Korean Apple users remain frustrated

By Kang Seung-woo

Apple’s compensation plan for its “batterygate” has still not adequately eased customers’ anger as the smartphone maker began the service without complete preparation.

Amid the growing scandal, Apple succumbed to offering owners of an iPhone 6 and later models a cheaper battery replacement, but Korean users are having difficulty swapping old, worn-out batteries as its official service centers here do not have the batteries in stock.

Anger has mounted over the smartphone maker's software tweak that slowed down old iPhones for a longer battery life, which led to multiple lawsuits. In response, Apple decided to offer cheaper battery replacements -- down from $79 (84,000 won) to $29 -- to make up for it. In Korea, iPhone users can replace their batteries for 34,000 won at Apple service centers, down from the original price of 100,000 won.

Those who are victims of battery degradation are owners of an iPhone 6 and later versions.

“As I am subject to Apple’s replacement program, I visited a Ubase store in Gangnam. But it said batteries for the iPhone 6s were out of stock,” said an iPhone user, surnamed Seo.

Ubase is one of Apple’s official service centers in Korea and it has six offices, where iPhone users can replace old batteries.

“I am frustrated that despite Apple’s apparent fault, customers are experiencing inconvenience and I cannot find where to change batteries,” he added.

Among Ubase’s six branches, three in Jongno, Yongsan and Myeongdong were prepared to offer new batteries for the iPhone 6 and 6s, Monday, while those batteries were out of stock in their Mokdong and Hongik University area branches. A Seolleung branch had iPhone 6 batteries in stock.

Looking back on Apple Korea’s response to batterygate, many iPhone users are giving up on the U.S. company’s better handling for “loyal” customers.

Although the replacement program had begun in the United States earlier than planned, Apple Korea had no knowledge of its timetable. As local media outlets pointed out the difference in management of batterygate, its announcement came out of the blue, Jan. 2.

However, it posted the notification only on its website, drawing a backlash from Korean customers. In addition, consumers cannot find out which service center is available for the battery replacement, so they have to check the inventory by phone or visit the centers in person.

The replacement program will last until the end of the year.