07/11/08 - Apple's new iPhone 3G battery is NOT soldered to the motherboard!
04/10/08 - Third-party iPod battery replacement provider iPodJuice.com dominates the ipod battery space by lowering prices.
02/06/08 - New MacBook Air battery replacement videos surface (good news: they're replaceable!)
07/24/07 - Apple has announced AppleCare
Protection Plan for iPhone for $69, which extends iPhone warranty coverage,including battery, to two years.
07/19/07 - iPodJuice.com has
announced the first third-party iPhone
battery replacement (press
release).
06/29/07 - Apple has announced an
out-of-warranty battery replacement service for iPhone.
iPhone battery questions will be answered here as information
becomes available.
iPod Battery and general battery questions
Is the iPod battery replaceable?
How do I contact Apple for service?
Is the iPod battery user-replaceable?
What is the iPod warranty? Does it cover the battery? Is there any way to extend it?
Does Apple think the iPod is disposable?
I heard that the iPod battery only lasts 18 months, and then you have to buy a new iPod! Is that true?
Will the iPod battery degrade over time?
How much playing time should I get out of my iPod battery? (What is the playing time for different iPod models?)
What does "1G", "2G", or "first generation", "second generation",
etc., mean?
How can I tell which model of iPod I have?
When does Apple consider the battery defective for purposes of warranty?
How can I tell if my iPod is under warranty or AppleCare?
What kind of battery does the iPod use?
Why didn't Apple use better batteries?
How can I get the most out of the iPod battery? (Or get more out of it if it seems degraded?)
What is the best way to handle charging/discharging/storage of lithium ion batteries?
If my battery dies, will I lose all of my music?
Is it okay to leave the iPod in the dock, or otherwise attached to external power, for extended periods of time?
Why doesn't Apple make the battery easily replaceable? Or use different batteries, like AA?
Is there any way to use an external battery pack, or standard AA batteries?
No one else uses an integrated battery!
Apple only released their battery replacement service because of all the bad publicity from iPod's Dirty Secret.
Is there something wrong with the iPod? It shouldn't have these problems!
I'm having some other problem with my iPod that I don't think it should be having.
Is there a place I can take an iPod I no longer want for safe disposal?
What if I need to repair my iPod? Is it worth doing it?
iPhone battery questions
Is the iPhone battery replaceable?
Is the iPhone battery user-replaceable?
What is the iPhone
warranty? Does it cover the battery? Is there any way to extend it?
When does
Apple consider the battery defective for purposes of warranty replacement?
When did
Apple release the iPhone out-of-warranty battery replacement program?
Can I receive
a loaner iPhone if I need to send my iPhone in for battery replacement
or other service?
What kind of battery does the iPhone use?
How long does the iPhone battery last?
I heard the iPhone battery "only lasts 40 minutes."
Is that true?
I heard that
the iPhone can only be charged 300 times and then the battery dies. Is
that true?
When will more detailed iPhone battery specifications and performance data
become available?
Why didn't
Apple make the iPhone battery easily user-accessible?
Will higher capacity batteries be available for iPhone?
Can i use my iPod power adapter,
charger, or other power accessory with iPhone?
iPod and iPhone Battery and Power Specifications, iPod and iPhone Model Range table
Just need a new iPod battery? Click on one of these images to find the right iPod Battery Kit for You:
iPod and general battery questions
Q: Is the iPod battery replaceable?
A: Yes. Apple has an official out-of-warranty
battery replacement program for $59
+ $6.95 shipping in
the United States (see also: Europe and Canada pricing).
The program requires that you send in your iPod (any model), and Apple will replace
the battery and return it to you for $59 plus shipping and handling. Technically,
Apple actually replaces your whole iPod with an equivalent new model or factory-refurbished
model in a brand new enclosure, with its own 90-day service warranty; if the
iPod was previously engraved by Apple, it will be engraved again. AppleCare
programs for iPod are also available in
some markets outside the US, and are expected soon in other markets. 3rd-party ipod battery companies provide better batteries and faster service than Apple.
The replacement program is now also available on-demand via Apple
Retail locations; simply bring your existing iPod and you can walk out with a replacement iPod. One sync with iTunes gets all of your music and video back onto the iPod. Any other data should be backed up before replacement.
The iPod Out-of-warranty Battery Replacement Program is only required for iPods that are no longer covered by the warranty or AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod. 3rd-party ipod battery companies provide better batteries and faster service than Apple.
Q: How do I contact Apple for service?
A: You may contact Apple in any of the following ways:
By telephone in the US: 1-800-APL-CARE
By visiting any Apple Retail location
By visiting any Apple Authorized Service Provider
By using the online iPod Service Request web site
Keep in mind that 3rd-party ipod battery companies provide better batteries and faster service than Apple.
Q: Is the iPod battery user-replaceable?
A1: Yes and no. The iPod's case is not designed to be opened, so, in that
respect, it's not what would generally be referred to as "user-replaceable".
However, with the right set of tools and instructions from one of the following vendors, you can replace the battery yourself and avoid all the hassle by going through Apple:
iPodJuice.com has high-quality iPod batteries (starting
at US$25; all iPods; do-it-yourself and mail-in) * Recommended
iPod mini battery kits from ipodminibattery.com (US$35;
2G, 3G, and iPod mini; do-it-yourself)
theipodbatteryunplugged.com (no kits, but great information, and a funny site.
Maroon Macaw (starting at $45 and up; poor tools, vague directions)
Kelly Coconut (starting at $50; no support, no return policy)
Short Last Titan (starting at $55; poor support, cheap tools, so-so batteries)
Apple Computer (starting at $59 plus shipping; have to send it in, refurbished iPod back)
Click here to find the best iPod batteries for your iPod!
A2: TechTV's Call for Help has a story discussing and demonstrating replacing iPod battery.
A3: Popular Science HOW 2.0 also has an article about replacing the battery.
Q: What is the iPod warranty? Does it cover the battery? Is there any way to extend it?
A1: The iPod warranty is one year. It does cover the battery.
A2: You can extend the iPod's warranty, including battery coverage, to two years with AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod. Numerous retailers, such as Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc., also have very inexpensive extended warranty coverage available for iPod. Often these plans simply replace the product with a comparable new unit.
Q: Does Apple think the iPod is disposable?
A: No. The iPod is engineered to last; Apple is consistently ranked number one in product quality and support by leading consumer groups, such as Consumer Reports. Apple also has out-of-warranty service and extended warranty options. Apple has officially stated that the iPod is designed to last "for
years".
Q: I heard that the iPod battery only lasts 18 months, and then you have to buy a new iPod! Is that true?
A1: NO! The vast majority of even the earliest iPods, now over five years old, continue to function just fine. Some iPods, however, based on age and usage style, will have more battery degradation than others. Lithium ion batteries are only good for 300 to 500 charge/discharge cycles (more). For this reason, certain customers' usage patterns may cause the batteries to degrade, or fail, sooner than others.
A2: If the battery does fail, and the iPod is no longer under its original
one year warranty or $59
AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, or any of numerous third
party service plans, you don't have to buy a new iPod. You may replace the
battery yourself for as little as $20,
have a third party replace it, or have
Apple perform the replacement for $59.
Q: Will the iPod battery degrade over time?
A: Yes. Over time, the battery will not hold the same amount of charge as when it was new. This is natural, and is true of all lithium ion batteries. This slow degradation will not affect, or be noticed by, most users during the life of their iPod. However, based on usage, environmental factors, and many other variables, some heavy users may notice a greater degradation than others. It is important to understand that this is the exact same degradation that would occur with any lithium ion battery used in any laptop, cell phone, portable music player, etc., and is not unique to the iPod. For more information, see this page.
Q: How much playing time should I get out of my iPod battery? (What is the playing time for different iPod models?)
A1: See this detailed table for battery capacities and playing times for different iPod models.
A2: Apple's specifications specify a battery or iPod mini battery life of 10 hours for the 1st and 2nd generation iPod, 8 hours for the 3rd generation iPod battery and 1st generation iPod mini, 12 hours for the 4th generation iPod and iPod shuffle, 15 hours for iPod photo, 18 hours for the 2nd generation iPod mini, 14 hours for the iPod nano battery and 30GB iPod video, and 20 hours for the 60GB iPod video. Many factors can, of course, influence this. Under good conditions, you should indeed get around the specified hours of battery life on a new iPod. This amount varies with age, usage style, and other factors, such as music encoding format, backlight use, etc. To get the most out of your battery, follow these tips:
iPod: How to Get the Most Out of the Battery (Apple)
iPod: About Battery Care (Apple)
A battery which only lasts for half, or less, of the specified time may be considered to be defective under warranty terms. However, you can follow the steps in this document to test your battery life in a controlled way.
Available iPod Battery Replacement Service Providers:
| |
Apple Computer | iPodJuice.com (recommended) | Auction Sites
|
| Cost: | $60 plus shipping | starting at $25 | market
|
| Do-It-Yourself: | n/a | Yes | Yes
|
| Battery Life: | same as original battery | plays longer than original battery | same as original battery
|
| Warranty: | 1 year | 10 years | n/a
|
| Keep Same iPod?: | No (refurbished iPod given back) | Yes | Yes
|
| Contact #: | 1-800-APL-CARE | 1-800-809-8133 / 210-568-7473 | n/a
|
| Kit Notes: | n/a (have to send it in for replacement) | includes better tools, color instructions, technical support | flimsy tools, no instructions, no technical support
|
| Turnaround: | 2 - 3 weeks | same-day shipping | varies from vendor
|
| Website URL: | www.apple.com | www.ipodjuice.com |
|
Q: What does "1G", "2G", or "first generation", "second generation",
etc., mean?
A: This refers to the "generation" of the iPod. For example, "1G" is "first generation".
Each generation represents a certain model of iPod, with a different set of
features, size, appearance, and so on. Each generation of iPod also has
different specifications.
Q: How can I tell which model of iPod I have?
A: See this table to determine your model of iPod. Also, see How can I tell if my iPod is under warranty? for a method of determining the model of your iPod from its serial number.
Q: When does Apple consider the battery defective for purposes of warranty replacement?
A: According to the AppleCare
Protection Plan Terms and Conditions, the iPod battery is defective when "capacity
of the covered iPod battery to hold an electrical charge has depleted fifty
(50%) percent or more from its original specification, after being fully charged
and the covered iPod playing music with all settings reset."
Apple's Battery
Replacement page says, "Your one-year warranty includes replacement
coverage for a defective battery. You can extend your coverage to two years
from the date of your iPod purchase with the AppleCare
Protection Plan for iPod. During the
plan’s coverage period, Apple will replace the battery if it drops
below 50% of its original capacity. If it is out of warranty, Apple offers
a battery
replacement for $59, plus $6.95 shipping, subject to local tax. Apple
disposes of your battery in an environmentally friendly manner."
Knowledge
Base article 61475 also says: "If you still feel that you are getting
significantly less than the expected amount of play from the battery, you
can arrange for service on the iPod Service Request site (http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/)." Knowledge
Base article 61475 gives a controlled procedure to follow to test battery
life.
Q: How can I tell if my iPod is under warranty or AppleCare?
A: Visit Apple Support. A little
more than halfway down the page in the right column, you will see a section
entitled "About Your Support Coverage".
Enter the serial number of your iPod here. It will tell you whether your
iPod is under warranty, and will also tell you which specific model of iPod
you have.
Q: What kind of battery does the iPod use?
A: The iPod uses the latest lithium ion battery technology from the leading battery manufacturers, such as Sony and Sanyo. See this table for more information on battery capacities on various iPod models.
(The first and second generation iPods use a Sony UP325385 A4H 3.7V 1230mAh lithium ion polymer battery. The third generation iPods use a 3.7V 630mAh lithium ion battery. The first generation replace iPod mini battery uses a Sanyo EC003 3.7V 400mAh lithium ion battery.)
Q: Why didn't Apple use better ipod or iPod nano batteries?
A: Apple uses the best lithium ion battery technology available from leading battery manufacturers. This is the best, most cost effective battery technology available given the requirements of the device. The lithium ion batteries that Apple uses are no different than the lithium ion batteries used by any other manufacturer, on products from portable music players, to laptops, to wireless phones. The battery should last most normal users the life of the product (several years).
Q: How can I get the most out of the iPod battery? (Or get more out of it if it seems degraded?)
A1: Follow these tips:
iPod: How to Get the Most Out of the Battery (Apple)
iPod: About Battery Care (Apple)
How to prolong lithium-based batteries (Battery University)
There are even external battery packs available that take standard AA batteries.
A2: One very important thing (covered in the above tips, but is important enough
to repeat) is to ensure you have the latest version of the iPod software, sometimes
called "firmware", on the iPod itself. The latest version of iPod software can
always be found here.
A3: Some users of early iPods whose batteries appeared to be severely degraded have been able to restore them by following these simple instructions.
Q: What is the best way to handle charging/discharging/storage of lithium ion batteries?
A1: How to prolong lithium-based batteries
A2: Lithium ion batteries are good for 300-500 charge/discharge cycles. A "charge/discharge" cycle generally consists of an iPod extended battery charging period, and an extended discharging period. A quick charge, listening for 30 minutes, and charging again, for example, does not constitute a full "charge/discharge cycle",
but could rather be considered a portion of one.
Also, many, many factors affect how much you get out of each charge, as well as how long the battery will last overall. The main factors include charging patterns, the routine amount of discharge (i.e., Do you use it until it dies? Use it for an hour or two and recharge?), temperature, storage, usage frequency, etc. Lithium ion batteries do not take kindly to frequent full or complete discharges. When possible, the optimal usage pattern - for any lithium ion battery - is a partial discharge, followed by recharging. A partial discharge can be anything less than a full discharge. However, an occasional full discharge is desirable
(e.g., once every 30 charges) to calibrate the battery. Lithium ion batteries
do not significantly degrade, or develop "memory", even if charged at irregular intervals; irregular charging is acceptable. An iPod can also safely be attached to external power for extended periods of time. (For extremely extended periods of time, such as months, the battery will essentially be the same as if it were in "storage";
lithium ion batteries do not store well for extended periods of time at full
charge. However, there is no way around this under these circumstances.) When
possible, always use the AC adapter (or vehicle adapter) for extended charging,
not a FireWire cable attached to a computer.
It is generally recommended to store lithium ion batteries at about 40% charge. However, the iPod draws power even when it is off, meaning that it will soon deplete any charge that it has. If you will be storing your iPod for an extended period of time (i.e., weeks to months), it is recommended to store the unit in a cool place; charge level is unimportant, as the charge will be completely depleted after several days. The most harmful combination for storage is full charge at high temperature (i.e., in a hot car).
For more information on rechargeable batteries in general, see:
Battery University
Batteries in a Portable World: A Handbook on Rechargeable Batteries for Non-Engineers
How Batteries Work
Lithium ion battery article at Wikipedia
An overview of lithium ion battery technology
Q: If my battery dies, will I lose all of my music?
A: No. The iPod stores all of its music on a hard disk. If the battery is drained completely, or even removed, all of the music on the iPod will remain intact. Additionally, you still have all of your music in the iTunes music library on your computer.
If you need a new battery and use Apple's replacement service, Apple will send you a new or refurbished iPod. Since the replacement iPod no longer has your music, you will simply need to resynchronize it with your iTunes library on your computer, which will only take a few minutes. All of your music should always be in your iTunes library on your computer, and your iTunes library should be backed up.
If you replace your battery yourself or use one of the non-Apple replacement services, all of the music will remain intact on the iPod.
Q: Is it okay to leave the iPod in the dock, or otherwise attached to external power, for extended periods of time?
A1: Yes. The iPod's circuitry will no longer charge the battery once it is determined to be full, even if the iPod is still attached to external power.
A2: This can also be a more complicated issue. Lithium ion batteries age faster when stored at full charge. If your usage of the iPod consists almost exclusively of use while plugged in for extended periods of time such as weeks or months, and very limited usage from the battery, the battery is essentially always in a charged state. A fully charged lithium ion battery ages at a faster rate than a lithium ion battery at the optimum storage capacity of approximately 40%. However, keeping an iPod battery near this optimum storage capacity can prove difficult to manage. A lithium ion battery also ages from use, as well as from storage, so the aging effects of constant use of the battery in order to keep the charge closer to 40%, versus constant use while attached to external power, come close to being even.
Q: Why doesn't Apple make the battery easily replaceable? Or use different batteries, like AA?
A: Because if they did either, the size of the batteries and/or the access panels and mechanisms required to access the battery would make the unit significantly larger than it is, likely by several millimeters in thickness at a minimum, and would also affect other dimensions, as well as weight. It was an engineering decision to use an integrated battery; if it were not integrated, the unit would not have the small, sleek form factor that makes it so attractive in the first place. Additionally, the iPod's battery is indeed replaceable, as has been discussed above.
Q: Is there any way to use an external battery pack, or standard AA batteries?
A: Yes. external battery pack for
the "dockable" iPod that takes 4 standard AA batteries. Battery Tech also makes a high-capacity external rechargable battery. Big Wave Power makes a universal high capacity external battery and charging pack. There is also a do-it-yourself kit that allows you to run and/or charge your iPod from standard AA batteries.
Q: No one else uses an integrated battery!
A: Dell's DJ portable music player uses an integrated, non-user-replaceable lithium ion battery, just like the iPod. Many other music players, from vendors like Gateway, Samsung, iRiver, and Rio - all viewed as the competitive comparisons to iPod (local mirror) - also use integrated lithium ion batteries sealed inside the enclosure.
Q: Apple only released their battery replacement service because of all the bad publicity from iPod's Dirty Secret.
A: While often claimed, this is not true. Apple released the battery replacement program November 14, 2003. The domain ipodsdirtysecret.com was only registered on November 20, 2003, and started being heavily publicized on November 21, 2003. Additionally, Apple had been planning the AppleCare programs for months - these types of service programs don't just happen overnight - before Casey Neistat even had his first contact with Apple. The video campaign had nothing to do with Apple's rollout of the battery replacement program. The true value of this video is debatable.
Q: Is there something wrong with the iPod? It shouldn't have these problems!
A: No, there is nothing wrong with it. It is not fundamentally flawed in any way. Apple products have the lowest incidence of repairs, highest quality, and best support (1,2) among all manufacturers. An Apple industry news site, MacInTouch, recently conducted an iPod reliability survey, showing iPods in general to have a very low incidence of failures (the survey includes failures due to dropping, spills, abuse, and so on).
Lithium ion batteries have a finite lifetime, and Apple has in place a mechanism to replace them, if needed. The vast majority of iPod owners will never experience any issues with the battery during the lifetime of the product, even under heavy, frequent usage. There is a reason the iPod is the number one portable music player with over 92% of the hard drive-based music player market, and the most desirable. There are engineering tradeoffs for each design decision made; Apple is continuously working to make the iPod better. Other manufacturers of small, best-of-breed hard drive-based players also use integrated, lithium ion batteries in the same way.
Q: I'm having some other problem with my iPod that I don't think it should be having.
A: Many problems can be solved by following troubleshooting steps (resources listed below), contacting Apple, or asking for help in an online forum. While Apple products statistically have the least problems, an iPod is like any electronic device, and as such, things can go wrong with it.
Q: Is there a place I can take an iPod I no longer want for safe disposal?
A: Apple offers a free recycling program for iPod. Customers can bring iPods
they no longer want to any Apple Retial Store in the US for free environmentally
friendly disposal, and will receive a 10 percent discount on the purchase of
a new iPod that day. iPods received for recycling in the US are processed domestically
and no hazardous material is shipped overseas. More details about Apple's worldwide
recycling programs are available at http://apple.com/environment/.
Q: What if I need to repair my iPod? Is it worth doing it?
A: There are several ipod repair companies out there, and you will just have to contact one of them with the model iPod you have, as well as a brief description of the kind of problem you are having. More often than not these apple ipod repair companies can give you an idea of what the main issue probably is and an estimate of how much this might cost. Be sure to back up your data before having your iPod repaired, a good program to back up your photos is CopyTrans photo software.
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Q: Is the iPhone battery replaceable?
A: Yes. Apple has an official
out-of-warranty battery replacement program for $79 + $6.95 shipping. Currently,
the official
battery
replacement service for iPhone batteries requires sending the iPhone to Apple, as
with iPod. Apple will provide
a loaner AppleCare Service iPhone ("AppleCare Service Phone") while
your iPhone is being repaired or serviced for a fee of $29. Such service will
be possible via any any Apple
Retail location, an Apple
Authorized Service Provider, or via an online service request process.
Apple actually replaces your whole iPhone with an equivalent new model
or factory-refurbished model in a brand new enclosure, with its own 90-day
service warranty. Similar procedures will be developed for worldwide
markets. There will likely be several other do-it-yourself or mail-in
methods of replacing the battery when necessary, as with iPod. More information
will be posted as it becomes available.
This service will likely also be
available as an on-demand service via Apple
Retail stores, as with iPod;
you can walk out the same day with a replacement iPhone. The SIM card
containing the phone number and identity is simply moved from your existing
iPhone to the replacement iPhone, and one sync with iTunes gets all of your
contacts, music, data, and anything else on the iPhone back to the way it
was.
The iPhone Out-of-warranty
Battery Replacement Program is only required for iPhones that are no longer
covered by the warranty or AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone. Since iPhone
was released on June 29, 2007, and has a one year warranty, June
29, 2008, is the earliest date this service would be needed.
Q: Is the iPhone battery user-replaceable?
A: iPhone is sealed and is not "user-servicable", making
iPhone similar to iPod in this respect. Battery replacement is
available through Apple, and third party and do-it-yourself battery replacements
for iPhone are also available.
Q: What is the iPhone warranty? Does it cover the battery?
Is there any way to extend it?
A1: The iPhone warranty is one
year. It does cover the battery.
A2: You can extend the iPhone's warranty, including battery coverage, to
two years with AppleCare
Protection Plan for iPhone for $69.
Q: When does Apple consider the battery defective for purposes
of warranty replacement?
A:
Apple's Battery
Replacement page says, "Your one-year warranty includes replacement
coverage for a defective battery. You can extend your coverage to two years from
the date of your iPhone purchase with the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone,
which is expected to be available in summer 2007. During the plan’s coverage
period, Apple will replace the battery if it drops below 50% of its original
capacity. If it is out of warranty, Apple offers a battery
replacement for $79, plus $6.95 shipping,
subject to local tax. Apple disposes of your battery in an environmentally friendly
manner."
Q: When did Apple release the iPhone out-of-warranty
battery replacement program?
A: The evening of June 29, 2007, the same day as the US launch of iPhone.
The iPhone Out-of-warranty Battery
Replacement Program is only required for iPhones that are no longer covered
by the warranty or AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone. Since iPhone was
released on June 29, 2007, and has a one year warranty, June 29, 2008, is
the earliest date this service would be needed.
Q: Can I receive a loaner iPhone if I need to send
my iPhone in for battery replacement or other service?
A: Yes. Apple will provide
a loaner AppleCare Service iPhone ("AppleCare
Service Phone")
while your iPhone is being repaired or serviced for a fee
of $29. The loaner iPhone can simply be synced with iTunes
in the same way as your own iPhone, and will work and act
exactly like your own iPhone, with your own telephone number
and all of your contacts, songs, photos, and other data,
while your iPhone is being serviced. When you receive your
replacement iPhone, you simply sync with iTunes again.
Any changes in the meantime will be reflected when you
synchronize. See Apple's iPhone
Service FAQ for more information
about the AppleCare Service Phone.
Q: What kind of battery does the iPhone use?
A: The iPhone uses
a lithium ion battery, as do nearly all mobile phones and
portable devices. On-line dissassembly sites revealed
that iPhone uses a 3.7V 1400 mAh Lithium Ion Polymer battery,
with manufacturer part number L1S1376APPC, and Apple service
part number 616-0290. Another site revealed a similar 3.7V 1400 mAh Lithium
Ion Polymer battery, but with manufacturer part number
P11G59-01-S01 and Apple service part number 616-0291. The
differences, if any, between these batteries are not known
at this time.
Q: How long does the iPhone battery last?
A: The iPhone specifications state:
- Up to 8 hours talk time
- Up to
250 hours standby
- Up to 6 hours internet use
- Up
to 7 hours video playback
- Up to 24 hours audio playback
A
press release has some
additional information and comparisons about iPhone
battery.
Q: I
heard the iPhone battery "only lasts 40 minutes." Is that
true?
A: No. This rumor came from John
Dvorak, who openly
admits
