Apple to replace iPhone batteries even if they pass Genius Bar diagnostic tests

Polycount

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If you've gone into your local Genius Bar or called Apple support to get your aging iPhone's battery replaced, you might be aware that the company will perform a diagnostic test physically or remotely on your device to determine whether the device is still capable of retaining more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity or not.

Previously, the outcome of this test would determine whether or not your device would be eligible for a free replacement under warranty. If the device was still capable of retaining over 80 percent of its original battery capacity, users would have to pay Apple's $79 fee.

With the iPhone throttling controversy still going strong, the discovery of this information on Apple's "iPhone Battery & Power Repair" support page led to some concern that Apple could be backing out of its decision if a customer's phone didn't pass muster.

While this skepticism is understandable, it appears it was unwarranted this time around.

Though the company hasn't updated the relevant support page to reflect this information as of writing, MacRumors has confirmed that Apple will agree to replace an iPhone's battery for $29 regardless of whether or not it passes the the company's diagnostic test, marking yet another concession towards their customers.

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If phone batteries arent going to be replaceable by the user, having them replaceable by company for 30-50 dollars should be standard.

To be fair, they are technically replaceable by users - iFixit's $29 kits prove as much - but it's true that it's a bit more complicated than it used to be, obviously putting a lot of people off of doing it in the first place.
 
By warranty, do you mean the iSomething-insurance? Or just because they are iPhones?
 
Manufacturers EMBRACED the idea of making phones slim, colorful, sexy, stylish. People bought it up.
Now, they are finding out that thicker phones that still have replaceable batteries MIGHT be a better option after all.
By the slim standard, they seal the battery into the phone, since they remove the protective plastic shell around the battery, the contacts, wiring etc required for a replaceable battery. I've replaced a ton of smartphone displays, charge ports so the battery isn't that big of a deal for me, but 99% of the public wouldn't even be able to know where to find the torx drivers required to remove the screws, let alone how to unsnap the case, or using a hair dryer or heat gun to loosen the display on the ones glued down.
Considering most people see these overpriced smartphones as "DISPOSABLE", most just chuck em and buy a new one.
With the processor speed, displays and usage just about "maxed out" for what 99% of people use these things for, I'm hoping the insane markup in build cost versus retail pricing starts to go down, now that the 1,000 smartphone price has been broken.
Typical consumer electronics gets better and cheaper over time. PC's, Laptops, TV's etc have all improved in quality and what they can do, but the price comes down. Smartphones have been able to buck that trend, but, hopefully it will change.
 
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