Apple may start replacing iPhone 6 Plus models with the iPhone 6S Plus

If you have a damaged iPhone 6 Plus, you may qualify for more than a simple replacement.

According to an internal Apple memo spotted by MacRumors, iPhone 6 Plus owners who qualify for a whole-device replacement can get a new iPhone 6S Plus, the next model up.

The memo obtained by MacRumors reportedly says, "orders for whole unit service inventory of some iPhone 6 Plus models may be substituted to an iPhone 6S Plus until the end of March 2018."

Apple notably does not specify which iPhone 6 Plus models are eligible for the free upgrade. The free upgrade likely relates to the company's current shortage of iPhone 6 Plus battery replacements.

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If you have an iPhone 6 Plus with defective hardware such as a faulty Lightning connector or faulty logic board or anything else, you'll more likely qualify for the free upgrade.

Please note: Apple and its service partners can typically replace batteries, speakers, rear cameras, and the taptic engine without needing to replace the whole device — so keep this in mind if you're trying to get the free upgrade.

If you have a faulty iPhone 6 Plus, reach out to Apple Support, make a Genius Bar appointment, or visit an Authorized Service Provider -- you could walk out with a free upgrade to the iPhone 6S Plus.

We reached out to Apple for comment on the internal memo and upgrade eligibility, and we'll update this article as soon as we hear back.

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