Apple initiates battery replacement program for defective iPhone 5 units

If you have an iPhone 5 and have noticed it doesn't last as long as it should, requiring recharging as often as you can, then you might have a defective device - one that is entitled to a free battery replacement by Apple.

There's a number of affected units, sold between September 2012 and January 2013, and you can check if you one of those by checking its serial number in Apple's iPhone 5 battery replacement page.

[you can check your device serial number in "Settings > General > About"]

The replacement program is already under way in the US and China (starting on August 29th for other countries, and you need only find the best support option for you (Apple Authorized Service Provider,
Apple Retail Store, or Apple Technical Support) in order to get it fixed or replaced. Be sure to make a backup (either via iCloud or iTunes); and erase all contents of your iPhone (Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings) - and don't forget to turn off  "Find my iPhone".


It's certainly an annoyance, but on the bright side you get a brand new battery after nearly two years of use. Should you have replaced its battery already, contact Apple in order to get a refund.