iPhone battery replacement: not quite DrainGate

Two iPhone battery issues have popped up over the past several weeks prompting some users to seek assistance from Apple. As Apple explains it, there has been a real (limited) problem with a small number of iPhone 6s units out in the wild that may need replacement. Other users insist that it's not just a hardware issue with their phone – especially since they have an iPhone from a completely different generation.

Battery drain is becoming a big issue for a select number of iPhone users this week as 30% battery becomes 0% in an instant. This issue began to be raised by iPhone users officially back in late October once the iOS 10.1 update began to take hold. These users report that a number of devices – including iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and others.

Apple announced an iPhone 6s battery fix program for a limited number of units in the wild. As our full report suggests, this includes iPhone 6s with serial numbers Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, QC, QD, QF, QG, QH, or QJ in the fourth and fifth positions. Serial numbers can be checked in the smartphone by going to Settings – General – About.

While the iPhone 6s seems to be receiving Apple's official support, other issues (namely the iOS 10.1 Battery Drain) have not had a direct statement attached to them as yet. This issue seems to be linked to standby battery usage, with users reporting large drain on battery while the iPhone either has its display switched off or the phone is off completely.

This issue could also have to do with iOS's current method of displaying battery life. After a battery drain down to 0%, users have reported iPhone battery ramping up to 30% after just a few moments charge. While the initial report to Apple on this issue was made on an iPhone 5, similar problems have been reported with other models.

Those iPhone 4s and iPhone 4 users experiencing battery problems aren't likely to receive assistance as newer phones would. Apple added iPhone 4 to its list of Vintage or Obsolete product this year. This list includes iPhone (the original), iPhone 3G, and iPhone 4. According to Apple, "Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac products may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for 5 years after the product is no longer manufactured—or longer where required by law."