Apple offers free replacement program for defective iPhone 5 batteries

August 25, 2014

Apple is now offering a free replacement battery program for select iPhone 5 models that may come with a defective battery. Those units either experience shortened battery life or require more frequent charging, according to Apple. If you think your phone is affected, you should visit the Apple support page in the source link to check your serial number and see if it qualifies for free battery replacement.

According to Apple, only a small percentage of units sold were affected and those models were sold between September 2012 and January 2013. The replacement program begins immediately in the U.S. and China and will commence on August 29, 2014 in other regions.

Customers are advised to backup their phones before entering the repair process, turn off the Find my iPhone feature, and then erase all data.

Repairs can be done at an authorized Apple service provider, Apple retail locations, or through Apple tech support.

If you're more of the DIY type, be sure to check out our guide to replace your own iPhone battery.

Previous to this repair, Apple had also issued a sleep/wake button replacement program for iPhone 5 models.

Source: Apple