customers to upgrade to newer models.

I assumed this is what Apple would do because I didn't think they wanted to be in the position to deny people who are feeling their battery isn't working correctly.

I would take advantage of the program, whether you intend to keep using the device for the future, pass it on to someone else, or sell it, a fresh battery will better ensure the device functions properly in the future.

I'm wondering what Apple is thinking of doing after 2018? This problem isn't going to go away and should escalate as more affected devices age. I wonder if this is just a stop-gap to address the controversy and Apple is planning address the issue in software or offer some relief through Apple Care. Ideally, I'd like to see Apple maintain the $29 pricing.