Aug 25, 2014 03:39 PM EDT
iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program Launched in U.S., China

Apple has announced a free replacement program for iPhone 5 batteries after finding certain units sold during a five-month period after the device first launched back in 2012 most likely contain faulty components.

Apple found a "very small percentage" of iPhone 5 handsets could suffer from unexpectedly short battery life due to unannounced issues related to manufacturing, as noted on the program's webpage.

The tech company has said iPhone 5 units affected by the issue comes from a batch sold between the product's launch back in September 2012 through January 2013.

Those who purchased their devices during that time period and are experiencing shortened battery life symptoms can check if their unit is eligible for replacement through Apple's website.

A serial number is needed to process this request. Click here to view the iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program page.

Users with affected models will have to take their handset in to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Apple Store or send it off to Apple to be examined before being serviced in order to verify eligibility, according to the webpage.

Besides determining if an iPhone contains one of the known-faulty batteries, the device must at least be in working order to be eligible for a part swap.

Any damage that would make replacement of the battery "difficult" for the part swap would have to be fixed, meaning the swap could come at a cost, according to the webpage for the service.

The swap is limited to users in China and the U.S. for now. Coverage will be expanded to other countries starting on Aug. 29.

The program will be extended to users with affected iPhone 5 batteries for two years after first retail sale or until Mar. 1, 2015, whichever provides longer coverage.

The program was announced just a few weeks before Apple is expected to reveal its next iPhone device.

Apple is expected to unveil 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 devices during a special media event on September 9.

Rumored specs for the next iPhone includes: 1704 x 960 pixel resolution, a faster A8 processor, camera upgrades, and a more durable, sapphire screen.

If the company follows its normal launch schedule, Apple fans can expect the iPhone 6 to be released on Sept. 19.

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