Apple Updates iPad Mini 6 Battery Replacement Policy to Substitute Battery Only, Not Entire Device

Apple is rolling out a new policy for the sixth-generation iPad mini that will allow customers to get their batteries replaced without being given a replacement device.

ipad mini 3
Currently, if an iPad customer wants to get their battery replaced, Apple Stores, authorized service providers, and repair centers will give those customers a replacement device instead of simply swapping out the battery in their original ‌iPad‌. Starting today for repair centers, ‌iPad mini‌ 6 customers, if eligible, will be able to get only their battery replaced without needing to be given a whole unit replacement (WUR).

The new policy is only being applied to the sixth-generation ‌iPad mini‌, but other iPads may follow in the coming weeks and months. Depending on individual circumstances, the new policy could disadvantage some customers. Previously, customers would get a replacement device for battery repairs, so any dents, cracks, or scuffs would be taken care of.

The new policy means that ‌iPad mini‌ 6 owners will only have the battery replaced, leaving any other minor defects or damage to their device untouched. The new policy, as of now, is only being implemented at repair centers worldwide and not at Apple Stores or authorized service providers.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
maxresdefault

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Imminent as Reseller Stock Dwindles

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:12 pm PST by
New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are slated to launch in the near future, according to information shared with MacRumors by an Apple Premium Reseller. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The third-party Apple retailer said that MacBook Pro stock is very low currently because there is an imminent new product introduction. Apple typically coordinates supply with...

Top Rated Comments

mrochester Avatar
44 months ago

Best ipad ever made. They simply want to improve upon their environmental goals of not throwing away a bunch of stuff.
It never ceases to amaze me how negative people can be on a positive story. It's not the news or content that are the problem, it's the people.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wokis Avatar
44 months ago

Dang, Apple doesn't even want these poorly made Mini's back either ha. Replace the batteries so they don't have to keep making the rest of the device.
Best ipad ever made. They simply want to improve upon their environmental goals of not throwing away a bunch of stuff.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrochester Avatar
44 months ago
This sounds so much better for the environment!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fyrus Avatar
44 months ago

This sounds so much better for the environment!
Not only that, also a lot better for your wallet. If you experience short batterylife and want to get your battery replaced, Apple Store’s batterytest had to show the battery as “defective” or below a certain percentage.

If the test didn’t indicate a battery problem you had to pay the more expensive device swap price instead of the batteryreplacement price.

Had this problem with my macbook, and since it is vintage now they dont even have te part available anymore.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sin_sniper468 Avatar
44 months ago
Just to clarify, you did not qualify for the battery rate if there was any cracks or bends!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrochester Avatar
44 months ago

Not only that, also a lot better for your wallet. If you experience short batterylife and want to get your battery replaced, Apple Store’s batterytest had to show the battery as “defective” or below a certain percentage.

If the test didn’t indicate a battery problem you had to pay the more expensive device swap price instead of the batteryreplacement price.

Had this problem with my macbook, and since it is vintage now they dont even have te part available anymore.
Exactly, but shame it's only the 1 iPad so far but I expect this to be rolled out to other devices.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)