Apple's official battery replacement prices
Apple charges $69 for an out-of-warranty battery replacement on most iPhones, regardless of the model. This is the flat rate at Apple Stores and through Apple's mail-in repair service. If your iPhone is still under the one-year limited warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement is free.
AppleCare+ costs between $99 and $379 upfront depending on your iPhone model, and it covers two accidental damage incidents and unlimited battery replacements for the plan's duration. If you buy AppleCare+ after purchase, the cost is higher — typically $129 to $379 — and you have 60 days from iPhone purchase to add it.
Apple's $69 price includes the battery itself, labor, and a new adhesive seal. The work takes one to two hours at most Apple Stores, though wait times vary by location. You can schedule an appointment online or walk in, though appointments are usually faster.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $69 for out-of-warranty battery replacement on any iPhone model, done in-store or by mail.
- AppleCare+ covers unlimited battery replacements at no cost, but costs $99 to $379 upfront depending on your phone.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $30 to $60 for battery replacement, but may void your warranty and use non-Apple parts.
- Battery replacement usually takes one to two hours at Apple Stores and same-day at many third-party shops.
- Your iPhone is may be able to access for free battery replacement if it is still under one-year warranty or if the battery health has degraded below 80 percent within that year.
Third-party repair shop costs
Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy typically charge $30 to $60 for iPhone battery replacement. Best Buy's Geek Squad charges around $40 to $50 depending on the model. Local independent shops often undercut Apple's price significantly because they use aftermarket batteries and have lower overhead.
The trade-off is that third-party repairs may void your AppleCare+ coverage and any remaining manufacturer warranty. Apple will refuse service on a phone that has been opened by an unauthorized technician, even if the repair is unrelated to the battery. Some third-party batteries also lack the safety certifications of Apple's parts, which can affect charging speed and longevity.
Many third-party shops offer same-day service, which is faster than Apple's typical one- to two-hour wait. However, quality varies widely — a reputable shop with good reviews is more likely to use quality parts and proper tools than a mall kiosk.
When Apple covers battery replacement for free
Apple replaces your battery at no cost if your iPhone is within one year of purchase and the battery has degraded to below 80 percent of its original capacity. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it shows 80 percent or lower and your phone is within the warranty period, you are may have access to to a free replacement.
AppleCare+ also covers battery replacement at no cost for the entire duration of the plan, even if the battery health is above 80 percent. This is one of the main reasons people purchase AppleCare+ — it removes the $69 cost and covers accidental damage as well.
If your iPhone is out of warranty and the battery is above 80 percent health, Apple will charge the $69 fee. There is no discount for older phones or for multiple replacements.
How to check if your battery needs replacement
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging on your iPhone. The percentage shown is your current battery capacity relative to when the phone was new. A battery at 80 percent or lower will charge more slowly and drain faster than it did originally.
You may also notice your phone shutting down unexpectedly at 20 or 30 percent battery, or the battery percentage jumping erratically. These are signs of a degraded battery. If your phone is less than a year old and showing these symptoms, contact Apple for a free replacement.
Battery degradation is normal — all lithium batteries lose capacity over time. Most iPhones reach 80 percent capacity after 500 full charge cycles, which typically takes one to two years of regular use.
Mail-in repair versus in-store service
Apple offers mail-in battery replacement through its website if you do not have an Apple Store nearby. You start a repair request online, print a shipping label, and mail your iPhone to Apple. The service costs the same $69 for out-of-warranty batteries.
Mail-in repair takes five to seven business days total, including shipping time both ways. In-store replacement at an Apple Store takes one to two hours and you leave with your phone the same day. If you need your phone urgently, in-store is the faster option.
For mail-in service, back up your data first through iCloud or a computer. Apple will not erase your phone during battery replacement, but it is always safer to have a backup before sending your device away.
Comparing total cost over time
If you plan to keep your iPhone for three to four years, AppleCare+ may save you money if you need more than one battery replacement. At $69 per replacement, two replacements cost $138 — more than the $99 to $129 AppleCare+ upfront cost on most models. However, AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage, which can cost $99 to $199 per incident to repair.
If you use a third-party shop for battery replacement, you save money upfront but risk voiding your warranty. If something else breaks on your phone later, you will have no coverage and will pay full repair costs. This is a real risk if your phone is still relatively new.
For phones older than three years, the $69 Apple battery replacement is usually the better choice than AppleCare+, since AppleCare+ is no longer available for purchase on older models.
What happens during battery replacement
At an Apple Store, a technician will open your iPhone, disconnect the old battery, remove the adhesive holding it in place, and install a new Apple battery. The entire process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the store is and whether any other issues are found.
Your data stays on your phone — Apple does not erase it during battery replacement. You should not use your phone while the repair is happening. If the technician finds other damage during the replacement, they will tell you about it and may quote you additional repair costs.
After replacement, your battery health will show 100 percent in Settings. The new battery will have the same warranty as your original battery — one year from the date of replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?
You can, but it is not recommended. iPhones use strong adhesive to hold the battery in place, and opening the phone without proper tools can damage the screen, logic board, or other components. DIY kits cost $20 to $40 but require specialized tools and patience. If something goes wrong, you will have no recourse and may end up paying more for repairs.
Does Apple replace batteries on older iPhone models?
Yes. Apple replaces batteries on any iPhone model that is still in use, including iPhone 6 and older. The $69 price applies to all models. Older phones may take longer to repair because parts are less common, but Apple will do the work.
What if my battery is still under warranty but shows 85 percent health?
If your phone is within one year of purchase and the battery is at 85 percent, you are not may have access to to a free replacement under Apple's standard warranty. The free replacement only applies if the battery has degraded to 80 percent or lower within the warranty period. You would pay $69 for a replacement.
Will a third-party battery work as well as an Apple battery?
Quality varies. A good third-party battery will work fine for most users, but Apple batteries are optimized for your specific iPhone model and may charge slightly faster and last longer. Cheap aftermarket batteries can degrade quickly and may not support fast charging. Read reviews of the specific shop before choosing third-party repair.
Can I get a battery replacement if my phone is water damaged?
Apple will not replace the battery if water damage is present, because opening the phone could cause further damage. The technician will diagnose the water damage first. You may need to pay for water damage repair before battery replacement, or the phone may be deemed unrepairable.