China Consumers Association asks Apple to escalate battery replacement

The China Consumer Association has asked Apple to step up efforts to replace problematic iPhone models, particularly on the iPhone 6s smartphones. Apple is replacing batteries for iPhone 6s models that shut down unexpectedly. Apple had said that the issue affects a very small number of units . The replacement batteries were offered only for phones manufactured between September and October 2015. The China Consumer Association does not agree though, and says that it received lots of calls from frustrated consumers who were facing problems with their phones, according to a report in Shanghai Daily. The association has asked Apple to increase its efforts at replacing iPhone 6, iPhone 6 plus and the iPhone 6S plus models as well. The association disagrees with Apple on the number of devices affected, and has asked Apple to make the process easier for its customers. Apparently a customer in a Shanghai store was asked to go to the US to get a replacement. The move comes just after Apple initiated a repair program for phones suffering from “ touch disease ,” a problem where the screen of the phone turns unresponsive, starts flickering, and has issues with multi-touch. The iPhone 6 Plus model was affected by the touch disease. Apple has replaced batteries on earlier phone models as well. Some Apple iPhone 5 units, a limited series number according to Apple, were running out of battery life rapidly, requiring frequent recharges. The exchange program was active till this year.