Apple Care covers battery replacement at no cost if your battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity within the coverage period

AppleCare+ includes battery service as part of its coverage. If your device's battery health drops below 80 percent of its original capacity while you have an active AppleCare+ plan, Apple will replace the battery at no charge. This is one of the main reasons people purchase AppleCare+ — batteries naturally degrade over time, and replacement costs can run $50 to $200 depending on the device.

The catch is that AppleCare+ must be active when you need the service. If your plan has expired, you pay the full out-of-warranty battery replacement fee. AppleCare+ typically costs $99 to $379 upfront depending on your device, and covers two years from the date you buy it (or three years for some Mac models). You can check your battery health through your device's settings to see if you are below the 80 percent threshold.

Key Takeaways

  • AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost if capacity drops below 80 percent while your plan is active.
  • Without AppleCare+, out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $50 to $200 depending on whether you have an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
  • AppleCare+ coverage lasts two years from purchase for most devices, and you must have an active plan when you request the service.
  • You can check your current battery health in Settings (iPhone and iPad) or System Settings (Mac) to see if you meet the 80 percent threshold.

How to check your battery health before requesting service

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. You will see a number labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this is your current battery health as a percentage of the original. If it shows 79 percent or lower, you meet Apple's threshold for replacement under AppleCare+.

On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then System Report. Click Power in the left sidebar. Look for "Condition" — if it says "Normal," your battery is above 80 percent. If it says "Replace Soon," "Replace Now," or "Service Battery," your battery has degraded and you are covered under AppleCare+.

On an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone, go to General, then About, and scroll to Battery Health. The percentage shown is your current capacity.

What happens if your AppleCare+ plan has expired

Once AppleCare+ ends, battery replacement becomes an out-of-warranty service. Apple charges a flat fee based on your device type: typically $69 for an iPhone, $79 for an iPad, $129 for a MacBook, and $79 for an Apple Watch. These prices can vary slightly by region and model year, so confirm the exact cost with Apple Support or at an Apple Store before you proceed.

If you are out of warranty and the battery is the only issue, paying for battery replacement is usually cheaper than buying a new device. However, if your device is very old, the repair cost plus any other needed fixes might push you toward replacement instead.

How to request battery replacement under AppleCare+

Start by confirming your AppleCare+ is active. Go to Settings on your device (or System Settings on Mac), scroll to find your device name or serial number, and look for AppleCare+ information. You can also check your coverage at support.apple.com by signing in with your Apple ID.

Once you have confirmed coverage, contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app, the website, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Describe the battery issue and mention that your battery health is below 80 percent. Apple will either mail you a replacement battery kit (for some devices) or schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.

If you go to an Apple Store, bring your device and a valid ID. The replacement usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. If Apple mails a kit, follow the included instructions or schedule a Genius Bar appointment to have a technician install it.

Devices and battery coverage differences

AppleCare+ battery coverage works the same way across all Apple devices — 80 percent threshold, no charge if active, full fee if expired. However, the replacement process and timeline vary slightly.

iPhones and iPads can be serviced at Apple Stores or through mail-in repair. MacBooks and Mac minis typically require an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider, since the battery is often soldered or glued in place. Apple Watches almost always require an in-store appointment because the battery is sealed inside the case.

If you own multiple Apple devices, each one has its own AppleCare+ plan and coverage period. A plan for your iPhone does not cover your iPad or Mac.

What AppleCare+ does not cover for batteries

AppleCare+ covers battery degradation — the natural loss of capacity over time. It does not cover batteries damaged by physical damage, liquid damage, or misuse. If you dropped your device and the battery is now swollen or leaking, that damage is not covered, and you will pay the out-of-warranty fee.

AppleCare+ also does not cover battery issues caused by third-party repairs or modifications. If you had someone other than Apple replace your battery before, AppleCare+ may not honor a claim. Always use Apple or an authorized service provider to avoid voiding coverage.

Comparing AppleCare+ cost to pay-as-you-go battery replacement

Whether AppleCare+ makes financial sense depends on how long you keep your device and how many repairs you expect. A typical smartphone battery lasts three to four years before dropping below 80 percent. If you plan to keep your phone for two years (the AppleCare+ coverage window), you might not need battery service at all. If you keep it for four or five years, one battery replacement at $69 out of pocket is cheaper than AppleCare+ at $99 upfront.

However, AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage, hardware failures, and other repairs beyond the battery. If you value that broader protection, the battery coverage is a bonus rather than the main reason to buy it. If battery replacement is your only concern, calculate whether you will actually use the service before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a free battery replacement if my battery is at 81 percent capacity?

No. Apple's threshold is 80 percent or below. If your battery shows 81 percent, you are not covered under AppleCare+. However, you can still request service — Apple will straightforward charge you the out-of-warranty fee. Some people choose to wait a few months for the battery to degrade further, but there is no may provide when it will drop below 80 percent.

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement if I buy it after my device is already old?

Yes, as long as you purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your device. If your device is older than 60 days, you cannot add AppleCare+ coverage. You would need to pay the out-of-warranty battery replacement fee instead.

What if I have AppleCare+ but my device is physically damaged and the battery is also degraded?

AppleCare+ covers both issues, but you may be charged a deductible for accidental damage (typically $29 to $99 depending on your device). The battery replacement itself is still free if capacity is below 80 percent. Apple will assess the damage during your appointment and explain the total cost before proceeding.

Can I replace my battery myself and still keep AppleCare+ coverage?

No. If you open your device or have a non-Apple technician replace the battery, AppleCare+ coverage is void. Always use Apple or an authorized service provider to maintain your plan.

How long does a battery replacement take at an Apple Store?

In-store battery replacement usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. However, if the store is busy, you may need to schedule an appointment in advance. Mail-in service typically takes five to seven business days from the time you ship your device.