Digital Trends writes: “Back when Apple first introduced the iPod, the company faced criticism from both customers and consumer advocates over the music players’ batteries, which could not be replaced by owners. Instead, iPod addicts were to take their units back to Apple and pay a pretty hefty price for a new battery.”

“Now, the Cupertino company seems to recreated the same problem with its popular new iPhone. Although the unit has only been on a sale for a week and its many buyers seem to be enjoying its features, some have already begun to speculate what will happen when the iPhone battery begins to fail. Apple’s official answer is simple, but buried deep in Apple’s support Web site: getting a new battery in an iPhone will cost $79, plus $6.95 shipping, will wipe all data from the iPhone, and will normally take three business days. Users who can’t be without their iPhone that long can get a loaner iPhone for $29. Thus, the cost of replacing a battery in an iPhone will range from $86 to $115—in some cases, approaching one quarter of the cost of the iPhone itself.”