Apple isn't exactly known for its generosity. On the contrary, the company is known for its premium pricing strategy. However, Apple is finally giving something away for free. Unfortunately, it's just a replacement battery for your failing iPhone 6s.

Over the last few months people have been complaining that the battery on their iPhone 6s is FUBAR. This is causing their handsets to shut down unexpectedly without any warning. Reports suggest the batteries are fine until they reach 50-60 percent, at which point the phone dies.

Apple has now published an official support document regarding the issue. The company maintains this issue is limited to "a very small number" of iPhones "within a limited serial number range that were manufactured between September and October 2015".

If you have encountered this problem then Apple is offering to replace the battery on your iPhone 6s completely for free. We'll just repeat that last part so that it properly sinks in... "completely for free". I know!

Bob's Your Metaphorical Uncle

All you need to do is visit your nearest Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They will check your device's serial number to confirm you're eligible to receive a replacement battery, and Bob's your metaphorical uncle.

There is, however, one caveat which could mean you're still out of pocket:

"If your iPhone 6s has any damage such as a cracked screen which impairs the replacement of the battery, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the battery replacement. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair."

Getting Touchy Over Touch Disease

The company appears to have been spurred into action by a request from The China Consumers Association, which asked Apple to investigate reports of iPhones shutting down unexpectedly. So it appears that if you want something sorted quickly, get China to complain about it.

This speedy response to complaints, and subsequent offer to fix the problem for free stands in stark contrast to Apple's handling of Touch Disease. The company maintains that's completely down to user error (caused by people dropping their phones), so it's charging $149 for repairs.

Has your iPhone 6s started shutting down unexpectedly? Will you be seeking a free replacement battery? Should Apple have handled the Touch Disease issue differently? Do you think Apple hardware issues are becoming more common? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Ivan Bandura via Flickr