Apple replaces iPhone batteries, but the cost and timeline depend on your warranty status
Yes, Apple replaces iPhone batteries at their retail stores and authorized service providers. If your battery health has dropped below 80 percent or your phone won't hold a charge, Apple can swap it for a new one. The cost ranges from $69 to $99 for most models, though the exact price varies by iPhone generation. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty or you have AppleCare+, the replacement may be free or significantly cheaper.
The replacement itself takes one to three hours at most Apple Stores, though you can also mail your phone to Apple if no store is nearby. Apple will run a battery diagnostic first to confirm the battery is the problem—they won't replace it if the issue is software or something else.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $69 to $99 for out-of-warranty battery replacement, depending on your iPhone model.
- Battery replacement is free under the standard one-year warranty if the battery is genuinely defective, not just worn from normal use.
- AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost as long as the battery health is below 80 percent.
- Most Apple Stores complete battery replacement in one to three hours, or you can use mail-in service if no store is nearby.
- Apple runs a diagnostic test before replacing the battery to rule out other causes of poor battery life.
What Apple's warranty covers for batteries
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 flaw, not normal wear. A battery that degrades from regular use over months or years is not covered, even if it drops to 1 percent health. The warranty does not cover accidental damage or batteries that fail because you left your phone in extreme heat or cold.
If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is free whenever the battery health falls below 80 percent. AppleCare+ costs $3.99 to $4.99 per month depending on your iPhone model and covers two accidental damage incidents per year as well. This is the main reason people buy AppleCare+ for iPhones—battery degradation is predictable and common after two to three years of use.
How to check your battery health before visiting Apple
Before you go to an Apple Store, check your battery health yourself. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity"—this is your current battery health. If it is 80 percent or higher, Apple will likely not replace it under warranty, even if your phone feels slow. If it is below 80 percent, you have a stronger case for a free or reduced-cost replacement.
You will also see a section called "Battery Health Status" that tells you whether the battery is "Normal" or "Service Recommended." If it says "Service Recommended," Apple will replace the battery. If it says "Normal" but your maximum capacity is very low (say, 40 percent), Apple may still replace it, but you should be prepared to pay the out-of-warranty fee.
Costs for out-of-warranty battery replacement
If your phone is past the one-year warranty and you do not have AppleCare+, Apple charges a flat fee for battery replacement. The cost depends on your iPhone model:
| iPhone Model | Battery Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 15 Plus | $69 |
| iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 14 Plus | $69 |
| iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 mini | $69 |
| iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 mini | $69 |
| iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | $69 |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | $69 |
| iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR | $69 |
| iPhone 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus | $69 |
These prices are for battery replacement only. If Apple discovers the problem is not the battery—for example, if your phone has water damage or a cracked logic board—they will not replace the battery and may quote you a much higher repair cost instead. This is why the diagnostic test matters.
Where to get your battery replaced
You have three main options: an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or mail-in service. Apple Stores are the fastest and most reliable. You can book an appointment online at apple.com or in the Apple Store app, and most stores will complete the replacement the same day or within a few hours. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times.
Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent repair shops certified by Apple. They charge the same prices as Apple Stores and follow the same warranty rules. You can find one near you by going to apple.com/support and searching for service providers in your area. Turnaround time varies by location but is usually one to three days.
If no store or provider is nearby, you can use mail-in service. Apple will send you a prepaid shipping box, you pack your phone and send it in, and Apple ships it back once the battery is replaced. This takes five to seven business days total, plus the time it sits in your mailbox. You will be without your phone during this time, so back up your data first.
What happens during the battery replacement
When you arrive at Apple, a technician will run a diagnostic test on your phone to confirm the battery is the problem. This test checks the battery's current health, its ability to hold a charge, and whether it is swelling or damaged. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If the battery is confirmed to be defective or below 80 percent health, the technician will proceed with the replacement.
The actual replacement takes 30 to 60 minutes. The technician opens the phone, disconnects the old battery, and installs a new one. Your data stays on the phone—the technician does not erase it. Once the new battery is installed, they run another diagnostic to confirm the phone is working correctly, then seal it back up. You can usually pick it up the same day, though some stores may ask you to return the next day if they are very busy.
Common reasons your battery might not be replaced
Apple will not replace your battery if the maximum capacity is above 80 percent, even if you feel like the phone drains quickly. Battery drain can be caused by a misbehaving app, poor signal, or a setting that is turned on—not always the battery itself. If your battery health is above 80 percent, ask the technician to check your Settings for power-hungry apps or features before you pay for a replacement.
Apple also will not replace the battery if your phone has physical damage, water damage, or signs of unauthorized repair. If the phone has been opened by someone other than Apple or an authorized provider, Apple may refuse service entirely. If you have dropped your phone or exposed it to liquid, tell the technician upfront so they can assess whether the damage is related to the battery issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacement?
Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real-world use, this usually means two to three years before the battery degrades enough to notice a difference in how long the phone lasts on a single charge. Some people see noticeable degradation sooner if they charge their phone multiple times per day or expose it to heat.
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?
You can, but Apple and most repair shops do not recommend it unless you have experience with phone repair. iPhone batteries are glued in place and require special tools to remove safely. If you damage the battery during removal, it can catch fire. If you damage other components while opening the phone, you may end up with a much larger repair bill. Third-party repair shops can do it for $30 to $50, which is cheaper than Apple but carries more risk if something goes wrong.
Will replacing my battery make my phone faster?
A new battery will not make your phone faster in terms of processing speed. However, if your battery health is very low, iOS may throttle your phone's performance to prevent it from shutting down unexpectedly. Once you replace the battery, that throttling stops and your phone will feel more responsive. This is different from actual speed—the processor is the same—but the difference is noticeable in daily use.
What if my phone is older than five years?
Apple will still replace the battery if the phone is still supported by iOS updates. However, if your phone is very old and has other issues, Apple may recommend replacing the entire phone instead. Ask the technician for an estimate before you commit to battery replacement. Sometimes a new phone costs only slightly more than a battery replacement plus other repairs combined.
Do I need an appointment to get my battery replaced?
You do not need an appointment, but booking one online is faster and guarantees a time slot. Walk-ins are accepted at most Apple Stores, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the store is. You can book an appointment at apple.com or in the Apple Store app.