Apple will replace some iPhone batteries for free

If you purchased a iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR battery case between January and October 2019 and it sucks, good news! Apple just launched a program that will replace it for free.

It’s called the Smart Battery Replacement Program, and Apple gives it the rundown on its website. If the battery case does not charge when plugged into power or it just does not charge the iPhone at all, you can go to Apple (or an Apple-approved service provider) to get it replaced. 

“Apple has determined that some Smart Battery Cases made for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR may experience charging issues,” the site reads. “This is not a safety issue and Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will replace eligible battery cases, free of charge.” 

Apple said that the issue did not have to do with security, and that the replacements will be done for free of charge. Considering the cases retail for $129, that’s a big plus. 

The site goes on to note that Apple “may restrict or limit repair to the original country or region of purchase,” so if you’ve had any big moves since you bought your malfunctioning battery case, you may want to give Apple a call.

The company also noted that this issue doesn’t change the timetable for warranty coverage on the Smart Battery Case, but repairs for this particular issue will honored up until two years after “the first retail sale of the unit.” That means you’ve got until Jan. 2021 to get a repair sorted.

Also worth noting: Apple confirmed that all faulty battery cases “will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.” Isn’t that nice?