Apple launches tool to check eligibility of users' iPhone for free replacement

After launching an iPhone 6s battery replacement programme less than two weeks ago as an increasing number of users were reporting a sudden shutdown issue without a reason, Apple is now launching a tool to help users to find whether their iPhone 6s was eligible for the programme or not.

Initially, when users brought the issue to the notice of the tech giant, the company said that the issue only affected a fraction of iPhone 6S units. However, with an increasing number of users reporting the same issue, it found that the issue only affected iPhone 6s units made between September and October 2015.

The new tool verifies the device, whether it qualified for a free battery replacement, matching the unit's IMEI number against Apple's database. If an iPhone 6s user faced the sudden shutdown issue, one could enter into their device's serial number on Apple's updated page for the iPhone 6s repair programme.

This tool would show whether the device was affected by the issue or not. If it was, the page would recommend a replacement of the battery for free by visiting an Apple retail store, an Apple Authorised Service Provider or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.

Meanwhile, the China Consumer Association had asked Apple to step up efforts to replace problematic iPhone models, particularly on the iPhone 6s smartphones.

Though Apple had said that the issue affected a very small number of units and the replacement batteries would be offered only for phones manufactured between September and October 2015, the China Consumer Association disagrees. The association said  it was receiving many complaints from users facing problems with their phones, the Shanghai Daily reported.

The association had asked Apple to step up its efforts at replacing iPhone 6, iPhone 6 plus and the iPhone 6S plus models as well.