Apple has just launched their second iPhone 5 battery replacement program. First it was the iPhone 5s smartphones that had battery life issues last year and now the time has come to the iPhone 5.
In a statement on their website, they’re saying that only a small percentage of a specific shipment has the problem, but the problem must be big enough for them to start another replacement program.
Apple has determined that a very small percentage of iPhone 5 devices may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently. The affected iPhone 5 devices were sold between September 2012 and January 2013 and fall within a limited serial number range.
The replacement program will start on August 22nd in U.S and China, China was the first website this news was spotted on, and for the rest of the world it will start on August 29th. Customers can either use an Apple Authorized Service Provider, an Apple Retail Store or contact the Apple Technical Support.
With any such program, there are some strings attached. Users must backup their data themselves to either iTunes or iCloud and then turn off the Find My iPhone feature. Next they must erase all content and setting. Oh, and if your iPhone 5 has any damage such as a cracked screen that might impair the repair process, you’ll have to get that fixed prior to getting a new battery. Such a repair will of course be associated with additional costs.
And one more final limitation, “This worldwide Apple program doesn’t extend the standard warranty coverage of the iPhone 5. The program covers affected iPhone 5 batteries for two years after the first retail sale of the unit or until March 1, 2015, whichever provides longer coverage.”
Thank you Apple for providing us with this information.
Image and video courtesy of Apple.
