Apple Says iPhone 6s Shutdowns Result of Manufacturing Issue Causing Batteries to Degrade Faster

Apple has posted a message on its Chinese website to address unexpected battery shutdowns affecting some iPhone 6s models, noting the issue is related to some batteries having been overexposed to "controlled ambient air" during the manufacturing process (via Business Insider).

iphone-6s-colors

We found that a small number of iPhone 6s devices made in September and October 2015 contained a battery component that was exposed to controlled ambient air longer than it should have been before being assembled into battery packs. As a result, these batteries degrade faster than a normal battery and cause unexpected shutdowns to occur. It's important to note, this is not a safety issue.

Apple added that iPhones are designed to shut down automatically under certain conditions, such as extremely cold temperature. In this case, some iPhone 6s models are shutting down with around 30% battery percentage remaining to protect the device's internal components from low voltage.

Apple said it has investigated other factors that could potentially cause an iPhone to shut down unexpectedly, but it has not identified any new factors. Nevertheless, the company said it will continue to monitor and analyze customer reports. Apple reiterated the battery issues are not a safety concern.

Apple launched a repair program earlier this month offering free battery replacements for affected iPhone 6s models. These devices fall within a limited serial number range manufactured between September 2015 and October 2015. Apple has since launched a tool to check if your serial number is affected.

Apple is also offering refunds to customers who previously paid to have their eligible iPhone 6s battery repaired or replaced. Apple recommends customers experiencing iPhone 6s battery issues visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support.

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Top Rated Comments

pk7 Avatar
113 months ago
To everyone that made fun of Samsung's exploding batteries;

What's good?
This isn't even remotely the same thing. On one hand you have a battery that just shuts down because it can't hold power as well as it should be. On the other hand, you have a phone blowing up in your face.

Can you read?
"This is not a safety issue."

Please tell me you weren't being serious....
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jdillings Avatar
113 months ago
Cook has got to go....this is getting ridiculous.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
113 months ago
To everyone that made fun of Samsung's exploding batteries;

What's good?
What's good is the fact that my phone won't blow up in my hand
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
113 months ago
At least it wasn't uncontrolled ambient air.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dented Avatar
113 months ago
I sent my phone in with this issue a couple of months ago and they tried to tell me it was something to do with the lightning port being damaged (the port worked perfectly) and I had to pay £100 for that repair before they'd even look at the battery. I told them to forget that, and they returned it unfixed. Surprise surprise, the serial number is now eligible.

I suspect this is WAY more widespread than they're making out. It was obvious at the time that they were looking for any reason not to do the repair under warranty, probably because they were awash with them.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rudy69 Avatar
113 months ago
It sucks because we went in sept to have them look at my wife's phone (it shuts down randomly at 20-40%). It was about 2-3 days before the warranty was about to run out and the Apple guy said her phone was "fine". Now we have to book another appointment and get it fixed finally. But it's a hassle and it sucks we have to go twice and they made us feel like we were making it up the first time. "oh you have Facebook AND spotify on your phone, that's why the battery drains so fast".
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)