Apple recently posted its service policy for iPad batteries, and for those experiencing battery problems, it’s not going to be enlightening. The opening line in itself is even depressing:

“If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.”

Current policy for the iPhone states that Apple will service, not replace, your iPhone just because of the battery. However if you have an iPad with a defective battery, Apple won’t care to fix it for you; they’ll send you a new one refurbished model for a grand total of $105.95 (with shipping included) and none of your data intact.

You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.

Wonderful, isn’t it? Full text after the jump.

Battery Replacement Service – iPad: Frequently Asked Questions

What is iPad Battery Replacement Service?

If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.

Note: Your iPad is not eligible for Battery Replacement Service if the product has been damaged, for example, as result of an accident, liquid contact, disassembly, unauthorized service or unauthorized modifications, or if the product is not operating correctly as a result of a component failure. Please review Apple’s Repair Terms and Conditions for further details.

How much does it cost?

The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost is $105.95 per unit.
All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to local tax.

How do I arrange iPad Battery Replacement Service?

Battery replacement service may be arranged via your local Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or you can contact Apple Technical Support. Please do not send any accessories with your iPad.

Will the data on my iPad be preserved?

No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.

How long will it take to receive my replacement iPad?

If you arrange service by calling Apple Technical Support, you can expect service to be completed within approximately one week from the time you send your iPad to Apple.

Source: Apple

A pair of iPads passed the FCC just hours ago, right on time for Apple’s pre-orders. As you may remember from previous times, Apple has a thing for perfectly timing its FCC filings, such as with the iPhone back in 2007. There’s nothing new this time around, as manuals and both internal/external pictures have been held back. What’s more is that there is only two filings, one of which has UMTS 850 / 1900 and GSM 850 / 1900, which means that Apple has condensed both models and all sizes into just two filings, one for the WiFi only model and one for the 3G model.

It’s also worth noting that it probably will come right on schedule.

Source: FCC (1), FCC (2)