Apple to Replace Battery Even if iPhone Passes Diagnostic Test

One can say that Apple has had a rather interesting couple of weeks, so to speak. After reports of numerous old iPhone models slowing down in terms of processing had surfaced in the interwebs last December, the tech giant was compelled to acknowledge that it was indeed deliberately slowing down specific models in order to protect their aging battery (which often caused some units to randomly shut down when they were not charged enough or when used in cold weather). 

Needless to say, the public reaction to this admission was not exactly pleasant. In trying to effect some damage control, Apple had issued an official apology less than a week ago, and for good measure, promised to replace batteries of slowed down iPhone models for just $29, a pricing significantly lowered compared to the original rate for battery replacement ($79). The new batteries were supposed to be made available at the start of the new year, and is expected to be offered throughout the rest of 2018.

While the reduced $29 battery replacement charge appears to be a nice peace offering, in a manner of saying, some owners of older iPhone models were still a bit worried that the battery of their handset might not be eligible for replacement. Apple, however, is reportedly deciding to replace the batteries of early iPhones even if they pass the diagnostic tests.

Apple’s battery replacement process usually involves testing an iPhone unit’s battery in order to determine its capacity. The company’s policy stated that for a battery to qualify for replacement, it needs to score less than 80 percent in terms of capacity. But it appears that the world’s second biggest vendor of smartphone devices is now willing to waive the result of the battery tests -- the folks at iGeneration were able to get their hands on a leaked memo that indicates Apple is instructing its Apple Store outlets to replace batteries for $29 even if a user’s iPhone unit passes the diagnostic test.

While this latest move from Apple may be interpreted by some as a sign that the company is now willing to do anything to appease its disgruntled customers, there are others who would readily think that the tech giant could do a lot worse. In this day and age where the Internet and social media rule, any misstep can be blown to epic proportions, and it is clear that Apple is quite ready to move on from this blunder and hit restart as it begins a new year.