Apple offers to fix iPhone 6S battery issue for free

Apple has launched its second iPhone repair program in less than a week

By Trevor Mogg November 20, 2016

ios 11 — Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

Apple has launched its second iPhone repair in less than a week, this time to deal with a battery issue on some iPhone 6S handsets that causes them to suddenly shut down without warning even when there’s plenty of juice remaining.

In a message on its website, the tech titan said the problem affects only “a very small number” of iPhone 6S devices and is “not a safety issue.” The flaw reportedly affects devices manufactured between September and October 2015 when the phone launched.

If you’ve already replaced your iPhone 6S battery because of this specific issue, Apple asks that you get in touch to discuss the possibility of obtaining a refund. If you have been experiencing similar issues with your iPhone 6S, you can check the serial number of the phone to see if you’re eligible for a battery replacement.

Head to Settings > General > About and tap on Serial Number. Look at the fourth and fifth characters and if they are any of the following combinations, you’re eligible: Q3 through Q9, QC, QD, QF, QG, QH, and QJ.

If your device has any damage, such as a broken display, Apple says it will charge you extra to fix this and it will have to be fixed before the company can work on the battery. If you’re still unsure on what to do, the company recommends you head over to an Apple Store to see how they can help. You may lose your warranty if you take your device to a non-certified Apple technician.

The repair program, which doesn’t appear to be country-specific, comes just a few days after the China Consumers Association asked Apple to look into what appears to be the same issue, although the organization suggested it affects not only the iPhone 6S but the iPhone 6, too. To be clear, the repair program that Apple launched on Sunday covers defective iPhone 6S units only.

This repair program follows another one launched by Apple recently in response to the so-called “Touch Disease” issue affecting some iPhone 6 Plus units. The problem causes a flickering gray bar to appear at the top of the display, and can culminate in the touchscreen becoming totally unresponsive.

Apple ran into some criticism for charging $149 for the repair, with the company claiming the problem occurs as a result of the phone being “dropped multiple times on a hard surface and then incurring further stress on the device” rather than any issue with its manufacturing process.

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