Apple has acknowledged that there are battery problems on some iPhone 6S models that cause the devices to shut down unexpectedly. Fortunately, the battery problem is not a safety hazard. The battery replacement program may have been in response to a request by the China Consumers Association (CCA) asking Apple to investigate complaints about permanent iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S shutdowns last week, according to AppleInsider.
“Apple has determined that a very small number of iPhone 6s devices may unexpectedly shut down. This is not a safety issue and only affects devices within a limited serial number range that were manufactured between September and October 2015,” said Apple on a support page. "If you have experienced this issue, please visit an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider and have your device's serial number checked to confirm eligibility for a battery replacement, free of charge."
The iPhone 6S battery cannot be replaced through your wireless carrier. And Apple said that the iPhone 6S battery replacement program does not extend the standard warranty coverage. It's also worth mentioning that the battery replacement program covers affected iPhone 6S batteries for 3 years after the first retail sale of the unit.
If your iPhone 6S has a cracked screen that impairs the replacement of the battery, then that issue will have to be resolved before the battery can be replaced. And there might a cost associated with the repair. Apple is offering the iPhone 6S battery replacement program worldwide, but the repairs are restricted to the country or region where the device was purchased.
Over the last few months, Samsung has been dealing with major smartphone battery problems of its own. Samsung had to recall and shut down the distribution of the Galaxy Note7 smartphones due to battery combustion problems -- which caused many of the devices to catch on fire.
This is not the only repair program that Apple launched this month. Apple set up a separate repair program for the iPhone 6 Plus about a week ago because some of those devices may flicker or experience Multi-Touch issues after being dropped multiple times on a hard surface. If your iPhone 6 Plus has these problems, then Apple will repair it for a service price of $149. According to Forbes contributor Ewan Spence, iPhone 6 Plus owners that paid for a service on their device can contact Apple for a reimbursement if they were charged more than the $149 charge.
What are your thoughts about the iPhone 6S battery replacement program? Were you affected by this problem? Please leave a comment!
