Dead iPad battery? Never mind replacing it, Apple just sends another iPad for $99
By Darren Murph 
posted March 13th 2010 1:24PM
posted March 13th 2010 1:24PM
Now, let's compare that to the verbiage found in the iPhone's battery replacement program details:"If your iPad requires service due to the battery's diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee."
We can see the puzzled look on your face from here, and we're sharing in the same disbelief. Apple is actually saying that it won't bother cracking open your withered iPad, replacing the battery and sending it back your way; instead, you'll pay $105.95 (including shipping) for a completely different iPad, which certainly has its pros and cons. On one hand, you're getting a new (or potentially refurbished, actually) iPad in around "one week," but on the other, you'll be waving goodbye to every morsel of personal data on the device that you send in -- unless you backup beforehand, of course. Here's Apple's take on answering "will the data on my iPad be preserved?""If your iPhone requires service only because the battery's ability to hold an electrical charge has diminished, Apple will service your iPhone for a service fee."
Lovely, don'tcha think? Head on past the break for the full text."No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad."
[Thanks, David]
Battery Replacement Service - iPad: Frequently Asked Questions
What is iPad Battery Replacement Service?
If your iPad requires service due to the battery's diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.
Note: Your iPad is not eligible for Battery Replacement Service if the product has been damaged, for example, as result of an accident, liquid contact, disassembly, unauthorized service or unauthorized modifications, or if the product is not operating correctly as a result of a component failure. Please review Apple's Repair Terms and Conditions for further details.
How much does it cost?
The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost is $105.95 per unit.
All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to local tax.
How do I arrange iPad Battery Replacement Service?
Battery replacement service may be arranged via your local Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or you can contact Apple Technical Support. Please do not send any accessories with your iPad.
Will the data on my iPad be preserved?
No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.
How long will it take to receive my replacement iPad?
If you arrange service by calling Apple Technical Support, you can expect service to be completed within approximately one week from the time you send your iPad to Apple.
@Paul A Chapel What data loss? You sync it up with iTunes, format it and send It back. When you get your new one, you sync it up, and everything was back the way it uses to be. Nothing changed.
@Paul A Chapel Well, that's THEIR fault for being lazy and not syncing it.
Seems totally reasonable.
@mogren
not really,
I mean what if you customized your iPad (paint job, sticker, ...etc)
@mogren To me this sounds like Apple marketing trying to spin it as this is some how good thing. You are still paying 99 for replacing your battery and essentially loosing all your data while at it or how are you getting your old stuff out when the battery has died?
this is not reasonable because you'll be getting a refurb unit too. if you have a perfect condition iPad that you always keep in a case without getting scratched. you might end up with a ugly looking one soon.
it happened to me when I replaced my overheating iPhone 3GS a few days after it came out. had to yell at customer service for sending me a used refurb devicereplacement just 3 days after paying full price on a new device!
@mogren
Except for the part where either you're getting a refurb with no information about its' provenance, or Apple is charging $800 for an item with a replacement cost of less than $100.
@Ahmed Alzayani
If you customized your iPad they'll probably claim it voids the warranty and tell you you're lucky they'll send you a generic replacement.
Because hey, how do we know that your cool Ironman sticker image on the back didn't cause the unit to overheat and kill the battery?
@Pdexter
Umm.... try plugging it into the AC? How exactly did you think the battery is recharged?
@mogren
Reasonable ya think? Even irremovable battery is not reasonable I tells ya!
@mogren So it means that all of my history, saved text files, emails and passwords are going along with my old iPad?!
WOW!!! I would pay 99 bucks to keep all of that safe...
@sahaskatta Please understand refurbed Apple gadgets always come with a new case,in this case means new aluminum back + new glass screen. It will look mint.
@mogren You forgot "/sarcasm"
@jon You're complaining that they will replace an $800 device for $100. Amazing.
@Paul A Chapel if you've been properly backing up your data (i.e. your stolen songs and your porn collection) then there shouldn't be any problem with getting a BRAND SPANKING NEW IPAD back.
i'm truly failing to see the logic oif all the ipad hate.. it seems illogical to me.
let's see here i started out with a mediocre desktop.. i got rid of it and got an asus eee (at 2gb and 160gb before i upgraded to a 500gb ) it was a major step up.. i had it for a year or so before i realized i used it less then i used my ipod touch (2nd gen) i almost shit and fell in it when they announced the ipad.. is this not the culmination of technology that we've been waiting for? (star trekkers? anybody?) maybe not.. i can see where some of you so-called power users might see this thing as handicapped.. but the techies are most definitely in the minority.. obviously you're not the people that the ipad has been marketed to. i had been curious over the past few months about osx and snow leopard just because it's not xp, or 7 or ubuntu.. my friends rave about it.. one is big into music and the other is big into music and art.. and i would like to downsize yet again.. this time because i now have 2 kids and don't use near as much as my netbook is capable of (or not capable of for you bigger is better types)
i listen to music - check!
i watch movies - check!
i peruse the internet - check!
i used my ipod touch for maps before i go out - check!
kid friendly with the big buttons - check! (my 3 year old used my ipod touch fairly regularly to watch his astroboy youtube downloads.)
i for one am not only FOR the ipad but i may end up getting several for me and my wife and the kids.
do yourself a favor - stop hating. start DEBATING.
@Modano
Actually, I was complaining that Apple is charging $800 for a $100 device.
But I can see how you wouldn't like that point being made.
@Pdexter you get your old stuff out because its powered through the connector while you sync it...so...everything is fine.
@Mr w00t
all of that syncs when you plug it into iTunes. unless you cancel the sync every time you will be able to migrate that data pretty easily
@mogren
Both you and Darren are forgetting yet another thing - this $105 is in ADDITION to the APPLECARE charge of $99
So you're happy with a 20% fee after a 20% fee for the ability to even replace the battery???
I dont know about you but i've never thought that a 40% surcharge for a replacement battery was a good deal... That's not a warranty - it's called a 35% profit surcharge...
@mogren
If its defective and not fit for purpose then it should be replaced, no fee.
Good would be a removable battery, return battery no problem, replace battery no problem.
I can only assume there are lots of really easy customers out there!
:S
@jon It's not a $100 device.
They're not sending you a new iPad and letting you keep the old one. They take the guts of the old one, slap a new case on, and they have a fresh new refurb to send out to someone else.
@jon
It's not a $100 device. It's $100 to cover the costs of refurbishing your iPad. You're not getting a new iPad for $100 while they vaporize your old one--you're just getting a new one for the sake of turnaround time and logistic simplicity.
They get your old one, verify that it works apart from the battery, and drop ship a replacement. Meanwhile, your old one gets wiped, removed from its casing, a new battery, and new casing materials if the old one shows any signs of wear. Your old iPad then gets repackaged as a white box unit and put on the shelf, where another tech grabs it and sends it to someone else as a replacement.
The cost of this process is what you're paying for. For the inevitable car analogy, think of it as a core charge.
@josh913 I know that, I had an iPhone..
My concerns is with what stays in. How can I be sure that no one is going to access the things that are inside of my old device? It is pretty easy when you dont need to return the device...
@MrJimlad
That's what a warranty is for.
If your battery fails outside of warranty, as all batteries will eventually die, you have to pay to replace it. For the iPad, it's $100, which is cheaper than many laptop batteries, but more expensive than most netbook batteries (which run $50-80 depending on capacity).
@asfdsad dont forget - you HAVE to have already paid $99 for applecare to be able to spend $99 more on the battery...
@jonnythan
@asfdsad
I know it's not a $100 dollar device. The breakdown's have been done, it's a $200 device. ;)
My point was, the people saying "Hey, you get a brand new iPad." are idiots.
I don't want a refurb, I know exactly what my device has been through, I have no idea where your used one came from.
Back to the car analogy, I was looking at used STis and EVOs a couple years back, in the process I met plenty of owners.
In the end, I decided I didn't want to pay money for a car that any of these people had driven.
Apple owners tend to replace their products fairly regularly, as such they don't treat them as well as they might if they planned to keep them for a long time.
I've seen more broken iPhones than any other phone ever.
@zweihander
Thank you Thank you Thank you !!
I soooooo agree with ya !
@mogren And environmentally sound to boot! Oh wait...
Why design a good product when you can just sell them a lesser item and if it fails replace it for a charge?
Step 1: Apply fruit logo to electronic device
Step 2: Profit
Step 3: Profit
@Phenom
No you don't. Battery replacement has nothing to do with AppleCare. If you have AppleCare, the battery is covered for free.
Battery replacement fee is for out-of-warranty units.
@mogren and all.
I don't think it's that unreasonable.
1. YOU DO NOT LOSE YOUR DATA. iTUNES HAS HAD BACKUP FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS NOW! Dudes, the same thing applies to any device with data on it!! RYDC! Any warranty terms or data aren't protected in repairs by 99% of companies. Your HD crashes in your DVR and you don't get your shows back. (Heck you swap boxes, you don't get your shows back-and there's no backup for most of those, none at all for free.)
This policy is only bad if you don't have a computer. How many people buying the iPad won't have computers? Really, not very many at all.
2. It sucks compared to a completely removable battery, which would probably run in the same price range, maybe $20 less, but you do get a new device.
3. It's only $100 and not $800 because if the rest of the iPad is good, then Apple can ship it back to the factory to replace the battery. The battery is soldered in, and you'd have to dismantle at least part of the unit to get at it. This is the same thing Apple does for iPods and iPhones (except the iPhone screen). It's not efficient for a regular repair process to fix them.
4. Refurbs: That's each person's take. I've personally had a great experience with Apple refurbs. You device should be in a good condition when you get a new one, or that's Apple's stated policy in other places.
5. Modifications and device problems: Think about it. It's the standard warranty stuff. Apple doesn't void your warranty for putting a sticker on an iPod. And they won't replace the device if other parts are broken because these terms extend beyond the normal warranty. Of course apple isn't going to charge you $100 to replace that screen if you drop it.
So yes, a removable battery is easier, but this is an Apple thing. It's nothing new and no different than any other policy they've had except for laptops which a tech can replace the battery easily.
@Phenom
WTF did you get that? Nothing in the Apple document states that you need AppleCare. In fact, Apple's warranty covers the battery. OMG, so surprising! And if you buy AppleCare, it extends that warranty.
The $100 fee applies *ONY* to *OUT* of warranty iPads.
Oh and it's $100 not $800 because Apple can still make use of the other good parts at the factory. In theory they could return your exact same iPad, but that would take even longer and would cost more.
Yeah I recently switched put my iPod touch. The iTunes backup is really comprehensive. I didn't lose any data.
What is so bad about having a battery cover? Is it the unseemly line?
@Phenom
Dude, calm down. Where are you getting your information that you have to spend $99 for AppleCare and another $99 for the battery???
This $99 price for the battery replacement is what they charge if you don't have AppleCare. If you paid for AppleCare, then you are covered for 2 years.
I understand if you don't know how to RTFA or check your sources, but it took me 5 seconds to find it on Apple's iPad page:
"AppleCare Protection Plan
Get service and support from the people who know your iPad best. For up to two years from your iPad original purchase date, the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you:
• One stop for technical support: Direct access to Apple experts
• Apple hardware coverage: iPad, battery, and included accessories
• Software support: iTunes, iWork for iPad, iPad OS, and connection to wireless networks"
You see that second bullet point there? The battery is included if you already paid for AppleCare.
http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB292LL/A?mco=MTcyMTgwODM
@mogren
BTW has anyone considered that if you plug the thing into the computer, it powers it?! It seemed obvious to me, but after rereading the article, I think it needs stating. Yeah, battery only lasts for 3 hours, it needs replaced. Plug it in and backup.
Device lasts for 10 seconds and you for some reason can't power it through the computer. You're just dumb for not getting your battery replaced sooner. Or if it's immediate, something else is obviously wrong with the device.
Device won't turn on when plugged in. Go do something else: it's not a battery issue.
See? There's not a problem except it's still a bit pricy. But this is Apple so yeah…it's pricey. If you want to disprove the point about data not being covered, please find me two or three warranty policies from large companies (HP, Asus, Dell, Acer, etc, etc) that will either get your data for you or compensate for it in a loss.
@cycomachead thank you for posting the only intelligent and thought out response on this matter. I'm surprised by the level of stupidity in the rest of the comments.
@Phenom
I think you're wrong there. Where did you get that idea from?
Apple care basically extends the warranty period for the device you're covering, therefore if your device goes faulty then it will be replaced free of charge. If it's the battery that is faulty then it is no different.
I believe this is if the unit is no longer covered under warranty, in which case I think $99 is perfectly reasonable, especially given that your iPad is gonna be at least a year old at the time given you get a years free warranty to begin with.
@AdmiralKlingon
The unit looking mint isn't true at all. The company I work for sends ipods, and iphones off to service on a regular basis. If they can't fix it they replace it with a refurbished unit that has had the back sanded down so you can no longer read the serial number or any of the other information on it.
@mogren
I would get an engraving if I bought it. I want mine back.
@AdmiralKlingon This is not true: I had to send back FIVE refurbished units (all broken or not working) before they sent me a brand new phone. And it also had the screen broken... Only after SIX replacement they sent me a new 3Gs to replace the original 3G with a lot of apologies...
@zweihander
it's sounds like your iPod touch is all you really need... And it fits in your pocket!
Why do you need a less portable more expensive touch?
I use my iPhone for most of my gadget needs. I don't hate the iPad, I just hope Apple continues to support us iPhone users. Apple seems to have invested a lot of itself in the iPad and I just don't see it gaining the public support that the iPhone/touch did.
@mogren i agree with you and have NO idea what the guy, Darren it seems, is doing besides putting up a post to attract anybody who wants to rant at apple. im def not a love apple to death guy, like to browse different platforms, some which we use in school graphics/production work, some they do in professional suites i have been and worked in...but...this guy seems not to understand sending in a product for a replacement doesn't mean they are going to do data recovery for you. i sent a lacie 500gb ext hd back which wouldn't show up to synch and lacie made it clear i should back up data as they wouldn't/couldn't, as does every other site i have worked with. in my very first CGI class that's the first thing our prof told us, altho we all knew it. why anybody who knows anything (or even a little) would go after this common feature only sounds like they are appealing to masses (on this site it seems) who like to sit in their cubicle or undershorts or whatever and write smart remarks. i only say this as i see most approved reactions to comments, except this one, that slam ipad/apple or anything bearing an apple logo.
@sahaskatta Have you never bought anything refurbished from apple? Their refurb stuff is in PERFECT condition. Not a single scratch on the iPod touch refurb I got.
@sahaskatta Really? I took mine in and they gave me a new one on the spot. Maybe I look more threatening.
@Kerensky97
Some vendors do laser engraved customisation. You just send a picture and you ca buy the unit engraved with the design. No void warranty.
@Mr w00t That's exactly my concern. When I had a microSD card fail for my Droid, I took it in, and they handed me a new one. They said that they must return the old one. I protested that there was still potentially recoverable data. You know what they did? They destroyed the card right in front of me. I'd PAY to see apple destroy the iPad (considering it doesn't have a removable data card) for the same reason.
It's absolutely insane to consider that a company would require you to send a device that contains data to them fully functioning. Sure, you could format it, but there are plenty of tools to recover a formatted partition. Whenever I've had a hard drive fail, the manufacturer just wanted the old one back. I could destroy it in any manor I chose as long as they could identify it (So I typically drill at least 5 or 6 holes in it before shipping it back)...
I can't understand how this is even acceptable practice in todays world. It shouldn't even be legal...
@sahaskatta I purchased my 32GB 3GS refurbished from AT&T and it came in in perfect condition.
@AdmiralKlingon
My refurbed Macbook says otherwise.
Light scratches on the case and a very small scratch on the screen.
Apple is actually pretty nice to those who customize. I fried the motherboard my Mac with a new HDD. They told me what happened and replaced the part for free. I thought I would have to buy a new one.
@Phenom No its not, what the hell are you talking about? This is a replacement fee for people that are outside of their warranties, including Applecare.
Jesus, where the hell do you guys come up with this crap? You guys make so many incorrect assumptions its like you all fabricate things inside your heads.
This is what Apple has been doing for iPods and iPhones forever. This is nothing new. And when Apple sends refurbs, they are typically almost exactly the same as a brand new product. Theres a reason Apple has such high customer satisfaction ratings.