When Apple first announced that it would be replacing iPhone batteries for the relatively modest price of $29, several customers took the tech giant up on its offer. Many of those same Apple product users, however, were surprised and further upset with the company when they received a bill that included fixes for other unsolicited repairs, according to BBC.
The “sticker shock” was especially irritating to customers because the special battery replacement program was established to make up for years of deliberately slowing down older iPhones — an action the company says it took to ensure that its mobile devices didn’t automatically shut off. Apple eventually apologized after days of public backlash, yet not for what it did and does, but rather because it didn’t tell people sooner.
Now, Apple is receiving further protests.
Josh Lansburgh, an Apple product consumer, shipped his phone away in February so it could be replaced, only to be sent a bill two days later requesting more than 200 euros because of a mended dent on the outside of the device.
“They’re trying to regain trust and they come back to you with, ‘Give us more money than you were planning to initially,'” Landsburgh told BBC. “I think it’s just shocking, they’ve got enough money, they’re Apple.” (RELATED: Department Of Justice, SEC Launching Probe Into Apple Slowing Down Older iPhones)
Several others reached out to BBC with similar complaints.
David Bowler, another iPhone owner, sent his reportedly perfectly functioning device out for battery equipping. He later was quoted for 250 euros worth of repairs, specifically for the microphone and speakers. Bowler said those parts were pristine and never showed any potential problems.
BBC later acquired Bowler’s phone and transported it to an electronics repair specialist, who was able to replace the battery with no delay. Apple had declined to do so because they argued a new battery fastening required a fix for the two aforementioned components.
Apple says that both its repair website and warranty provisions stipulate that “any damage” that gets in its team’s way must be addressed and reconditioned before a battery replacement occurs. (RELATED: Apple Watch Saved 18 Year Old’s Life, Says Family)
Still, as reported by BBC, many are now interpreting the apology program as purportedly remorseful profit-seeking.
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