Is this normal? The battery is failing on my 2016 iPad. Apple have asked for £366.44 up front before they’ll even look at it. They said they’ll refund the balance later. The battery service should be £99.
Also I cannot find out the exact pricing. Someone says there will be a charge for diagnostics etc. Apple support hasn’t mentioned any costs except for the £99 in spite of asking several times
rosalia66 wrote:
I can’t get to an Apple Store - over 40 miles away so had to ask for pick up.
… and therein lies the difference between £99 and the higher charge.
Consider also the age of your iPad. If you are in need of a battery replacement, your iPad may already in its sunset years of support. If it is an older model, not capable of supporting the current iPadOS14 and soon to be released iPadOS15, then the cost of a “battery replacement” or “repair” many be uneconomic. In either situation, the relative cost might be more usefully applied towards a new iPad - that, in addition to newer hardware, supports current and future updates to the operating system.
Thank you that explains it. I don’t think I’ll go ahead not knowing the final cost. Unfortunately I can’t get to an Apple Store - over 40 miles away so had to ask for pick up.
Whilst a “battery replacement” service is offered, in reality, Apple offer a rapid exchange service. Qualifying devices are simply exchanged for a reconditioned iPad (that has a new battery) of the same model and specification. The exchanged iPad is yours to keep.
For and iPad that is assessed as having no other damage or faults, the cost in the UK is £99. If other damage or faults are present, the cost of the exchange rises to c.60% of the “as new” cost of the iPad. If the exchange occurs at an Apple Store, your iPad is usually assessed in-store - and the exchange cost finalised.
If instead you mail-in the iPad, then the assessment is made by Apple’s partner organisation that handle “repairs” - and it is their determination alone that fixes the final cost. In this case, the c.60% charge is initially levied - with the balance being returned if the iPad qualifies for the lower charge.
For this reason, many choose to use a physical Apple Store to initiate a battery [iPad] exchange or repair - as costs are known before parting with your device. Similarly, this route removes the possibility of dispute concerning damage or defects after the iPad leaves your custody.
Here is the UK Price List:
You’re right in what you say. This iPad Pro is a 2016 model & running on 14.7. Not in the market for a new one unfortunately - in my late 70’s & on a pension!
Apple want £366.44 up front to service an iPad battery
