Apple's program for changing used iPhone batteries: what you need to know (and what we still don't know)

Update December 30: after adding the replacement price
battery in euros, addition of the specific case of iPads, at the end
d’article

After two weeks of controversy over the
slowdown of iPhones due to worn out battery, Apple publishedlast night a letter
opento its users to apologize and announce two changes to
come regarding this problem.

Apple just announced a tool coming to iOS to monitor the health of
the battery, as well as aiPhone battery change program
worn outat a reduced price.

However, this program raisesmany questions
from users, to which we will try to respond. Some
aspects remain to be clarified, this article will be updated when additional information
will be provided by Apple:

Why replace the iPhone battery?

All batteries used in our electronic devices wear out over time.
gradually. This is linked to the charge/discharge cycles of a component based
on chemistry. Apple says its iPhone batteries are intended for
maintain their effectiveness for up to 500 recharge cycles (1000 on the iPad),
this is generally the case with other manufacturers. Beyond, the
battery loses capacity and can be replaced. Until last year,
the wear of the batteries reduced the autonomy that could be expected from its
machine, but it had no other impact.

But since iOS 10.2.1 released last year, Apple has addeda
power management functionfor iPhones withbattery
wornwhich will slow down the processor frequency and therefore impact the
machine performance. This in order toavoid unexpected shutdowns
the device when the processor is very busy.

This drop in processor speed can be reflected according to the
Apple support page
through slower application launches, mitigation of
backlight, reduced speaker volume, and many more
symptoms.

Hence the interest inreplace the battery to find the
original performance(and autonomy equivalent to that of a
new machine)

In detail, here is what is potentially slowed down as communicated by
Apple :

Slower app launches
Lower frame rates when scrolling
Backlight dimming (which can be rejected in the center of
control)
Speaker volume reduced by up to -3 dB
Gradual reduction in frame rate in some apps
In the most extreme cases, the camera flash will be
disabled, and this will be indicated in the device user interface
photo
Apps that refresh in the background may require a
reloading at launch

And what is not changed even in the case of a used battery:

Mobile call quality and network throughput performance
The quality of the photos and videos captured
GPS performance
Location accuracy
Sensors such as gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer
Apple Pay

How do I know if I need to replace my battery?

While waiting for a next iOS update which will add a tool to
check the health of the battery, it is possible to use several methods
and third-party apps that you can consult:

In
this dedicated article.

The most reliable method is of course to request a diagnosis of
your device at an Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Center, or
by contacting an Apple specialist by telephone via the Apple Support app

available here on the App Store.

Which iPhone models are eligible for a replacement
battery ?

All iPhone 6 or newer machines are affected by this program
Apple battery change. Of course, as long as they have a
battery arrived at a level of wear justifying the change (and therefore having a
impact on performance).

In practice, the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus but also iPhone SE as well
that iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (heavily used) may need to undergo diagnostics
and be concerned.

For iPhone 7s, it is since iOS 11.2 that the voluntary slowdown of the
processor is potentially activated (if and only if the battery is worn out).

If my iPhone is damaged (e.g. broken screen), my battery is when
even eligible?

Apple has not communicated on this scenario, however according to its letter
open, from the moment the iPhone model is concerned, the battery
should be able to be replaced by Apple at a lower cost. But this must be
verified when Apple communicates with more details, in January

How much does battery replacement cost?

Without change, the replacement is free if the iPhone is still under
guarantee. The price of the change is reduced in France to €29 instead of €89,
i.e. a reduction of €60.

When to replace your battery under this program
specific ?

The Cupertino company starts its battery change program
iPhone used from the end of January 2018 under this program.

For those who are affected but under warranty (see below), it is
likely that there is no need to wait, nothing needs to change for these
cas is.

How long should you give the iPhone to Apple to replace the
battery ?

Apple has not communicated on the repair time, but the company
Cupertino will probably equip its stores with machines allowing
replace batteries promptly to prevent users from being
deprived of their iPhone for too long a period of time.

When will this used iPhone battery change program take
fin ?

For now, Apple has indicated that the replacement program lasts
until December 2018.

Where should I go to have my worn out battery replaced?

When the program is active, it is likely that you will have to go to
any Apple Store near you, or maybe even a retail center
Apple-approved services. We can imagine that replacements by sending
machine at Apple will be planned, but this is not yet specified.

We will return to this aspect when Apple communicates, before the end
January.

Is there anything planned for those who have already had their
battery on a machine affected by this program?

Communication regarding the launch of the priced replacement plan
reduced isvery recent. Apple has not (yet?) shared
information for cases where a battery change has already been made on a
machine potentially affected by a slowdown.

For cases where the battery change was carried out via Apple or its
network, one can imagine that a refund is negotiable. It will be necessary without
doubt to get closer to Apple when the details of the program are
officials.

For cases where the replacement was carried out by a third-party repairer,
unfortunately there is little chance that a "gesture" can be anticipated.

This particular aspect of the battery change prior to the launch of the
program will have to be specified later, we will do it as soon as we have
informations.

What happens if my iPhone 5, 5s battery is worn out?

For these machinesnot affected by the program launched by Apple in
Januarybecause it is not subject to processor slowdown by iOS, it is
still possible to change the battery. In this case it costs 89
euros at Apple, as has always been the case.

Is the iPad affected? If not, why?

As we saw above, the only machines concerned are those for
which iOS (from 10.2.1) deliberately slows down the processor by
case of worn battery. As the iPad has higher capacity batteries thanks
to its size, their wear has less impact, there is more margin with regard to
processor needs. As a result, Apple has not integrated a slowdown
processor in iOS for iPads with worn out battery.

Apart from this specific program, an iPad battery can also
be worn (it is designed for 1000 complete cycles, compared to 500 for the
iPhone) and a replacement is entirely possible at Apple, but it does not
will not fall within the framework of this program and the specific rate.

Can I have my iPhone battery replaced twice at a reduced price?
in 2018?

In theory yes, the only condition would be to return oncesecond
times with a battery worn down to 80% of its initial capacity, which
corresponds to500 recharge cycles. But in fact,
practical, such battery wear in less than a year of use remains
almost impossible, unless the component is abnormal. It is therefore better not to
start with the idea of benefiting from a replacement this monthat 29
euros, to have it replaced again at the same price in December
next.

Please note that in France, Apple guarantees its new products for 3 months
batteries and that the user can therefore claim within this period of time a
new change if problems persist after a first replacement of
battery.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask them in the
comments.