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Apple just made it easier to get a new battery

Apple just made it easier to get a new battery

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The battery inside whatever device you're reading this on will eventually die — hopefully later rather than sooner. If the device is made by Apple, however, you no longer have to worry so much about this problem.

Apple has just changed the wording in its warranty programs to make it easier to get your battery (or in some cases, your whole device) swapped at an Apple Store. The new AppleCare+ policy allows users to swap the batteries in their iOS devices once the capacity dips below 80 percent of its original life. The same goes for Macs covered by AppleCare that have slipped below 50 percent capacity. It appears that any device currently covered by one of these plans that dips below these thresholds is eligible.

For example, here's how the new AppleCare+ policy reads:

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. If Apple exchanges the Covered Equipment, the original product becomes Apple’s property and the replacement product is your property, with coverage for the remaining period of the Plan.Before the policy was changed, Apple did allow battery swaps on iOS devices but only if their batteries had dipped below 50 percent capacity. Worn-out batteries in the company's computers, however, weren't eligible for replacements unless there was a manufacturing defect.


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