Apple will replace iPhone 6S batteries after fault detected

Smartphone maker Apple will provide free replacement batteries for iPhone 6S users who have experienced a fault, after a Chinese consumer agency flagged the issue.

The problem came after main rival Samsung was embarrassed by a series of battery issues with ts flagship Galaxy Note 7 device, which ultimately ended with its discontinuation last month.

The programme is being launched for models of the phone manufactured between September and October 2015, the company said in a statement released on Sunday.

"Apple has determined that a very small number of iPhone 6s devices may unexpectedly shut down," the company said in a statement on its website.

"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," Apple said.

iPhone owners will have to visit the Apple store to avail of the free battery replacement, which would normally carry a cost of up to £100.

The China Consumers Association said last week that a number of phones were reported to have started switching off with over half of ther battery lives left.

In the statement Apple also added that the fault was not related in any way to "safety", and there was nothing dangerous about the batteries.