Yes, Apple replaces batteries at Apple Store locations

Apple replaces batteries in iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and AirPods at any Apple Store. You do not need to mail the device in — you can walk into a store, speak to someone at the Genius Bar, and often leave with a new battery the same day or within a few days. The store removes the old battery, installs a new one, and tests the device before handing it back to you.

Battery replacement is not the same as a repair under warranty. Apple covers battery replacement at no cost only if your device is under one year old and the battery is defective — meaning it holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity due to a manufacturing fault, not normal use. If your device is older or the battery has straightforward worn down from regular charging cycles, you pay a flat fee that varies by device type.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Store battery replacement costs between $49 and $199 depending on the device, with iPhones typically $69 and MacBooks $129 or higher.
  • Batteries worn by normal use are not covered under warranty, even if your device is relatively new.
  • You can check your device's battery health before visiting the store using built-in tools: Settings > Battery > Battery Health on iPhone, or System Settings > General > About on Mac.
  • Turnaround is usually same-day for iPhones and watches, but MacBooks may take several days because the battery is soldered to the logic board.

Battery replacement costs by device type

iPhone battery replacement costs $69 for most models. This price applies to iPhone 11 and newer. Older models like iPhone XS, iPhone 8, and iPhone 7 cost $49 to $59. If your iPhone is still under AppleCare+, the replacement is covered at no cost.

iPad battery replacement ranges from $99 to $199 depending on the model. iPad Pro models cost more than standard iPad or iPad Air. AppleCare+ covers iPad battery replacement with no out-of-pocket cost.

MacBook battery replacement costs $129 to $199. The exact price depends on whether you have a 13-inch or 16-inch model and which generation. AppleCare+ covers MacBook battery replacement. Because the battery is soldered directly to the logic board on newer MacBooks, the repair takes longer — usually five to seven business days — and the store may need to order the part.

Apple Watch battery replacement costs $79 for most models. AirPods battery replacement is not offered at the store; Apple replaces the entire AirPod or case instead, which costs $69 to $99 depending on the model.

How to check your battery health before visiting

On iPhone, open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this tells you how much charge your battery holds compared to when it was new. Apple considers a battery degraded if this number drops below 80 percent. You will also see "Condition" — if it says "Normal," your battery is functioning as expected. If it says "Service Recommended" or "Service Not Available," Apple recommends replacement.

On Mac, click the Apple menu, select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS), go to General, then click About. Select System Report. In the window that opens, click Power on the left side. Look for "Condition" — if it says "Normal," your battery is fine. If it says "Replace Now" or "Service Recommended," you should visit the store.

On iPad, the battery health tool is not built in the same way as iPhone. You can check Settings > General > About and look for battery information, but iPad does not display a percentage like iPhone does. If you suspect your iPad battery is failing, visit the store and ask a technician to run a diagnostic.

What to bring and how long it takes

Bring your device and a valid photo ID. If you have AppleCare+, bring proof of purchase or your AppleCare+ documentation — the store can look it up by your device serial number or Apple ID, but having the paperwork speeds things up. If you are not sure whether you have AppleCare+, ask the technician; they can check your account.

For iPhones and Apple Watches, battery replacement usually takes one to two hours if the store has the battery in stock. Many stores stock common iPhone batteries, so same-day service is typical. Call ahead or check the Apple Store app to see current wait times at your location.

For MacBooks, expect five to seven business days because the battery is soldered to the logic board and requires more disassembly. Some stores may have the part in stock for popular models, but this is not may provide. Ask the technician for an estimate when you drop off the device.

Warranty coverage and AppleCare+

Apple's standard one-year limited warranty covers battery replacement only if the battery is defective — meaning it fails to hold a charge due to a manufacturing defect, not because you have charged it thousands of times. If your iPhone is one month old and the battery suddenly stops holding a charge, that is covered. If your iPhone is two years old and the battery has degraded to 60 percent capacity from normal use, that is not covered.

AppleCare+ extends coverage to two years (or three years on some devices) and includes battery replacement at no cost, even if the battery has straightforward worn out from normal use. AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage like drops and water damage, with a small deductible per incident. The cost of AppleCare+ varies: $99 to $379 for iPhone depending on the model, $99 to $249 for iPad, and $379 to $599 for MacBook.

If your device is out of warranty and you do not have AppleCare+, you pay the full replacement fee. There is no partial coverage or discount for devices that are almost out of warranty.

Alternatives to Apple Store battery replacement

Third-party repair shops, including Best Buy's Geek Squad, offer battery replacement for iPhones and some other Apple devices at lower prices — often $30 to $50 for iPhone. These shops use either genuine Apple batteries or third-party batteries that meet Apple's standards. The trade-off is that third-party repairs may not carry the same warranty as Apple Store repairs, and some shops may not have the battery in stock.

For MacBooks, third-party repair is less common because the battery is soldered to the logic board. Most independent repair shops do not attempt this repair. If you go to a third-party shop for MacBook battery replacement, confirm they have done this repair before and ask about their warranty on the work.

If your device is still under warranty or AppleCare+, using a third-party repair shop may void your coverage. Check your warranty terms before choosing a non-Apple repair option.

What happens if you do not replace a degraded battery

A degraded battery does not damage your device, but it affects how you use it. Your device will shut down unexpectedly when the battery reaches a certain percentage — often 20 or 30 percent — even though the battery indicator shows more charge remaining. This is Apple's way of protecting the device from damage caused by sudden power loss.

Over time, a very degraded battery may swell inside the device, which can push against the screen or other components and cause physical damage. This is rare but possible. If you notice your device is swelling, warping, or the screen is lifting away from the body, stop using it and visit the store when ready — do not try to charge it or use it further.

If you plan to keep your device for several more years, replacing the battery extends its useful life significantly. If you plan to replace the device within the next year, battery replacement may not be worth the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?

Apple does not sell batteries to consumers for self-replacement, and opening your iPhone yourself will void your warranty. Third-party batteries and tools are available online, but installation requires disassembling the device, which risks damaging the screen, logic board, or other components. For most people, paying for a store replacement is safer and faster.

Will Apple replace my battery if I have a cracked screen?

Yes, but the store may ask you to repair the screen first. If the screen is cracked, water or dust can enter the device during battery replacement, which could damage internal components. The technician will assess the damage and let you know whether the screen needs to be fixed before the battery work begins.

How do I make an appointment for battery replacement?

Use the Apple Store app, visit apple.com and select your nearest store, or call the store directly. You can book a Genius Bar appointment online, which reserves a time slot so you do not have to wait. Walk-ins are also accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Does Apple replace batteries in older devices like iPhone 6 or iPhone 7?

Yes, Apple still replaces batteries in older models, though the cost is lower than newer phones — typically $49 to $59 instead of $69. Availability may vary by location because older parts are less commonly stocked. Call your store ahead of time to confirm they have the battery in stock.

What if my device is not turning on — can Apple still replace the battery?

The technician will run diagnostics to determine whether the battery is the problem or if something else is wrong. If the device will not power on at all, it may be a logic board issue rather than the battery. The store will charge a diagnostic fee (usually $0 to $40) to determine what is wrong, and then quote you a repair price.