Apple Will Replace Some iPhone XS And XR Smart Battery Cases

Apple has announced that due to 'charging issues,' it will replace some Smart Battery Cases made for the iPhone XR and the iPhone XS / XS Max models. There are two particular behaviors these faulty cases may experience that potentially make them eligible for the replacement program, including intermittent charging of the iPhone or failure to charge the iPhone, as well as cases that don't charge or only sometimes charge while plugged into a wall.

Apple recently detailed its Smart Battery Case replacement program on its website, explaining that the impacted units were made from January 2019 to October 2019. The company reassures users that this problem 'is not a safety issue,' but rather one in which the product simply doesn't work the way it is supposed to.

Users who are experiencing the no-charging or intermittent charging issues — assuming they have one of the eligible Smart Battery Cases — can head over to an Apple Retail Store or Authorized Service Provider to get their device checked out. Assuming the case is found to be eligible and faulty, Apple says it will replace the case for free.

Device owners can find an Apple Retail Store and make an appointment using the company's website. As well, there's always the option of contacting Apple's customer support about the replacement program with any questions or concerns.

This isn't the first time Apple has launched a free replacement or repair program. Back in October, for example, the company launched a free repair program for iPhone 6s / 6s Plus models that were having trouble turning on. The company has also had some programs related to the Mac, such as back in summer 2018 when it launched the butterfly keyboard service program for certain MacBooks.