Apple accused of overcharging for repairing old batteries

Following the recent battery slowdown issue on older iPhone models, Apple announced a battery replacement program. The company slashed the price of out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacements from $79 to $29 for iPhone 6 or newer models that need a battery replacement.

While the reduced battery replacement cost came as a good news to the fans, one battery manufacturer claims that it should not considered as a price cut at all. South Korean publication The Investor cited an anonymous official from a battery maker, who alleges that the iPhone maker charges twice as much as Samsung for repairing old batteries, even though the technology and the complexity of the process is pretty much the same.

For comparison, the replacement costs of old batteries of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S8 are respectively 35,000 won (roughly Rs. 2,100) and 40,000 won (roughly Rs. 2,400). As you can see, the costs are only slightly expensive than what Apple charges for the same operating even with the huge discount offered. The same repairs for the LG G6 or the Huawei P9 cost around 29,500 and 35,000 won (approximately Rs. 1,760 and Rs. 2,100).

"All flagship phones from Samsung, LG and Apple have the most advanced batteries in the market. There is no reason for the price difference," the representative from the battery maker was quoted as saying.

"Battery replacement for an iPhone may be trickier considering its use of unique parts like black pouch and tape. Still, it is difficult to understand why the cost is so high," he added further.

It should also be noted that the iPhone battery units are smaller in size compared to the ones used on Samsung's flagship devices. For instance, the iPhone 7, which is the newest model eligible for the battery replacement program, packs a 1,960mAh battery, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S8 features a 3,000mAh battery.

"Apple is saying they are reducing the price for consumers but the price is never a discount considering parts and labor costs," said an official of a smartphone manufacturer, who wanted to remain anonymous as well.
Just like always, Apple has not made comments on the allegations of overcharging for battery repairments.