Apple Launches Free iPhone Battery Case Replacement Program

Malfunctioning iPhone battery cases are turning out to be a significant problem, but Apple will exchange them as part of its new replacement program.

In a notice published on Friday, Apple confirmed it'll replace all affected units manufactured between January 2019 and October 2019. Some iPhone battery cases are unable to charge or only do so intermittently when plugged into a power source, which prevents the iPhone from charging properly.

Customers reported the issue to Apple in force, and the Cupertino-based company responded with this replacement program. It focuses only on Smart Battery Case units made for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Other battery cases made for the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro cannot be replaced free of charge.

Apple's iPhone battery cases sell for $129. It's more expensive than third-party alternatives, but Apple did include some iOS integrations. The iPhone battery case will display its remaining charge percentage on the lock screen and in the notification center. It also sports a Lightning port. Maybe that doesn't seem important, but Apple's customers adore its first-party accessories to remain in the ecosystem as much as possible.

Service options are split between making an appointment at an Apple Store or finding an authorized service provider. In either situation, your iPhone battery case will get examined and verified. Apple will not replace any Smart Battery Case units with an expired two-year warranty, however. So you'll need to get the replacement within two years of purchases the accessory, or else you'll be stuck with the malfunctioned unit.

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Apple says all affected units are going to be disposed of in an eco-friendly way. Newly-purchased iPhone battery cases should not feature any defects.

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