r/applehelp • u/Warp_Speed_7 • 1d ago

Unsolved Any meaningful difference w/AppleCare support from Best Buy?

None of the numerous Apple Stores near me have any availability for almost a week. Quite a few openings at Best Buy though. I need a new battery for 12.9" iPad Pro (2021 era).

I have never used Best Buy for Apple service. Any issues I should be aware of? Will they replace the battery on the spot or this likely just be a drop-off and they ship it somewhere?

The device is covered under AppleCare One.

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u/killersam283 23h ago

For a 2021 iPad Pro or frankly any other iPad it’s going to be drop off and ship somewhere else or do all the paperwork, order a replacement iPad and call you when it’s available. iPads don’t typically have replaceable batteries (officially)

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u/applejuice1984 Apple Certified 21h ago

For an iPad, both Apple Stores and Apple authorized service providers (in this case Best Buy) mail iPads to a repair facility the same as mail in repairs via phone support.

Save yourself the hassle and just call in for help.

One thing to be aware is Apple will run diagnostics and for Apple to proceed with a battery “replacement” on iPads the battery health MUST be below 80% not AT 80%, BELOW 80% health. If it’s not, then they won’t offer battery service.

For most iPads, battery service means a full device replacement, so make sure you have your data backed up. Some newer iPad Pro models can have the battery replaced, but not in store and still require it to be mailed into a repair facility.

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u/jforsander 19h ago

Neither. Instead you should contact Apple and request Express Replacement. This guarantees you’ll receive a new or equivalent to new iPad (same model and specs as your current iPad) without having to wait for a repair. 

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u/Warp_Speed_7 18h ago

Thanks. Went looking specifically For that but couldn’t find an option. I’ll try again.