Apple is Locking Down iPhone Batteries to Discourage User Replacement [Video]

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Posted August 8, 2019 at 4:34pm by iClarified

Apple has started locking down iPhone batteries to discourage user replacement, reports iFixit and TheArtofRepair.

If you replace the battery of your iPhone XR or XS with either a genuine Apple battery or a third party battery, your iPhone will indicate that the battery needs 'Service' and will refuse to display battery health information.

It’s not a bug; it’s a feature Apple wants. Unless an Apple Genius or an Apple Authorized Service Provider authenticates a battery to the phone, that phone will never show its battery health and always report a vague, ominous problem.

iFixit likens the message to a 'Check Oil' light that only a Ford dealership can reset, even if you've changed the oil yourself.

The site notes that this just another step in Apple's attempt to block user repairs. Back in 2016, Apple bricked iPhones with an Error 53 if you replaced your screen. Then Apple paired Touch ID home buttons to the logic board resulting in the loss of Touch ID on Home button replacement. More recently, Apple started disabling TrueTone on replacement screens, even if they are genuine Apple displays. However, pairing iPhone batteries to iPhones is a new low.

"You bought it, you own it, you should be able to fix it. It’s that simple. Pairing batteries to iPhones is a gross overreach. It’s yet another instance of purchasing a product, and not being able to fully utilize it—like leasing a car, except you’re paying full price for it."

iFixit is encouraging users to voice their support Right to Repair legislation in their state.

Check out the video below for more details...

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wolsta - August 8, 2019 at 8:38pm

Battery being swapped with a non genuine one. iPhone sends message home to Apple. In case of a damage or worse Apple can prove they are not responsible for it. I respect that decision.

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PaulieP - August 9, 2019 at 5:07am

Agreed, very well spoken.

1reader - August 10, 2019 at 2:28am

Latest news (from CNET) says even genuine Apple battery will give same message. And the only option to avoid that message is to have it done at their store...

damonart - August 15, 2019 at 1:29pm

So they should allow the genuine one to be sold and replaced.

1reader - August 8, 2019 at 4:51pm

See PaulieP and “voice of reason” what I was saying before: they don’t want to use (keep your item purchased) for to long, with your hard earned money, but to be in line for the next item from shelf. In other words to be dependent on them (software and hardware) kinda looks like “slavery” (like someone said: “now what are you looking at, go to work I need your money!”)

1reader - August 8, 2019 at 7:50pm

Yet, so many people changed their batteries until now with no problems. Usually companies to avoid liabilities once you open their products don’t offer any money or guarantee, in case of cars and other machinery there is no problem in changing a battery. For the fingerprint part (being paired to MB) in the case of i5s - i7 again really bad move. Some Chinese company can’t steal someone’s fingerprints when someone is j replacing with a 3rd party button (that information would have to be moved through iOS). If that was the thinking but I’m afraid it was Apple asking ppl to go to their stores.

1reader - August 8, 2019 at 7:59pm

Btw I think changing the battery in a iPhone was the easiest fix for older iPhones. Have to mention that lately was getting difficult still was a easy (at least for me) fix in keeping an old device still relevant/functional (especially with new software that slows down if batteries are less than 80 something % capacity which = 1- 1.5y old device if daily charge occurs or 500cycles).

PaulieP - August 9, 2019 at 5:09am

If you can’t afford it you shouldn’t buy it plain and simple. If you can’t afford to fix it proper through the manufacturer then you shouldn’t buy it. Apple is doing what they should to make sure people are safe and secure and at the same time covering their derrières from frivolous lawsuits. I respect their decision and stand by my opinion.If either of the first two sentences apply to you, I rest my case.

ericidle - August 8, 2019 at 4:44pm

And if a phone catches fire due to a 3rd party battery Apple still gets the blame