Apple replaces batteries for free under warranty, but most out-of-warranty replacements cost money
Apple will replace your battery at no cost if your device is still under the one-year limited warranty that comes with every new Apple product, or if you have AppleCare+. If your warranty has expired and you don't have AppleCare+, Apple charges a flat fee—typically $69 for iPhones and $129 for MacBooks, though the exact price depends on your device model. The key is that Apple doesn't decide whether to replace your battery based on how much you want it replaced; they replace it when the battery has degraded to 80 percent of its original capacity or lower, or when it's physically damaged.
Key Takeaways
- Apple replaces batteries free under the standard one-year warranty or with AppleCare+, but charges a set fee once warranty expires.
- Apple will only replace a battery if it has degraded to 80 percent capacity or lower, or if it's visibly damaged—not just because the battery drains faster than you'd like.
- You can check your battery health yourself in Settings on iPhone or System Settings on Mac before visiting Apple.
- Authorized Apple Service Providers charge the same fees as Apple retail stores and can often schedule appointments faster.
- If your device is out of warranty and the repair cost is high relative to the device's age, you may want to compare the cost against replacing the device.
How to check if your battery qualifies for replacement
Before you contact Apple, you can see your battery's health yourself. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. You'll see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity"—if it's 80 percent or lower, Apple will replace it. On a Mac, hold Option and click the battery icon in the menu bar; look for "Condition" and check whether it says "Normal" or "Replace Now." If it says "Replace Now," your battery qualifies for replacement.
This check takes two minutes and tells you whether you're may be able to access before you make an appointment. If your battery is above 80 percent on iPhone or shows "Normal" on Mac, Apple will not replace it, even if you feel the device drains quickly. Battery drain can be caused by apps running in the background, screen brightness, or settings—not always the battery itself.
What happens during a battery replacement at Apple
When you bring your device to Apple or an authorized service provider, a technician will confirm the battery health using Apple's diagnostic tools, then replace the battery if it meets the replacement threshold. The process typically takes one to three hours for iPhones and one to two days for MacBooks, depending on how busy the location is. Apple will back up your data before the repair, though you should back up your device yourself beforehand just in case.
During the replacement, Apple also inspects the rest of your device for damage. If they find liquid damage, cracks, or other issues that could affect the repair, they'll tell you about those costs before proceeding. Battery replacement alone does not include any other repairs.
Warranty coverage and AppleCare+ details
Your device comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This covers battery replacement if the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity. The warranty does not cover batteries damaged by liquid, drops, or physical damage—only normal wear. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered for the full term of your plan, even if the battery is damaged.
AppleCare+ costs between $99 and $379 depending on your device, and it extends coverage to two or three years (depending on the device type). If you're considering AppleCare+ after purchase, Apple typically allows you to add it within 60 days of buying your device. Once your AppleCare+ expires or your one-year warranty ends, out-of-warranty battery replacement costs the flat fee mentioned above.
Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs by device type
| Device Type | Out-of-Warranty Battery Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone (most models) | $69 |
| iPad | $99 to $129 |
| MacBook Air or Pro | $129 to $199 |
| Apple Watch | $79 to $99 |
These prices are set by Apple and do not vary by location. Authorized Apple Service Providers charge the same fees as Apple retail stores. If you use a third-party repair shop, costs may be lower, but Apple will not warranty the repair or any subsequent issues caused by the replacement.
Where to schedule a battery replacement
You can schedule a battery replacement at an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or through Apple's mail-in repair service. To find the nearest location, go to apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Repair Options." You can book an appointment online or call the location directly. Many Apple Stores require an appointment; walk-ins may have long wait times.
Authorized Service Providers are independent businesses certified by Apple to perform repairs. They charge the same fees as Apple and often have shorter wait times because they handle fewer customers. If you don't have an Apple Store nearby, an Authorized Service Provider is your next best option. Apple's mail-in service is available if you have no local options; you'll ship your device to Apple, and they'll return it within five to seven business days after repair.
What to do if your device is old and the repair is expensive
If your device is several years old and the battery replacement cost is high—for example, a $199 MacBook battery replacement on a five-year-old MacBook—you may want to compare that cost against buying a refurbished or used replacement device. A refurbished iPhone from Apple's website, for instance, costs less than a new one and comes with a one-year warranty. If your device still works well otherwise and the battery is the only issue, replacement makes sense. If the device has other aging components or you're considering an upgrade anyway, replacement may not be worth the cost.
Apple's Trade In program also lets you send in your old device and receive credit toward a new purchase, though the credit amount depends on the device's condition and age. This is an option if you're ready to upgrade rather than repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my battery myself instead of going to Apple?
You can, but Apple will not warranty the repair or any damage that results from it. Third-party battery replacements are often cheaper—sometimes $20 to $40 for an iPhone—but they carry the risk that the replacement battery is lower quality or that the repair damages other components. If your device is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, self-repair voids that coverage.
How long does a battery replacement take at an Apple Store?
Most iPhone battery replacements take one to three hours. MacBook replacements typically take one to two days because the battery is more integrated into the device. Wait times vary by location and how busy the store is. If you book an appointment, you'll usually wait less than if you walk in.
Will Apple replace my battery if it's swollen or damaged?
Yes, but if the damage was caused by liquid or physical impact, it may not be covered under warranty. Apple will diagnose the cause during your appointment. If the swelling or damage is due to normal wear, it's covered. If it's from liquid or a drop, you'll pay the out-of-warranty fee.
What if my device is still under warranty but the battery is below 80 percent?
Apple will replace it free. Bring your device to an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider with proof of purchase (your receipt or the device serial number). The one-year warranty covers battery degradation from normal use.
Can I add AppleCare+ after my warranty expires to cover battery replacement?
No. AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of your device purchase. Once that window closes, you can only purchase it if you're buying a new device. If your warranty has already expired, you'll pay the out-of-warranty battery replacement fee.