Apple will replace your battery if it holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity, but the process depends on your device age and warranty status
Apple's battery replacement policy is straightforward: if your battery has degraded to 80 percent capacity or lower, Apple considers it defective and will replace it. You can check your battery health yourself in Settings on iPhone or System Settings on Mac. The catch is cost and timing. If your device is still under the one-year limited warranty or AppleCare+, the replacement is free. If not, you'll pay a service fee that varies by device — typically $69 for iPhone, $129 for iPad, and $199 for MacBook. The replacement itself usually takes three to five business days at an Apple Store, though mail-in service may take longer.
The 80 percent threshold matters because Apple's batteries are designed to retain that much capacity after normal use over two years. If you're below that mark, the battery is failing faster than expected. Apple doesn't replace batteries that are at 81 percent or higher, even if you feel the device drains quickly — that's considered normal aging. You need the actual percentage from your device's battery health menu, not just your impression of how long it lasts.
Key Takeaways
- Apple replaces batteries free under the one-year limited warranty or with AppleCare+, but charges a service fee ($69 to $199 depending on device) if your warranty has expired.
- Your battery must show 80 percent capacity or lower in your device's battery health settings to may have access to for replacement — Apple will not replace batteries above that threshold.
- You can check your battery health yourself before visiting Apple: go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health on iPhone, or System Settings > General > About on Mac.
- Battery replacement at an Apple Store typically takes three to five business days, and you can usually set up an appointment online or by phone rather than walking in.
- If your device is out of warranty and the repair cost is high, you may want to compare the price to a third-party repair shop, though Apple's replacement includes a warranty on the new battery.
How to Check Your Battery Health Before You Go
You don't need to visit Apple to learn about your battery qualifies for replacement. On iPhone running iOS 16 or later, open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You'll see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — that's the number Apple uses. If it says 79 percent or lower, your battery meets Apple's replacement threshold. On older iPhones, the menu is the same but may be labeled slightly differently depending on your iOS version.
On Mac, go to System Settings, click General, then click About. Scroll down and look for "System Report." Click that, then click Power. Find the line that says "Condition" — if it says "Normal," your battery is above 80 percent. If it says "Replace Now" or "Service Recommended," your battery is below 80 percent and Apple will replace it. iPad uses the same method as iPhone: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
Write down your maximum capacity percentage before you contact Apple. You'll need it when you make an appointment, and it proves to the technician that your battery qualifies. If your device is very old — iPhone 6s or earlier, for example — the battery health menu may not exist. In that case, Apple will test the battery in-store for free and tell you whether it qualifies.
Getting an Appointment and What to Bring
Schedule your appointment through Apple's website or by calling your local Apple Store. You can also walk in, but appointment slots fill quickly, especially in urban areas. When you book, tell Apple your device model and that you want a battery replacement. Have your battery health percentage ready to share. Apple may ask you to back up your device before the appointment, though the battery replacement itself shouldn't erase your data — the technician only removes and replaces the battery, not the storage.
Bring your device and your Apple ID password. The technician will verify your identity and check your warranty status in Apple's system. If you have AppleCare+, bring your receipt or account number so the technician can confirm coverage. If you're paying out of pocket, ask about the exact cost before they start — prices vary slightly by location and device model, and some Apple Stores may offer discounts if you're a student or have other promotions running.
If your device is still under the one-year limited warranty, bring your proof of purchase or receipt. If you bought it from Apple, they can look it up by your Apple ID. If you bought it elsewhere, you may need the original receipt or packaging with the date printed on it. Without proof, Apple may charge you the out-of-warranty fee even if your device is technically still covered.
What Happens During the Replacement
The technician will power off your device and remove the screen or back panel to access the battery. On iPhones, this means opening the device from the bottom and disconnecting the battery connector. On MacBooks, they remove the bottom case. The old battery comes out, a new one goes in, and the device is reassembled. The whole process takes about 30 minutes to an hour, though you won't be in the room — you'll wait in the store or come back later.
Once the new battery is installed, the technician will power on your device and run a diagnostic to confirm the replacement worked. Your data stays on the device throughout this process. The new battery comes with a warranty — typically 90 days for hardware defects, though AppleCare+ extends that coverage. Ask the technician for a receipt that shows the battery was replaced, in case you need to reference it later for warranty purposes.
Turnaround Time and Alternatives
At most Apple Stores, battery replacement takes three to five business days. This means you drop off your device on Monday and pick it up Thursday or Friday. Some busy locations may take longer. If you need your device sooner, ask whether they can do it the same day — some stores can if they have the battery in stock and aren't backed up. Mail-in service through Apple takes longer, usually one to two weeks, because the device has to ship to a repair center and back.
If you can't wait and the out-of-warranty cost feels high, third-party repair shops often replace batteries faster and cheaper. However, third-party replacements may void any remaining AppleCare+ coverage, and the replacement battery may not be genuine Apple parts. If your device is still under warranty or AppleCare+, stick with Apple — the free or discounted replacement is worth the wait.
When Apple Won't Replace Your Battery
Apple will refuse a battery replacement if your device has physical damage — a cracked screen, water damage, or a bent frame. They'll tell you to repair the damage first, then come back for the battery. This is a safety issue: opening a damaged device can be risky, and Apple doesn't want to be responsible if something goes wrong. If your screen is cracked, expect to pay for that repair before the battery replacement happens.
If your battery is above 80 percent capacity, Apple won't replace it, even if you feel it drains quickly. Battery drain can be caused by software, background apps, or settings — not always the battery itself. Before you assume the battery is the problem, try restarting your device, updating to the latest software, and checking which apps are using the most power. If your battery health is 85 percent and your device drains in four hours, the issue is likely software, not hardware.
Devices older than five or six years may be considered obsolete by Apple, meaning parts are no longer available. If Apple can't source a replacement battery for your device, they'll tell you upfront. In that case, a third-party repair shop may still be able to help, but Apple won't.
Cost Breakdown by Device Type
| Device | Out-of-Warranty Cost | Under Warranty or AppleCare+ |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone (all models) | $69 | Free |
| iPad | $99 to $129 | Free |
| MacBook Air | $199 | Free |
| MacBook Pro | $199 to $249 | Free |
| Apple Watch | $79 | Free |
Prices listed are typical but may vary by location and current Apple pricing. Call your local Apple Store to confirm the exact cost for your device before you book an appointment. Some locations offer discounts for students, military, or trade-in programs — ask when you call.
Keep in mind that these costs are for battery replacement only. If your device has other damage that needs fixing first — a cracked screen, for example — you'll pay separately for that repair. Ask the technician to give you a full estimate before they start work so there are no surprises when you pick up your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my battery myself instead of going to Apple?
You can buy a replacement battery online and replace it yourself, but it's risky. Opening your device requires special tools, and if you damage the screen or internal components, you'll pay more to fix it than Apple's battery replacement costs. Self-replacement also voids your warranty. Unless you have experience with device repair, Apple's service is safer and often cheaper when you factor in the risk.
What if my battery health is at 82 percent — will Apple replace it?
No. Apple's threshold is 80 percent or lower. At 82 percent, your battery is considered acceptable, even if it feels like it's draining faster than it used to. Battery drain can be caused by software updates, background app activity, or settings — not always the battery itself. Try updating your software and checking which apps are using the most power before you assume the battery is the problem.
Do I lose my data when Apple replaces the battery?
No. The technician only removes and replaces the battery; they don't touch your storage or erase your device. Your photos, apps, messages, and settings stay exactly as they are. You don't need to back up your device before a battery replacement, though it's always a good idea to have a recent backup in case something unexpected happens.
How long does a new Apple battery last?
Apple batteries are designed to retain 80 percent capacity after about 500 full charge cycles, which typically takes two to three years of normal use. After that, the battery will continue to degrade slowly. A replacement battery follows the same timeline — you can expect it to last two to three years before it drops below 80 percent again, depending on how often you charge it.
Can I get a battery replacement if I bought my device used?
Yes, but you'll pay the out-of-warranty fee because you won't have proof of the original purchase date. Apple's one-year limited warranty transfers to the next owner, but you need documentation to prove when the device was originally purchased. If you have the original receipt or box with the date, bring it. If not, you'll pay the full service fee.