Apple has launched a program to replace the batteries of certain iPhones for 29 euros. We explain how to benefit from it.
You have certainly heard about it in recent days: Apple has admitted to having slowed down some iPhones to preserve their battery. Faced with the controversy, the company announced the establishment of a battery replacement program for 29 euros until December 31, limited to one change per iPhone. 01net explains how to take advantage of this to give your iPhone a second youth.
Please note: Only iPhone 6, 6s, SE, 7, 8 and X (and their Plus versions) are eligible.
Go to Apple Store
If your iPhone is starting to age and you are experiencing slowdowns, you might be affected by Apple’s software limitation. The easiest way to quickly replace your battery: go to one of the twenty French Apple Stores, the official stores of the Cupertino brand.
Before going there, we can only advise you to make an appointment online. In normal times, the attendance of Apple Stores can be very high and we imagine that many consumers should go to Genius Bar soon. To make an appointment, you need initiate a repair request then enter the serial number of your device (you can find them in Settings ⇨ General ⇨ Information), Apple then offers you various appointment options. In the event of total unavailability, you always have the option of going to the store at the base. Depending on the availability of Apple technicians, your support may take anywhere from half an hour to several hours, or never occur. In the majority of cases, the option with an appointment should therefore be favored.
Once taken care of by the Genius Bar, battery replacement is offered at 29 euros, with no particular eligibility condition. If the Apple Store has the battery in stock, your iPhone goes immediately to the workshop and is returned to you approximately 30 minutes later. According to our information, the stock of batteries is starting to decline in some stores due to high demand. Apple then puts its customers on a waiting list and contacts them once their battery arrives. In all cases, the repair in the Apple Store is done on site.
By post
If you don’t have an Apple Store near you, Apple offers another type of official repair. As for making an appointment in store, you have to go through the Support section of the Apple website. Once the serial number is entered, Apple establishes a repair estimate of 24.17 euros excluding tax (or 29 euros in the end) and offers two repair options:
- The passage of a UPS delivery person at home within 24 hours, who will pack your product and ship it immediately.
- Sending a box to your home, in which you pack your iPhone yourself before mailing it.
In any case, this repair by post presents the same problem: you have to separate from your iPhone for several days. A not ideal solution for many users who also use their mobile as a professional tool.
Go to a certified reseller
While some iPhone repairers are completely independent from Apple, others have worked with the brand for several years and offer certified repairs. These shops called APR (Apple Premium Reseller) also offer repairs at 29 euros. However, the repair is not always done on site and may require the mobilization of your smartphone for ten days.
To consult their locations, go to the Apple website which offers you to contact them directly. We advise you to give them a call before dropping off your iPhone, as the stock of batteries may also quickly run out in these smaller shops.
Replace your battery yourself
WARNING: replacing your battery yourself is not an option offered by Apple and does not fall under the brand’s official replacement program. However, in some cases, replacement by Apple may not be possible. For example: if your iPhone has been in contact with water, the company is entitled to refuse its repair (except for iPhone 7 which is recognized as waterproof).
On his site, iFixit offers complete battery replacement kits at a price equal to that charged by Apple. Only one condition: to be a handyman. Changing the battery of your device can be more complicated than expected, and can cause some fears for the unaccustomed user.