Chinese consumer watchdog demands Apple to replace all faulty batteries

Apple's battery replacement program for iPhone 6s handsets manufactured between September and October 2015 is far from sufficient, as many iPhones made prior to this are also encountering sudden shutdown issues, China Consumers Association (CCA) said on its official website on Wednesday.

Many Chinese consumers have filed complaints to the watchdog regarding iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPhone 6s Plus models, as well as iPhone 6s models produced after September and October 2015, according to the authority, which reissued a query to Apple on Tuesday urging it to offer a more detailed analysis and solution for consumers.

In mid-November, the China Consumers Association questioned Apple over complaints that some iPhone models will automatically shut down even if some 50 to 60 percent of their battery life remains. The US technology giant later denied it a safety issue and launched a worldwide program to replace batteries for iPhone 6s handsets manufactured during September and October 2015.

However, some Chinese consumers with iPhones that do not fall into Apple's exchange plan say they are encountering similar issues with their iPhones, while many others who do qualify for the program have complained Apple was unable to offer free battery replacements timely.

According to a NetEase report, as there are too many reservations for the replacement services, consumers in Beijing are informed to wait for two weeks for a slot. In just one Apple store, bookings have exceeded 2,000, according to the report.

In the latest query to Apple, the CCA also demanded the US company "give explanations to consumers in a timely manner, facilitate consumers' consultation and appointment, prepare enough components to replace batteries efficiently, and meet consumers' basic needs for normal wireless communication."