Apple Takes Heat for iPhone Battery Life

A lawsuit and a letter from New York State's Consumer Protection Board are alerting Apple that consumers may not swallow the iPhone's $79 battery replacement without complaint.

While plenty of Apple diehards are still swooning over their iPhones, one Chicago man was so unimpressed with one feature of the device that he’s suing Apple over it, and New York State officials have voiced complaints as well. Jose Trujillo, of Chicago, filed a lawsuit against Apple last week alleging that the phone’s limited battery life was never revealed until after it was on sale. Meanwhile, New York’s Consumer Protection Board contacted Apple on Monday with concern for the battery life, urging them to make it easier for consumers to replace themselves.

According to Apple’s Web site, the iPhone can be charged around 400 times before it begins to hold less than 80 percent of capacity. Since the battery is soldered directly into the phone, Apple doesn’t consider user replacement an option. Folks needing their batteries replaced will have to ship their phones to Apple and pay $79, plus another $29 if they want a loaner iPhone while Apple makes the swap.

Apple lawyers have so far refused to comment. On Tuesday, one day after New York State sent its letter, Apple stock dropped $9.67 on the NASDAQ.