SHOCKING Customer Service

<p>I visited the iStore in Clearwater Mall Gauteng to book my iPhone 6s in for repairs, as it would turn on and off randomly and require charging even when full. I was advised instore that this is a manufacturing defect with this model and that Apple would replace it free of charge, as my serial number is eligible for the replacement.</p> <p>This was great news! We proceeded to begin booking the phone in only to be told that it was not even worth booking in because Apple would not replace the battery free of charge due to two tiny cracks on the left corners of my device. The cracks are so insignificant that they do not interfere with the display at all. The screen was protected by an expensive glass protector purchased at the iStore and a lot of good that did hey! My device has since been in a lifeproof case and other than this minor purely cosmetic damage, there is no damage to the device. Anyway, Apple then advised that they would quote me on a new device would would cost roughly R7000. This is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!!! The device is not even a year old and it is not the screen at all that is giving me issues, it is the faulty battery which Apple admits needs to be replaced due to a manufacturing defect! Why must I now buy an entirely new device when the one I have is new and I do not even want the screen replaced! All I want is a new battery so that my phone actually works! The other day I was caught in a potentially very dangerous situation because my phone kept turning off at 40% battery and I could not contact anyone! Fortunately I was able to find someone kind enough to let me use their phone!</p> <p>Apple has advised that I have voided the warranty because of the two minor cracks, however this is not what the limited warranty on the Apple website states! The only thing it mentions about damaged screens is that they do not replace screens with cosmetic damage. The warranty is only voided where there has been misuse or abuse of the device, which is most certainly not the case with my device! I take great pride in both my expensive and inexpensive property.</p> <p>Apple has delivered extremely poor customer service in this matter! I recently posted an online compliment for another company who delivered unbelievably good service for products that only costed roughly R5000. Now, for products far exceeding this price, Apple's only solution is for me to pay them more money when they originally sold me a faulty product???? NOT GOOD ENOUGH APPLE!!!</p> <p>The service I have received instore and even online via the Core service center has been disgusting and far less than satisfactory!! The employee that failed to adequately assist me in the iStore in Clearwater was rude, abrupt and ended up upsetting me and several other customers instore that day.</p> <p>Please rectify this issue and advise me where I can get my battery replaced so that you're not in effect *****ing my money by selling me faulty goods in the first place!!</p>