I have an iPhone 13 that I bought from a third-party store in Brazil, and now I'm in Canada. Recently, the battery started swelling, and the phone shuts down unless it's plugged in. I visited an Apple Store in Vancouver for help, but I got a lot of mixed messages. They initially said they couldn't replace the battery because it's a different model produced in China. Then, it seemed like I could replace it for a fee, but the info kept changing. I even contacted Apple online, and they said I had to return to Brazil for assistance. What am I supposed to do? Do I have options for battery replacement here, or should I look for independent repair shops? Also, has anyone had better luck with different Apple Stores in Vancouver?
4 Answers
I heard there's a formal program for free battery replacements for iPhone 13 users. You might want to check if you qualify somehow, or see if that's an option available at another Apple location.
Let me know what you find out! I'm curious if they actually do follow through on that!
Apple has indeed been replacing swollen batteries as a safety measure historically. They acknowledge it's a common issue, but the policy can shift based on their testing results. From my understanding, if it's swollen, you should be able to get it replaced, but it seems they’re being inconsistent in how they handle these cases.
Interesting. So it’s a safety thing then? I thought it was just a minor issue.
Yeah, a swollen battery is often beyond its lifespan, but not always a direct danger. Apple has been changing their approach over the years.
In my experience, it was possible to order parts for non-Canadian models when I was part of the Genius Bar team. This might be less common now, but reaching out to Apple Support to talk through your options could yield something useful. They often have updated processes that may help.
That's good to know! I guess it really depends on which store and their current policies. Fingers crossed for a smooth resolution!
Yes, definitely follow up with support. Sometimes different stores have different resources.
It sounds like a real hassle, especially with an imported phone! The issue with your model not being standard in Canada complicates things. I recommend looking at independent repair shops that offer quality batteries. They often can handle these situations better than the Apple Store. Since your phone is out of warranty, you might find this is the quickest route to getting it fixed.
Thanks for the tip! Do you know of any good independent shops in Vancouver that you've heard positive things about?
I've had good experiences with a small shop downtown—they're reliable and know their stuff!
Thanks! I’ll have to dig into that and see if I can get some clarity on my eligibility.