iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model

Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement on most iPhones. The cost is $69 for iPhone 14 and earlier models, and $99 for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery has degraded due to a manufacturing defect — not normal wear — Apple replaces it at no charge. AppleCare+ coverage also includes battery replacement at no cost.

The price you pay depends on three things: which iPhone model you own, whether you have AppleCare+, and whether the battery failure is covered under warranty. A battery that holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity after one year of normal use is considered degraded, but Apple's warranty only covers defects, not age-related decline.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's standard out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $69 for iPhone 14 and earlier, or $99 for iPhone 15 models.
  • Battery replacement is free under the one-year limited warranty if the degradation is a manufacturing defect, not normal wear.
  • AppleCare+ includes battery replacement at no cost for the duration of your coverage plan.
  • Third-party repair shops typically charge $30 to $60 for battery replacement, but may void your warranty or use non-Apple parts.
  • Mail-in service through Apple takes 5 to 7 business days; in-store replacement at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop is usually same-day or next-day.

What Apple charges for each iPhone model

Apple divides its pricing into two tiers. iPhones released before 2023 — iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, X, 8, and earlier — cost $69 for a battery replacement. iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max cost $99.

The price increase reflects Apple's shift to larger batteries in the iPhone 15 line. Older models have smaller batteries that cost less to manufacture and replace. If you own an iPhone SE (any generation), the cost is $69, the same as other budget models.

When Apple replaces your battery for free

Your iPhone battery is covered under Apple's one-year limited warranty if it fails due to a manufacturing defect. This means the battery cannot hold a charge or drains unusually fast within the first year of ownership, and the problem is not caused by physical damage, liquid damage, or normal use. Apple tests the battery in-store or at an authorized repair shop to confirm the defect before replacing it.

Normal battery degradation — the gradual loss of capacity that happens to every rechargeable battery over time — is not covered. After one year, even if your battery has dropped to 50 percent capacity, you pay the standard replacement fee. AppleCare+ extends this coverage: if you have an active plan, battery replacement is free regardless of capacity loss or age.

AppleCare+ and battery coverage

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan, and it includes battery replacement at no cost. The plan costs $99 to $199 depending on your iPhone model and runs for two years from the date you purchase it. During that time, you can have your battery replaced as many times as needed without paying the $69 or $99 fee.

AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage (with a deductible of $29 to $99 per incident) and hardware failures. If you replace your battery under AppleCare+, you do not need to pay anything upfront at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop. You can purchase AppleCare+ when you buy your iPhone or within 60 days of purchase.

Third-party repair shops and their costs

Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy typically charge $30 to $60 for iPhone battery replacement, significantly less than Apple's price. These shops often use non-Apple batteries, which may be new, refurbished, or salvaged from other devices. The quality and longevity of third-party batteries vary widely.

The trade-off is warranty and reliability. Apple's batteries come with a one-year warranty and are may provide to meet Apple's specifications. Third-party batteries may carry a shorter warranty or none at all. Repairing your iPhone outside of Apple or an authorized repair shop may also void your AppleCare+ coverage, though it does not automatically void your hardware warranty. Check your AppleCare+ terms before choosing a third-party shop.

How long the replacement takes

If you take your iPhone to an Apple Store, the battery replacement usually takes the same day or the next day, depending on how busy the store is. You can book an appointment online or walk in; walk-ins are typically seen within a few hours during off-peak times. Authorized repair shops (like Best Buy's Geek Squad or carrier stores) often have similar turnaround times.

If you mail your iPhone to Apple for repair, the process takes 5 to 7 business days from the time Apple receives it. You pay for shipping one way; Apple covers the return shipping. During that time, you do not have your phone. For most people, visiting a store in person is faster and more convenient.

How to check your battery health before paying for replacement

Your iPhone has a built-in battery health tool that shows you the current capacity of your battery. Open Settings, go to Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. The number shown under "Maximum Capacity" tells you what percentage of the battery's original capacity remains. A battery at 80 percent or above is considered healthy; below 80 percent, performance may degrade.

This tool helps you decide whether replacement is worth the cost. If your battery is at 50 percent capacity and you plan to keep your phone for another two years, replacement makes sense. If you are planning to upgrade to a new iPhone in the next few months, you may not need to replace the battery at all. The tool does not determine whether Apple will replace your battery under warranty — only Apple's in-store test does that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?

Apple does not sell batteries to consumers for self-installation. You can buy third-party batteries online, but opening your iPhone yourself voids your warranty and risks damaging the phone if you lack the tools and experience. Self-repair also makes it harder to get help if something goes wrong. For most people, paying for professional replacement is safer and simpler.

Does my iPhone battery replacement come with a warranty?

Yes. Apple's battery replacement comes with a one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. If the replacement battery fails within that year due to a defect, Apple replaces it again at no charge. Third-party shops may offer shorter warranties or none at all, so ask before you pay.

Will replacing my battery improve my phone's speed?

Yes, often noticeably. iPhones with very low battery capacity sometimes throttle their processor to prevent sudden shutdowns. Replacing the battery removes that throttling, and your phone runs at full speed again. This is one reason to replace a degraded battery even if you do not plan to keep the phone long-term.

What if my iPhone has physical damage along with a bad battery?

Apple assesses the damage during your appointment. If the damage is minor (a cracked screen, for example), they can replace the battery separately and charge you for both repairs. If the damage is severe or affects the battery compartment, they may recommend a full device replacement instead. Ask about the total cost before you authorize any work.

Is it cheaper to buy a refurbished iPhone than to replace the battery?

That depends on your current phone's age and condition. A refurbished iPhone from Apple or a carrier typically costs $200 to $400, while battery replacement costs $69 to $99. If your phone is less than three years old and otherwise works well, battery replacement is almost always cheaper. If your phone is older and has other problems, a refurbished device may be the better choice.