AppleCare covers battery replacement once your battery health drops below 80 percent, but only if you have the right plan and your device is within coverage dates

AppleCare+ includes battery service at no extra cost when your battery capacity falls below 80 percent of its original capacity. Apple considers this a defect covered under the plan. However, if your battery is straightforward degraded from normal use but still above 80 percent capacity, you pay out of pocket — typically $69 for an iPhone, $129 for a MacBook, or $99 for an iPad or Apple Watch.

Standard AppleCare (the basic one-year hardware coverage that comes with your device) does not cover battery replacement at any capacity level. You must have AppleCare+ or AppleCare+ Theft and Loss to get battery service included. The plan must also be active — if your coverage has expired, you pay the full out-of-pocket price.

Battery replacement through AppleCare+ is handled at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Service Providers, or by mail-in service, depending on your location and device type. The service is usually completed within a few business days at a store, or one to two weeks if you mail your device.

Key Takeaways

  • AppleCare+ covers battery replacement when capacity drops below 80 percent, but standard AppleCare does not cover batteries at any level.
  • You pay nothing for a covered battery replacement if AppleCare+ is active, but you pay the full out-of-pocket price if your plan has expired.
  • Battery service is available at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Service Providers, and through mail-in service depending on your device and location.
  • Batteries degraded from normal use but still above 80 percent capacity are not covered under any AppleCare plan and cost $69 to $129 to replace.

How to check your battery health before contacting Apple

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this is your current battery health. If it shows 80 percent or lower and you have AppleCare+, you are covered. If it shows 81 percent or higher, battery replacement is not covered even with AppleCare+.

On a Mac, hold Option and click the battery icon in the menu bar. Look for "Condition" — if it says "Normal" or "Replace Now", note that "Replace Now" does not automatically mean AppleCare will cover it. Check your battery cycle count in the same menu. Apple's coverage threshold varies slightly by Mac model, but generally kicks in around 1000 cycles or when the battery reports a fault.

On an Apple Watch, you cannot check battery health directly on the device. You will need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have them check it. The same 80 percent threshold applies.

What AppleCare+ actually costs and how long it lasts

AppleCare+ pricing depends on your device. For an iPhone 15, it costs $99 upfront and $4.99 per month, or $199 for two years of coverage. For a MacBook Pro, it ranges from $379 to $599 depending on the model, covering three years. For an iPad, it costs $79 for two years. For an Apple Watch, it costs $79 for two years.

You can buy AppleCare+ when you purchase your device, or within 60 days of purchase (30 days for some devices). Once you buy it, coverage begins when ready and lasts for the full term — two or three years depending on the device. If you cancel early, Apple refunds a prorated amount.

AppleCare+ also includes accidental damage coverage with a deductible ($99 for iPhones, $299 for MacBooks), technical support, and expedited service. Battery replacement is just one part of what the plan covers.

The difference between AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ Theft and Loss

AppleCare+ Theft and Loss is a more expensive version that adds coverage if your device is stolen or lost. It costs more per month or upfront — for example, $149 upfront plus $7.99 per month for an iPhone 15, compared to $99 plus $4.99 for standard AppleCare+. Both plans cover battery replacement at no cost when capacity drops below 80 percent.

The only difference for battery coverage is that both plans treat it the same way. Choose Theft and Loss only if you want protection against theft or loss; it does not improve battery coverage.

What happens if your AppleCare+ expires

Once your AppleCare+ coverage ends, you lose all included services, including battery replacement. If your battery is below 80 percent capacity and your plan has expired, you pay the full out-of-pocket price: $69 for iPhone, $99 for iPad or Apple Watch, or $129 for MacBook.

You cannot renew AppleCare+ after it expires. You can buy a new plan only within 60 days of the original device purchase date. If you miss that window, you can still pay out of pocket for battery replacement, but you cannot get AppleCare+ coverage retroactively.

Some people choose to replace the battery out of pocket rather than buy a new device, even without AppleCare+. The cost is significantly less than a new device, and a fresh battery often restores the device to usable condition.

How to start a battery replacement claim

First, verify your AppleCare+ is active. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Find My (on iPhone), or System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud (on Mac), or Settings > [Your Name] (on iPad and Apple Watch). Look for your device listed under "My Devices" — if it appears there, your account is active. You can also check your AppleCare status at support.apple.com by signing in with your Apple ID.

Next, check your battery health using the steps described above. If it is 80 percent or lower, contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app, the website, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Have your device serial number ready — you can find it in Settings > General > About on most devices.

Apple will confirm your coverage and schedule a service appointment at a nearby Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or arrange mail-in service. In-store service usually takes a few hours to a few days. Mail-in service takes one to two weeks plus shipping time.

Out-of-pocket battery replacement without AppleCare

If you do not have AppleCare+ or your plan has expired, you can still replace your battery through Apple for a flat fee. Prices are $69 for iPhone, $99 for iPad or Apple Watch, and $129 for MacBook. This price applies regardless of your battery health percentage — whether your battery is at 79 percent or 20 percent, you pay the same amount.

You can also take your device to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, which may charge slightly different rates but typically match Apple's pricing. Some third-party repair shops offer cheaper battery replacement, but using them may void any remaining manufacturer warranty on other components.

Out-of-pocket battery replacement follows the same process: contact Apple Support, schedule an appointment, and bring your device to a store or mail it in. The only difference is you pay the service fee instead of having it covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a free battery replacement if my battery is at 85 percent health?

No. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement only when capacity drops to 80 percent or below. At 85 percent, your battery is considered healthy by Apple's standards, and you would pay the full out-of-pocket price of $69 to $129 depending on your device type.

Does AppleCare cover battery replacement if the battery is swollen or damaged?

Yes. A swollen or physically damaged battery is treated as a defect and is covered under AppleCare+ at no cost, even if the capacity percentage is above 80 percent. Contact Apple Support when ready if your battery is swollen, as this is a safety issue and should be serviced as soon as possible.

What if I buy AppleCare+ after my battery is already degraded?

You can buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of device purchase, regardless of current battery health. If you are within that window, you can purchase the plan and then use it for battery replacement. If you are past 60 days, you cannot buy AppleCare+ and must pay out of pocket.

How long does battery replacement take at an Apple Store?

In-store battery replacement typically takes a few hours to one business day, depending on how busy the store is and whether parts are in stock. Mail-in service takes one to two weeks for the repair itself, plus a few days for shipping each way. Call ahead or check the Apple Support app to see current wait times at your nearest store.

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

No. If you replace the battery yourself or use a non-Apple service, you void your AppleCare+ coverage on that device. AppleCare covers only repairs done by Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers. Always use official channels for covered repairs.