Apple offers free batteries for iPhone 6S with shutdown issues

CUPPERTINO, Calif., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Apple is offering free battery replacements for the iPhone 6S after determining some phones may unexpectedly shut down.

"A very small number" of iPhone 6S devices manufactured between September and October 2015 are affected," Apple said in a statement Monday.

The company didn't give details on problems with the batteries.

Apple said the battery problem is "not a safety issue" -- unlike in the case of its rival, Samsung, that pulled its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after reports of the phones bursting into flames.

Users with iPhone 6S problems are asked to go to an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The device's serial number will be checked to confirm eligibility for a free battery replacement. Apple will also offer refunds if users had previously paid to replace the battery.

If your iPhone 6s has any damage, including a cracked screen, that issue will need to be resolved before the battery replacement, the company said.

Wireless carrier partners are not participating in this program. The standard Apple warranty is 90 days.

Last week, a consumer watch group in China reported the problem.

The China Consumers Association said "a considerable number" of Chinese users reported their iPhone 6 and 6S devices would suddenly turn off even though they had plenty of battery life, and even when plugged into a charger, would not turn back on.

Last year, a software glitch with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus caused the battery icon to display more battery life than was actually left. An operating system update fixed the problem.

And last week, Apple acknowledged that iPhone 6 Plus devices suffer from "touch disease." The phone's touchscreen stops working after it has been bent or repeatedly dropped on the floor. The cost for the repair is $149.