Apple has changed the terms of its extended warranty program to enable users to switch out their batteries earlier in the all-too-familiar march towards inefficiency.
The AppleCare+ program for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and iPod now entitles plan holders to a replacement battery or repair if their current cell is running at less than 80 per cent capacity.
Previously the scheme sanctioned free replacements or repairs when those batteries dropped below 50 per cent capacity.
The new policy applies those who bought AppleCare+ on or after April 10th 2015, so those with older policies are out of luck.
It’ll be especially useful for Apple Watch owners, with the firm promising the battery will stay above 80 per cent capacity for 1,000 charge cycles, meaning replacements would be needed around every 2-3 years.
The new policy states (via MacRumors): “If during the Plan Term, you submit a valid claim by notifying Apple that (i) a defect in materials and workmanship has arisen in the Covered Equipment, or (ii) the capacity of the Covered Equipment’s battery to hold an electrical charge is less than eighty percent (80%) of its original specifications, Apple will either (a) repair the defect at no charge, using new parts or parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or (b) exchange the Covered Equipment, with a replacement product that is new or equivalent to new in performance and reliability. All replacement products provided under this Plan will at a minimum be functionally equivalent to the original product.”
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.