“Apple may have apologized for the confusion surrounding its intentional slow down of older iPhones to balance battery life and performance, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s happening,” Swapna Krishna reports for Engadget.
“If your iPhone is out of warranty and you don’t want to have Apple replace it, then perhaps iFixit can help,” Krishna reports. “Starting today, the company has reduced its DIY battery install kits to $29 or less to match Apple’s price.”
Krishna reports, “iFixit’s kits are designed such that even beginners can replace their iPhone’s batteries, and all the tools are included in the kit.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: For those who don’t want to deal with the Apple Store.
Who knew we’d end the year with such deals on iPhone battery replacements?!
SEE ALSO:
15 class action lawsuits filed against Apple for throttling iPhones with aging batteries – December 29, 2017
Apple apologizes for poor communication about iPhone batteries and performance; slashes battery replacement cost from $79 to $29 – December 28, 2017
No, Apple’s throttling of iPhones with aging batteries is not planned obsolescence – December 28, 2017
Apple execs face jail in France after lawsuit over slowing down iPhones – December 28, 2017
Korea seeks explanation from Apple for slowing down devices without warning – December 28, 2017
Apple now facing 8 lawsuits over throttling processors in iPhones with aging batteries – December 27, 2017
Apple tarnished their brand with clandestine iPhone battery management and processor throttling – December 27, 2017
Should Apple replace aging iPhone batteries for free instead of throttling processor speed? – December 21, 2017
Apple confirms iPhones with older batteries will take hits in performance – December 20, 2017
iPhone performance and battery age – December 18, 2017
Apple met with Chinese regulators to discuss iPhone 6s unexpected shutdowns – February 10, 2017
Rumor: Apple may extend iPhone 6s battery replacement program to iPhone 6 – January 17, 2017
A message from Apple about iPhone and unexpected shutdowns – December 2, 2016
Apple offers free battery replacement for ‘very small number’ of iPhone 6s units with unexpected shutdown issue – November 21, 2016
The good news: IFIXIT price for 5s battery: $24.88
Not-so-good: ground shipping $12.75.
But pretty good for a phone that’s not included in Apple’s program and can’t hold a charge for more than five minutes.
“Starting today, the company has reduced its DIY battery install kits to $29 or less to match Apple’s price.”
Makes you wonder how much that’s cutting into their profits. Are they publicly traded? Because they bought the materials expecting to sell them for more… has to hurt their bottom line.
They are just making as much (or little) as Apple does, only much smaller profit than before, but still a profit. They have absolutely no reason to match Apple’s pricing at a loss, but yeah, they are forced into matching Apple’s. Goes to show how much Apple (and iFixit, by association) was making at $79.
Some people just can’t appreciate value… /s
“They are just making as much (or little) as Apple does”
I would wager that Apple pays a LOT less for parts due to volume discounts. I’m sure Apple is still making a profit, iFixit, I’m not so sure.
Perhaps Apple will refund users the cost. Wouldn’t that be nice?
There is no Apple store in my country. Authorized resellers charge 160€ for a battery replacement.
Congrats MDN for getting this sweet deal 🙂
“Who knew we’d end the year with such deals on iPhone battery replacements?!”
Awesome, right? Maybe they should come in a two-pack.
There have long been small shops that replace batteries in mobile phones and these guys & gals just got the shaft from Apple when the cost of replacing a battery was cut to $29. Brings back the reality that there is no free lunch – the $79 charge at Apple let the small guys “undercut” Apple’s price and make a decent living. It also took some pressure off of Apple’s store tech’s workload.
It depends. Here in Wichita, KS, we are 180 miles from the closest Apple Store. So no one here has any incentive to cut their prices as they know no one will spend the extra gas money for 360 miles nor the time of 5.5-6 hours round trip to save $50. Don’t forget to add in turnpike fees and turnpike inflated drink and burger costs. What is your time worth anyway?! LOL