Apple announced last week that it is reducing the price of an iPhone battery replacement from $79 to $29. At the time, the company said the new policy would apply to “anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced.” Apple has now clarified that the policy will allow for battery replacement for any covered device, even those that pass an official Genius Bar diagnostic test.
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 kicked off the battery replacement policy in response to reports that Apple slows down older iPhones on purpose in order to drive new device sales. Apple last week publicly apologized for not being more transparent as to why they slow older iPhones, saying it slowed affected devices due to issues that could be caused by worn batteries in the devices.
iGeneration also reports that it is believed that Apple will issue a refund to customers who have recently paid $79 to have their iPhone 6 or newer’s battery replaced before the new policy came into effect on Saturday, December 30. Customers will need to request a refund.
If you believe your device is affected by the new battery replacement policy, you can either schedule a Genius Bar appointment at your closest Apple Store, or contact Apple Support by Twitter, phone, email, or online chat. Battery replacements can also be made at select Apple Authorized Service Providers.
