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Maltese iPhone Users: You Need To Change Your Battery ASAP, And Here’s Why And How

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2017 came to a close with Apple confirming a deliberate slowing-down of older iPhone models worldwide. They basically just told everyone that if they own an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE, 7 or 7 Plus, their phone is bound to experience a bump in performance. Apple explained that it all had to do with the way phone batteries age. 

After widespread backlash, the giant tech company has now issued an apology in the form of radical discounts to battery replacements. The service also extends to Malta, and Apple premium resellers iCentre took to Facebook yesterday to highlight the process.

Basically, if you have an iPhone 6 (or later) that is out of warranty, you need to take it to iCentre’s Service Centre in Pieta. Once there, a short diagnostic test will be done, after which you’ll be entitled for a battery replacement at the discounted price of €35.

iCentre’s announcement got some serious backlash of its own among Maltese users. Dozens of people complained that overseas, all phones were getting the battery replacement discount, regardless of the iPhones’ health. Questions on the nature of the test quoted by iCentre were also raised.

Soon enough, Apple themselves issued a clarification on the matter, prompting an updated iCentre announcement on Facebook earlier today. 

In it, they explained that the diagnostic tests do not determine whether the batteries will be replaced, and serve instead as a way of getting very quick and essential information to track the phone’s battery health and life.

Here is this morning’s announcement in full:

“With reference to the Battery Replacement Program, Apple have informed us that any customer owning an iPhone 6 and/or later that is out of warranty and wishes to replace the battery (whether faulty or not) can do so by visiting our iCentre Service Centre in Joe Gasan Street, Pieta. The battery replacement cost will be that of Eur 35.00 (inc vat)

Customers have been asking what kind of tests are required in this regard. As requested by Apple Inc, (basic) diagnostic tests need to be carried out on each unit prior to any kind of service. Essentially such tests are for information purposes only and check the battery health and life. Since this replacement program is open to all customers, such tests will not determine whether one can qualify for this offer or not. 

These diagnostic tests can also be beneficial for customers since they will get to know whether any issues they may be encountering are actually related to the battery or to any other component. Tests only take a few minutes and are run while you wait. Once test are finished, and customers would like to have the battery replaced, we will set an appointment to replace the battery. iCentre will endeavour to replace the battery and return the iPhone on the same day.

This service is effective immediately and will go on until December 2018
If the iPhone happens to still be covered with the first year Apple Limited Warranty, iCentre will change the battery free of charge after necessary diagnostic tests reveal problems or issues with the battery health. However, as per EU Consumer Law, during the second year customers should refer to the point of purchase and/or the reseller.

iCentre would like to point out that, as an Apple Authorised Resellers and Apple Authorised Service Provider, we are bound by Apple Inc Policies and other Terms and Conditions. iCentre understands that many customers feel Apple Inc has let them down but there might have been some misunderstandings regarding this issue. Hence we are providing below some information issued by Apple mainly on how batteries age which eventually may help customers understand the issue better. Please also note that third party sources (like The Verge, Mac rumours etc) are not official Apple sources and may not always provide accurate information. We will keep you updated if there are any other changes and/or communication coming directly from Apple Inc.

We apologise for any inconvenience and we can assure you that we will do our very best to satisfy the demand in the most efficient and timely manner.”

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So there you have it; if you’ve got an iPhone 6 or above, you are eligible to replace its battery for only €35. 

This service will go until December 2018.

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READ NEXT: Apple Just Confirmed Why Older iPhones Are Suddenly Getting Slower Or Shutting Down

Lovin Malta's Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).

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