You probably remember or heard about failing non-replaceable batteries in iPods. It was sorted out only after much bad press and a lawsuit, so this time Apple is being more proactive in announcing an out-of-warranty battery replacement program for the iPhone. This is sorely needed, because unlike an ipod, the iPhone is a communication device, and these days, who can live without a mobile phone!Apple will replace a bad battery for free in the first year of ownership (warranty period). After that, battery replacements will cost $79 plus $6.95 shipping plus applicable taxes. You have to send in the iPhone or return it to an Apple store. The catch is that the battery replacement will wipe out all the data, so you have to sync your iPhone with iTunes to back up your contacts, photos, email account settings, and text messages.
The repair process normally takes three business days, so you could be without the dear iPhone for as much as 6 days on a long weekend. Fortunately, apple will loan you an iPhone to use in the meantime (just remember to swap the SIM card).
Apple has a FAQ on how to get the most out of your iPod’s battery, which would be helpful for the iPhone too.
Overall, Apple has done the right thing, especially since users cannot change the battery themselves. It would be much easier if the battery can be replaced at any Apple store while-you-wait, which Apple could also use as a way to market other Apple products to the user. However, for those used to the ease of swapping batteries on most cellular phones, this is a going to be a painful process.
