Apple Possibly Planning to Launch iPhone 6 Battery Exchange Program [Updated]

Apple may be preparing to launch an iPhone 6 battery exchange program for undisclosed reasons, according to Japanese website Mac Otakara.

iPhone-6-side-view
It is unclear if the iPhone 6 program would be related to Apple's existing iPhone 6s battery replacement program. Apple launched that program in November after it determined that a "very small number of iPhone 6s devices may unexpectedly shut down" due to a manufacturing issue.

A number of iPhone 6s users said their devices typically shut down with around 30% battery life remaining. Apple noted the shutdowns are not a safety issue, but rather a feature designed to protect the iPhone's internal components from low voltage. However, affected batteries still need to be replaced.

Apple also has an iPhone 5 battery replacement program, which it launched in August 2014 after it determined that a "very small percentage of iPhone 5 devices may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently," so an iPhone 6 program would not be unprecedented.

Mac Otakara accurately leaked several iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus features, including the removal of the headphone jack and a glossy black color, but some of its rumors, such as a new Jet White color for iPhone 7, have yet to materialize or proven incorrect. File this rumor in the "maybe" cabinet.

Update: Apple has reportedly told AppleInsider that "there are no plans" for an iPhone 6 battery exchange program.

"We constantly evaluate service statistics," one source inside Apple corporate said. "There are no plans or grounds for a wide iPhone 6 battery exchange program at this time."

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Top Rated Comments

PlainviewX Avatar
103 months ago
In under a year my 6's battery was acting up. It would read 25% and then shut off randomly. I'd plug it in and it would jump to 30%+ charged immediately. Brought it in and they said there was no issue and they can't replace it because they saw no issue.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newyorksole Avatar
103 months ago
This wouldn't surprise me. I know a few people with iPhone 6's who say their phones are doing the unexpected shutdown at random percentages. And since there's only a replacement program for the 6S they don't qualify AND they're out of warranty.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
powaking Avatar
103 months ago
In under a year my 6's battery was acting up. It would read 25% and then shut off randomly. I'd plug it in and it would jump to 30%+ charged immediately. Brought it in and they said there was no issue and they can't replace it because they saw no issue.
When I had my 6 this was also what I experienced. I would have about 50% then it would shut off. I tried to start it up but it would tell me to charge it as it was dead. If I waited a few minutes and try to do a force reboot it would boot up, show that I had more % battery than before but then turn back off after a minute or 2. Plug it in and it would drop 10% from earlier reporting then jump back up. Very strange. Apple said nothing wrong from their diagnostics.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nik Avatar
103 months ago
Amazingly great products!
Unapologetically great batteries!

"There are no plans or grounds for a wide iPhone 6 battery exchange program at this time."

MacRumors, look at the details before you state, that Apple is not doing an exchange program at all. Do your work!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TallManNY Avatar
103 months ago
Every smartphone should have its battery replaced after two or so years. It would be nice if Apple let people know that this can be done and it isn't that expensive. Of course Apple might sell less new phones then.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Arkanok Avatar
103 months ago
This is great news! For the past few months my launch iPhone 6 has been having some serious issues. Sometimes shutting off at 10 or 20%, and sometimes even at 50%. I've been contemplating an iPhone 7 purchase due to this problem but didn't really want to because I was trying to hold out until the next iPhone is released.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)