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Apple won't repair / replace my iPad 4 battery?

I have a 5 year old iPad 4 and the battery won't hold a charge for more than a few hours at this point. Everything I researched online said that for $99, Apple would 'replace' the battery, ie they would give me a new or refurbished comparable iPad. So I made an appointment at the Apple Store today and they told me "there's nothing they can do"...they said they don't replace batteries and they don't give you a new iPad. They said my only option was to buy a brand new iPad. So after I left the store, I called Apple Support and they basically told me the same thing. I can't help but wonder if I'm being lied to, because all the info on Apple's website says differently, unless I'm not understanding it correctly. Does this mean if I actually send my iPad in for repair, Apple will just send it back with a note saying "Sorry, there's nothing we can do"? Thank you for any help!

Posted on Jul 17, 2019 11:07 AM

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Posted on Jul 17, 2019 11:15 AM

Hello,


According to Apple’s device status for the iPad 4th generation your iPad is considered obsolete and is no longer eligible for repair even if you are willing to pay for the repairs. Apple no longer manufactures replacement parts for the iPad 4th generation. Unfortunately your options are very limited. You may be able to a non Apple authorized repair shop that may be able to install a new battery although I highly recommend not going that route. You may also be able to find a website that will pay you to recycle your iPad. Your 3rd option would be to purchase a second hand iPad online. Apple’s refurbished store is also a great place to look for a deal. In fact looking at the refurbished store right now prices are starting at just $209. Apple’s refurbished products come with a new warranty as well.


Refurbished iPad

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4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 17, 2019 11:15 AM in response to henrytomato

Hello,


According to Apple’s device status for the iPad 4th generation your iPad is considered obsolete and is no longer eligible for repair even if you are willing to pay for the repairs. Apple no longer manufactures replacement parts for the iPad 4th generation. Unfortunately your options are very limited. You may be able to a non Apple authorized repair shop that may be able to install a new battery although I highly recommend not going that route. You may also be able to find a website that will pay you to recycle your iPad. Your 3rd option would be to purchase a second hand iPad online. Apple’s refurbished store is also a great place to look for a deal. In fact looking at the refurbished store right now prices are starting at just $209. Apple’s refurbished products come with a new warranty as well.


Refurbished iPad

Jul 17, 2019 11:32 AM in response to QuickPost

zmclearan wrote:
According to Apple’s device status for the iPad 4th generation your iPad is considered obsolete and is no longer eligible for repair even if you are willing to pay for the repairs. Apple no longer manufactures replacement parts for the iPad 4th generation. Unfortunately your options are very limited. You may be able to a non Apple authorized repair shop that may be able to install a new battery although I highly recommend not going that route. You may also be able to find a website that will pay you to recycle your iPad. Your 3rd option would be to purchase a second hand iPad online. Apple’s refurbished store is also a great place to look for a deal. In fact looking at the refurbished store right now prices are starting at just $209. Apple’s refurbished products come with a new warranty as well.

Refurbished iPad


The latest iPad models on the current "vintage" list are the 3rd generation. The only models on the "obsolete" list are the 1st generation iPads. The 5 year window ends this Oct 16 since the model was discontinued on Oct 16, 2014.


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624

iPad products vintage in the U.S. and Turkey and obsolete in the rest of the world

    • iPad [original]
    • iPad 3G
    • iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi
    • iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi, Cellular
    • iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi, Cellular (VZ)
    • iPad 2
    • iPad 2 3G
    • iPad 2 3G (Verizon)


iPad products obsolete worldwide

    • iPad Wi-Fi
    • iPad Wi-Fi + 3G

Jul 17, 2019 11:19 AM in response to henrytomato

That doesn't sound right. Perhaps if it were a model considered "vintage" where they can cut off hardware service/parts (outside of California). I've talked to Apple Store employees and they say as long as the iPad is in good working order and has no damages such as dents or cracked glass you should be able to take advantage of the battery replacement service. Apple doesn't specifically repair iPads and return the same device to customers. Everything is handled as a "replacement" where it may be a new or refurb with a new battery, which you already understand.

Apple won't repair / replace my iPad 4 battery?

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