Apple is offering new batteries to owners of the iPhone 6 and above at a discounted price of $29. This initiative comes in response to the controversy surrounding the intentional slowing down of older iPhone models by Apple when their batteries had degraded. The company faced significant backlash from users who felt misled and frustrated by the performance throttling, which was implemented to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Background on the Battery Controversy
The issue came to light when users noticed that their iPhones were performing slower after software updates. Investigations revealed that Apple had introduced a feature in iOS updates that throttled the performance of iPhones with older batteries to prevent them from shutting down unexpectedly. While the intention was to maintain device stability, many users felt that Apple should have been more transparent about the practice.
In response to the backlash, Apple apologized and announced a battery replacement program. Starting in early 2018, Apple began offering battery replacements for $29, significantly lower than the usual price of $79. This program was designed to help users restore their iPhone’s performance without having to purchase a new device.
Refund for Previous Battery Replacements
However, many users had already paid the full price of $79 for a battery replacement in 2017, before the discounted program was announced. To address this, Apple is now offering a $50 credit to those who paid the higher price. This credit effectively brings the cost of their battery replacement in line with the current discounted rate.
If you paid for a new battery on the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, SE, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, or 7 Plus between January 2017 and December 2017, you are entitled to a refund of $50. This refund is part of Apple’s effort to make amends with customers who felt they were unfairly charged.
To claim the refund, eligible customers will need to contact Apple. The company has stated that it will be emailing those who qualify for the refund between the 23rd of May and the 27th of July. If you do not receive an email by the 1st of August, it is recommended that you reach out to Apple directly to inquire about your refund.
This move by Apple is seen as a positive step towards regaining customer trust. By offering the discounted battery replacements and providing refunds to those who paid the higher price, Apple is acknowledging the concerns of its users and taking responsibility for the lack of transparency.
In addition to the battery replacement program, Apple has also introduced new features in iOS that provide more information about battery health and performance management. Users can now see the health of their battery and choose whether to enable or disable performance throttling. This increased transparency allows users to make more informed decisions about their devices.
Overall, Apple’s battery replacement program and the subsequent refunds are part of a broader effort to improve customer satisfaction and address the issues that led to the controversy. By taking these steps, Apple aims to demonstrate its commitment to its users and ensure that similar issues do not arise in the future.
Source MacRumors
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