Replacing a battery can be perilous, at least for the iPad. Repair shops and experienced DIYers know this, and Apple seems to recognize it, usually offering customers looking for battery swaps a new iPad instead. Starting soon, with at least one model, Apple and its repair technicians could start replacing an iPad’s battery instead of sending it to the refurbishment ether.
A MacRumors report claims that Apple is releasing a new policy for the iPad mini 6 (i.e. iPad mini 2021), allowing repair centers (where devices are shipped for further service) to replace the battery only, rather than providing a complete unit replacement (WUR) from existing or refurbished stock. MacRumors states that “other iPads may follow in the coming weeks and months”, without further details.
Replacing an iPad’s battery requires removing the screen, which is tricky for almost anyone. Apple’s proprietary repair tools, tailored to each device, may be easier to use than using hand tools at home. But there’s an unavoidable physical problem of having to apply strong suction or prying force to a long, wide and thin screen. The sixth-generation iPad mini, being the smallest of them, probably represents a device with the highest screen blanking success rate.
iPad repairs are so expensive that some non-Apple-authorized repair shops bundle the cost of a replacement screen into quotes to replace a battery on larger iPads, like the iPad Pro, whether to avoid a tedious process or simply to assume a breakage.
For customers, getting a replacement iPad can sometimes be a small blessing, as scratches, dents, or other defects not noticeable at a glance would be fixed by Apple’s supply chain. This contrasts with the process of restoring a full backup and reconnecting to dozens or hundreds of apps just because you needed a fresh battery.
Apple does not currently offer its iPad repair tools in its self-service repair store. Apple typically charges $99, plus tax and about $7 shipping, to replace an iPad by mail to a service center. iPad battery replacement under AppleCare coverage may be covered, but only if the device’s battery status is below 80% or if other battery issues can be demonstrated.
Replacing a battery can be perilous, at least for the iPad. Repair shops and experienced DIYers know this, and Apple seems to recognize it, usually offering customers looking for battery swaps a new iPad instead. Starting soon, with at least one model, Apple and its repair technicians could start replacing an iPad’s battery instead of sending it to the refurbishment ether.
A MacRumors report claims that Apple is releasing a new policy for the iPad mini 6 (i.e. iPad mini 2021), allowing repair centers (where devices are shipped for further service) to replace the battery only, rather than providing a complete unit replacement (WUR) from existing or refurbished stock. MacRumors states that “other iPads may follow in the coming weeks and months”, without further details.
Replacing an iPad’s battery requires removing the screen, which is tricky for almost anyone. Apple’s proprietary repair tools, tailored to each device, may be easier to use than using hand tools at home. But there’s an unavoidable physical problem of having to apply strong suction or prying force to a long, wide and thin screen. The sixth-generation iPad mini, being the smallest of them, probably represents a device with the highest screen blanking success rate.
iPad repairs are so expensive that some non-Apple-authorized repair shops bundle the cost of a replacement screen into quotes to replace a battery on larger iPads, like the iPad Pro, whether to avoid a tedious process or simply to assume a breakage.
For customers, getting a replacement iPad can sometimes be a small blessing, as scratches, dents, or other defects not noticeable at a glance would be fixed by Apple’s supply chain. This contrasts with the process of restoring a full backup and reconnecting to dozens or hundreds of apps just because you needed a fresh battery.
Apple does not currently offer its iPad repair tools in its self-service repair store. Apple typically charges $99, plus tax and about $7 shipping, to replace an iPad by mail to a service center. iPad battery replacement under AppleCare coverage may be covered, but only if the device’s battery status is below 80% or if other battery issues can be demonstrated.
