Apple has started replacing Smart Battery Cases for users after they complained of charging issues. Apple or its authorized service providers will replace the eligible cases at no cost.
Known as Smart Battery Replacement Program, the Cupertino-based company will replace the faulty smart batteries of iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR if you have purchased the product between January and October 2019.
“Apple has determined that some Smart Battery Cases made for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR may experience charging issues,” Apple’s official site states.
Apple also highlighted that the faulty smart battery cases did not have anything to do with security.
“This is not a safety issue and Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will replace eligible battery cases, free of charge,” the CNET reported.
According to the site, Apple would replace an affected Smart Battery Case if it exhibits one or more of the following behaviours:
-Battery case will not charge or charges intermittently when plugged into power
-Battery case does not charge the iPhone or charges it intermittently
But. like always, there is a catch to this free service by Apple. The site adds a note the says that the company “may restrict or limit repair to the original country or region of purchase.”
This move by the iPhone maker to replace the product for free is a significant development considering that the case costs $129.
Moreover, Apple has also mentioned that this free replacement program includes only affected smart battery cases for “2 years after the first retail sale of the unit.”
Apple confirmed that all faulty smart battery cases “will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.”