Apple's official battery replacement costs between $69 and $99, depending on your iPhone model
Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement at their stores and authorized service providers. The exact price depends on which iPhone you own. Most current models fall into the $69 to $99 range, with older or larger models sometimes costing more. If your battery is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery has genuinely failed (not just degraded from normal use), Apple replaces it at no charge.
You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see if Apple considers it failed. A battery that shows 80% health or higher is typically considered normal wear; below that, Apple may cover replacement under warranty depending on when you bought the phone.
Pricing varies slightly by region and can change, so call your nearest Apple Store or visit apple.com/support to confirm the exact cost for your model before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model, with no appointment needed at most locations.
- If your iPhone is within one year of purchase and the battery has genuinely failed, Apple replaces it free under the limited warranty.
- Third-party repair shops often charge $30 to $60 for battery replacement, but quality and warranty coverage vary widely.
- Mail-in repair through Apple takes one to two weeks; in-store replacement usually takes one to three hours.
- AppleCare+ does not cover battery replacement unless the battery failure is caused by accidental damage, not normal degradation.
How to pay less: third-party repair shops and trade-in programs
Independent phone repair shops typically charge $30 to $60 for iPhone battery replacement, significantly less than Apple. These shops source batteries from third-party manufacturers rather than Apple, which is why the price is lower. The trade-off is that you lose any remaining manufacturer warranty on the battery itself, and the replacement battery may not have the same longevity as an Apple original.
Before choosing a third-party shop, ask whether they use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) batteries or generic ones, and whether they offer any warranty on the replacement battery. A shop that guarantees the battery for six months to a year is more trustworthy than one that offers no warranty at all.
If your phone is older and the battery is just one of several aging components, you might also consider trading it in toward a new iPhone. Apple's trade-in program gives you credit toward a new purchase, and some carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) offer trade-in deals that can offset the cost of a new phone more than a battery replacement would save you.
What affects the final price you pay
The model of iPhone you own is the biggest factor. An iPhone 15 battery replacement costs $69 at Apple, while an iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $99. Older models like the iPhone 12 or 13 may cost slightly less. If you have AppleCare+, you pay $29 instead of the full price, but only if the battery failure is not due to normal degradation—accidental damage is the only scenario where AppleCare+ covers battery replacement.
Your location also matters slightly. Some regions have different labor costs, and international pricing can vary. A few carriers and retailers offer discounts on battery replacement if you have a specific service plan, so it is worth asking when you call to schedule.
If you choose a third-party shop, the price depends on whether they are a franchise (like uBreakiFix or Best Buy's Geek Squad), a local independent shop, or a mail-in service. Franchises tend to charge $40 to $70; local shops may charge $30 to $50; mail-in services often charge $50 to $80 including shipping.
Turnaround time: same-day versus mail-in
Apple stores in most cities can replace your battery while you wait, typically in one to three hours depending on how busy they are. You do not need an appointment for battery service at many locations, though calling ahead ensures they have the part in stock and can fit you in the same day.
If your nearest Apple Store is far away, you can mail your iPhone to Apple for repair. Mail-in service takes one to two weeks total, including shipping time both ways. Apple will diagnose the battery and replace it, then ship the phone back to you. You pay for shipping one way; Apple covers the return shipping.
Third-party shops vary widely. A local independent shop may do the work in 30 minutes to an hour. A franchise like Geek Squad may take a few hours to a day. Mail-in third-party services take similar time to Apple—one to two weeks.
When Apple covers the cost and when you pay
Apple's one-year limited warranty covers battery replacement if the battery has a manufacturing defect—meaning it fails to hold a charge due to a flaw in the battery itself, not from normal use. Normal battery degradation (losing 1% to 2% of capacity per year) is not covered.
If your phone is older than one year, you pay the full out-of-warranty price. If you have AppleCare+, you pay the $29 reduced rate, but again, only if the failure is accidental damage. AppleCare+ does not waive the fee for age-related battery degradation.
If your battery is swollen or visibly damaged, Apple may refuse the battery-only replacement and require you to replace the entire phone, which costs much more. This is a safety issue—a swollen battery can catch fire. If you notice your phone is thicker than normal or the screen is separating from the body, do not attempt a battery replacement yourself; take it to Apple or a professional repair shop when ready.
DIY battery replacement: why it usually is not worth it
You can buy iPhone batteries online for $15 to $40 and replace them yourself using a kit with tools and adhesive. However, this approach carries real risks. Opening your iPhone voids any remaining warranty, and if you damage the screen, logic board, or other components during the process, you have created a much larger repair bill.
iPhone batteries are glued in place and require heat to remove safely. If you overheat the phone, you can damage the battery itself, the screen, or the internal circuitry. Even if you succeed, the adhesive that holds the battery in place is not included in most kits, so the battery may rattle or disconnect over time.
Unless you have experience opening phones and access to proper tools (heat gun, spudger, adhesive strips), paying a professional—whether Apple or a third-party shop—is safer and often not much more expensive when you factor in the risk of causing additional damage.
Comparing your options in one view
| Repair Route | Cost Range | Turnaround Time | Warranty on Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (out of warranty) | $69–$99 | 1–3 hours | 1 year (limited) |
| Apple Mail-In Repair | $69–$99 | 1–2 weeks | 1 year (limited) |
| AppleCare+ (accidental damage only) | $29 | 1–3 hours or 1–2 weeks | 1 year (limited) |
| Local Independent Shop | $30–$50 | 30 minutes–2 hours | 6 months–1 year (varies) |
| Franchise Shop (Geek Squad, uBreakiFix) | $40–$70 | 1–24 hours | 6 months–1 year (varies) |
| Mail-In Third-Party Service | $50–$80 | 1–2 weeks | Varies (often 30–90 days) |
| DIY with Online Kit | $15–$40 | 1–2 hours | None; voids warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?
AppleCare+ reduces the cost to $29 instead of the full $69–$99, but only if the battery failure is caused by accidental damage. Normal battery degradation from age is not covered. If your battery is straightforward worn out from regular use, you pay the full out-of-warranty price even with AppleCare+.
Can I replace the battery myself without damaging my phone?
It is possible but risky. iPhone batteries are glued in and require heat to remove safely. If you overheat the phone or slip with a tool, you can damage the screen, logic board, or battery itself—creating a much larger repair bill. Unless you have done this before and have proper tools, a professional repair is safer.
How long does an iPhone battery last before I need to replace it?
Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80% of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles, which typically takes two to three years of normal use. Most people notice the battery draining faster around the two to three year mark, though some phones last longer depending on how you charge and use them.
Is there a difference between Apple's battery and a third-party battery?
Apple's batteries are made to Apple's specifications and tested to match the phone's original performance. Third-party batteries are often cheaper but may not last as long or perform identically. Reputable shops use OEM-quality batteries; cheaper shops may use generic ones that degrade faster.
What if my battery is swollen?
Do not attempt to replace a swollen battery yourself. A swollen battery is a fire hazard and can damage other components. Take your phone to Apple or a professional repair shop when ready. Apple may require a full phone replacement rather than a battery-only repair if the swelling has damaged other parts.