Applecare Original iPhone Battery Replacement

Question

Level 1

8 points

Applecare Original iPhone Battery Replacement

My battery life has decreased significantly, so I called support and learned that under Applecare, they will cross-ship you a like-new replacement phone for no charge if your battery life is under 50%- but they put a hold on your credit card for the full amount of the replacement until the problem is tested.

My question is this: how stringent are they with the less than 50% battery condition? And what is normal standby time and usage for a 2 year old original iphone running the latest software?

The battery life is certainly not meeting my needs, but will I be charged for the replacement phone if they deem the old battery fit? Will I have the option to get the old phone (and battery) back instead of paying $499 if that is the case?

Any experiences or insight is helpful- thanks!

Original iPhone, iPhone OS 3.1.2

Posted on Jan 6, 2010 9:01 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Allan Sampson

Level 10

123,677 points

Jan 6, 2010 9:14 AM in response to Snswp001

Apple offers an out of warranty or not covered under the warranty "repair" price, which pays for an exchange at a discounted price. The cost is $199 plus tax.

Did AppleCare inform you the replacement cost for an original iPhone is $499 in this situation - for an iPhone that remains under warranty?

I had an iPhone exchanged under warranty once via AppleCare. They required a credit card in case I didn't return the iPhone being exchanged within the required time frame - within 10 business days I believe.

If they determine that your iPhone's battery does not meet this requirement, I would think you have the option to have the iPhone returned to you. You should be able to confirm this with AppleCare.

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Answer 2

Snswp001 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 6, 2010 9:25 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Hey Allan,
Thanks for your reply. I'll give them a call to confirm the option of having the original phone sent back to me.

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Answer 3

Jan 6, 2010 9:35 AM in response to Snswp001

If you really are in NYC you can walk into any of the 4 Apple stores and they will test it on the spot and replace it if needed. Make a genius appointment first, however.

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Answer 4

Tamara

Level 6

13,738 points

Jan 6, 2010 9:48 AM in response to Snswp001

Rather than go through all that mailing, make an appointment at the Genius Bar - http://apple.com/retail/geniusbar and do it in person.

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Answer 5

Snswp001 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 6, 2010 1:54 PM in response to Tamara

Thank you very much for the replies- you were all very helpful! I just got off the phone with Apple, and they said that since it's under Applecare, unless there is physical damage to my old phone, they would not charge me for the replacement phone, since battery repair is covered.

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