Apple has announced a free of cost battery replacement program for its iPhone 5 handsets after acknowledging the issue that concerns a small percentage of iPhone 5 units experiencing shorter battery life or requiring more frequent charging.
The affected iPhone 5 units, sold between September of 2012 and January of 2013 falling within a limited serial number range, will be eligible for a free battery replacement.
iPhone 5 owners can check the eligibility of their handsets for the battery replacement program by entering their iPhone serial number on Apple’s replacement site. Users who find their iPhone 5 falling in the replacement criteria can get them exchanged through an Apple authorized service provider, an Apple retail store, or through Apple technical support.
However, before going for a battery replacement, Apple has advised eligible iPhone 5 users to back up all phone data, turn off ‘Find My iPhone’, and erase their data and settings.
For iPhone 5 owners who have already replaced the faulty battery on their own, the Cupertino has announced for a refund which they can collect through Apple customer service.
The iPhone maker has also announced that it will offer replacement batteries up to two years after first retail sale or until March 1, 2015, whichever comes later.
The replacement program begins in the US and China this Friday and will be starting in other countries on August 29. Furthermore, Apple is also offering a replacement program for iPhone 5 devices with a faulty sleep/wake button. Under this program users will get the issue resolved without any additional cost.
