To say that Apple got egg on their face with the entire “battery slowdown” debacle is an understatement. It’s more like Tim Cook had an entire breakfast buffet dumped directly on his head.
Apple was quick to respond though, releasing a statement that, while technologically confusing (because last time I checked, lithium-ion batteries could last two years without losing substantial performance), did offer beleaguered iPhone owners compensation in the form of less-expensive battery replacement:
Apple is reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement by $50 — from $79 to $29 — for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced, available worldwide through December 2018.
It’s good news for anyone who thinks their iPhone is running slower than it used to and something that every iPhone 6 owner (at the very least) should take advantage of (even you’ve taken precautions against slowdown). $29 is within the realm of those sketchy mall kiosks whose employees chase after you, trying to get you to buy a new battery, new screen, and diamond-tough case. The important takeaway is that, if you let a third-party put a new battery in your iPhone, Apple Geniuses won’t even look at your iPhone if you bring it to them for repair later (even if it’s for something non-battery related). I’ve seen scores of frustrated iPhone owners turned away, who didn’t realize that their cheap screen and battery replacement completely voided their warranty.
It’s still early in the year, and additional developments could occur that lower the price of the battery replacement even further (say, if one of the myriad of lawsuits filed over the battery issue is settled). You could also wait until the next big release of iOS 11 (rumor is that 11.3 will give you access to the battery health data Apple’s currently tracking behind the scenes). But if you can’t wait, or just want to start out the New Year with a new battery, you can get the ball rolling and get your cheap battery replacement started right now.
Head over to getsupport.apple.com and sign in. You’ll see a grid of your devices. Select the iPhone that you want to get repaired (you can skip the sign in and just select the iPhone tile, but you’ll have to sign in later anyway).
Select Battery, Power and Charging.
Select Battery questions and troubleshooting.
From here you can go one of two ways. You can set up an Apple store appointment by clicking the Bring in for repair tile, this will be the most expeditious way to get your battery replaced and your iPhone back in your hands.
You can also choose to Send in for repair. It takes longer, but it’s rather convenient. It’s a great solution if you don’t have an Apple store near you or just don’t feel like going in. But there’s a trick to getting the site to allow you to send it in.
Click No when asked “Does the product work with another power adapter?” Clicking Yes only gives you the option to get a new replacement adapter and clicking Unknown makes your iPhone ineligible for shipping in for repairs.
After you click Continue, you’ll see the new, reduced battery replacement price and the option to send your iPhone in. I’d recommend letting them send you a box. It’ll take a couple of extra days, but their iPhone boxes are the most secure way to ship your device.
