Apple to replace battery cases for free as EU attempts to force them to USB-C

In the ongoing battle to keep all your devices charged, a proposed new rule could make things easier, as Apple cops another battery blunder.

Apple recently made great strides to address battery life issues with the release of the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models greatly improving on the stamina of its predecessors, but if you’re on an older device and tried to fix this problem yourself you may have run into problems.

Those who bought one of Apple’s smart battery cases, which added extra battery life and protection to 2018’s iPhone XS, XS Max and XR models, have reported experiencing problems with charging the case and phone.

Users have reported the case sometimes doesn’t charge when plugged in and also doesn’t charge the iPhone it’s connected to reliably either.

Apple has identified the affected cases as ones bought between January and October last year and are now offering free replacements to affected customers.

The cases normally retail for $199.

Apple's smart battery case for iPhone is now subject to free replacements.

“This is not a safety issue,” the company assured. “Apple will replace eligible battery cases free of charge.”

Users can receive the free replacement by making an appointment at their nearest Apple store or visiting one of Apple’s authorised service providers.

Apple has previously offered cheap replacements for batteries in older iPhones after admitting to slowing performance on older devices to save battery, finally confirming what many users suspected for years.

The new repair program comes as Apple and other smartphone makers could be forced to adopt the same charging port.

The European parliament wants to force smartphone manufacturers to adopt a standard, common charger to reduce e-waste and make our lives easier.

This is already happening on a wide scale, with most manufacturers that produce Android-powered devices already jumping on board the USB-C train.

Despite using USB-C on its newer iPad Pro models, Apple is yet to include USB-C on any of its phones, remaining devoted to its own proprietary Lightning connector, which is also used to charge iPads, iPods, AirPods and other products and accessories.

USB-C is a symmetrical connection meaning there’s no wrong way to plug it in, much like Apple’s Lightning connector. It also transfers data faster and can charge quicker.

The European Commission has been “encouraging” manufacturers to adopt USB-C as a common charge port but now appears to be strengthening its stance to require it from manufacturers.

Should they be forced to adopt USB-C for European markets, it’s likely the changes would extend across all devices globally.

Smartphones and tablets are increasingly using USB-C connections.

In a submission to the commission last year, Apple said forcing manufacturers to use the same port would stifle innovation.

“Regulations that would drive conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones freeze innovation rather than encourage it,” the company’s submission, submitted by Apple’s senior government affairs manager for Europe Claire Darmon, read.

“Such proposals are bad for the environment and unnecessarily disruptive for customers.

“To be forced to disrupt this huge market of customers will have consequences far beyond the stated aims of the commission,” the statement continued, claiming more than one billion Apple devices that have been shipped worldwide with a Lightning connector, along with an associated accessories market, “would result in an unprecedented volume of electronic waste and greatly inconvenience users” if the standard port was legislated.

While for some manufacturers legislating the adoption of USB-C would mean being forced to adopt a newer, better technology, for us it would mean an end to incompatible connections when you’re desperately searching for a charge.

Should phone makers just use the same connection so you don’t have to carry a specific charger everywhere? Let us know what you think in the comments below.