Apple has extended its gadget replacement program to cover battery cases made for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. Such accessories are perhaps better known for being made by Apple partners like Mophie, though the Cupertino-based company has offered its own charging accessories since the halcyon days of the iPhone 6S.
Apple has stated that the problem is not a safety-related issue but rather a technical one whereby some of its iPhone charging cases fail to charge or charge inadequately. The affected products are the Apple Smart Battery Cases for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. They were first announced in January 2019 and generally sold through October last year. Despite isolated issues, our iPhone XS review highlights it as one of the best smartphones out there.
How to replace your iPhone battery case for free
Replacing a faulty Apple iPhone battery case is a relatively straightforward process. Just head to your local Apple Store or the nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider – booking an appointment is always advisable for convenience – and your case will be "examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program.”
Provided it is, you'll be issued with a brand new Smart Battery Case for free, while Apple promises to dispose of the old one is an "environmentally friendly way."
However, you should know that getting a replacement case doesn't extend the warranty of the product, which will still stand at two years from the original date of purchase. To learn more, head over to Apple's website, where there's a page dedicated to the iPhone battery case replacement program complete with all the terms and conditions.
If you're looking to upgrade or move network, we have a guide to the best cell phone providers to help you make that choice too.
