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.
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.
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
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 ...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
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...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
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....
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld.
The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by Juli Clover
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do.
The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up.
Upgraded Architecture
The next-generation...
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.
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.
