Apple launches new fix for unexpected shutdown of some iPhone6S models

A new repair programme, the second that Apple has launched this week, is targeted at ''a very small number'' of iPhone 6S models that had been unexpectedly shutting down. Phones affected by the issue, said to be only devices that were manufactured between September and October last year, would be eligible for a free battery replacement.

Users who think their phone was affected by the problem, would need to check for a corresponding serial number on their device at an Apple Store or with an Apple-authorised service provider, carriers that offered the iPhone 6S would not be handing out battery replacements.

According to Apple, iPhone 6S owners would need to back up their data, erase settings, and turn off Find my iPhone. The company added problems like cracked screens would not be fixed as part of the new repair service, and unexpected shutdowns on devices manufactured before or after the specific window would not fetch them a free battery replacement. However, users who had already paid for a new  battery because they suffered from random reboots, and had a phone manufactured between September and October 2015, would be able to get a refund on that.

Just three days ago, Apple launched a repair programme for iPhone 6 Plus owners whose devices were experiencing a so-called "Touch Disease" where users may see display flickering or a loss of touch sensitivity. That programme carried a $149 repair fee, as Apple said the issue was caused at least in part by the device having been "dropped multiple times on a hard surface."