Skip to main content

Apple is replacing some iPhone 5 units over battery life issue

Apple is replacing some iPhone 5 units over battery life issue

/

Company says the percentage of affected phones is "very small."

Share this story

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

If your iPhone 5's battery life suddenly took a turn for the worse, it may not just be you. Apple today launched a battery replacement program for some iPhone 5 devices sold between September 2012 and January 2013. According to the company, these devices may "suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently." As with other voluntary repair efforts, Apple's put up a serial number validator for people to check if they have one of the affected units. It's also offering refunds for people who may have paid to have their battery replaced, which Apple charges $79 to do out of its one year warranty.

Apple had a separate issue with what it said were a "very limited number" of iPhone 5S units shortly after its launch last year. It's currently unclear whether the two issues are related to one another.