Apple Offers iPhone 5 Battery Replacement on Eligible Devices

Apple announced plans to replace iPhone 5 batteries free of charge for a limited serial number range after confirming user reports that the devices would suddenly lose power quickly and have trouble maintaining a charge. The affected iPhone 5 devices reportedly were sold between September 2012 and January 2013.

Users can determine if their smartphones qualify for free battery replacement by checking the serial number on Apple’s website. The device must be in working order and exhibit signs of shorter battery life or frequent charging. Users in the United States and China can start the recall process now, and the service will be available in other countries as of August 29, 2014, according to Apple.

Since some users have already likely replaced their batteries to alleviate the problem. Apple reports they can contact the company about a refund.

The battery replacement program does not cover the iPhone 5S or the iPhone 5C. Apple also has a separate replacement program for the sleep/wake button for the iPhone 5. In that case iPhone 5 devices manufactured through March 2013 may have sleep/wake buttons that have stopped working or work intermittently.

Also, according to Apple’s website, “This worldwide Apple program doesn't extend the standard warranty coverage of the iPhone 5. The program covers affected iPhone 5 batteries for two years after the first retail sale of the unit or until March 1, 2015, whichever provides longer coverage.”

Replacements for eligible iPhone 5 devices can be made at Apple authorized service providers and Apple retail stores or through Apple’s technical support service. Apple recommends backing up data using iCloud or iTunes before sending the device in for repair. Then turn off the "Find My iPhone" service, erase all content, and reset the phone to its factory default settings.

This program isn’t Apple’s first hardware recall. A month after launching the iPhone 5S, Apple issued a recall for thousands of devices that shipped with defective batteries. Other Apple devices have had battery issues, including a 2006 battery recall on 1.8 million iBook and PowerBook laptop computers that experienced issues with overheating.