What do you sugest? Can the batery be replaced? Is it a DIY or will I need Apple to replace it. Cost
Ya know, all of this can be googled easily - just saying, but I'll add a few words for consideration. Now, I just replaced an aging iPad 2 (owned since spring of 2011) w/ an iPad Air 2, but I must say that the battery was still in good condition. A lithium-ion battery can be taken through a number of charge recycles (defined by a near complete discharge whether @ once or over a period of partial re-charges) and then will start failing, i.e. not holding as much energy - the number of charge recycles before this deterioration occurs is likely in the hundreds (on my MBPro laptop, 1000 is the number, so let's say 500 to 1000 for the iPad 2). SO, depending on how you have used your iPad over the last 3+ years and how often you've recharged the device will impact on the battery's health.
Now, Apple usually recommends that you let the battery charge down nearly completely (say < 10% charge) about once a month to re-calibrate the battery monitoring software, so if not already done in the past, give that a try and re-test your battery's usage time. Also, there are a number of settings that you can adjust on the iPad to extend the battery's life; again, some 'googling' would help, one link
HERE.
As to 'battery replacement', quoted below is from
HERE as to what Apple will charge you; as an alternate if you are a DIY, visit the
iFixit Website and review the guide for replacing the battery on the iPad 2 - it's likely a difficult task? Finally, as I did recently and if your budget is good, a replacement w/ a newer model iPad is a consideration. Good luck - Dave
Your battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 1000 complete charge cycles. The one-year warranty includes service coverage for a defective battery. If it is out of warranty, Apple offers a
battery service for $99, plus $6.95 shipping, subject to local tax.