Apple's official battery replacement prices
Apple charges between $69 and $99 to replace an iPhone battery at an Apple Store or through their mail-in repair service, depending on your model. iPhones from the iPhone 11 onward cost $69; older models like the iPhone XS, iPhone 8, and iPhone 7 cost $79; and the iPhone 6 and earlier cost $29. These prices are current but Apple adjusts them occasionally, so confirm the exact amount for your specific model before you go in.
The replacement takes about an hour at an Apple Store if you have an appointment, or three to five business days if you mail the phone to Apple. You'll need to back up your data beforehand. Apple replaces the battery with a genuine Apple part and includes a one-year warranty on the replacement battery itself.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's official battery replacement costs $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model, with newer phones at the lower end of that range.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $30 to $60 and can often complete the work the same day, but the battery may not be genuine Apple.
- If your iPhone is still under AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered at no cost as long as the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent.
- Replacing the battery yourself using a kit costs $15 to $30 for parts but risks damage to the phone if you lack experience with small electronics.
Third-party repair shop pricing
Independent repair shops and chains like iFixit, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local phone repair stores typically charge $30 to $60 for an iPhone battery replacement. The exact price depends on your model and the shop's location — urban areas tend to run higher than rural ones. Many shops can complete the work the same day or within a few hours.
The trade-off is that third-party shops may use aftermarket batteries rather than genuine Apple parts. Aftermarket batteries work, but they sometimes have shorter lifespans or slightly lower capacity than Apple's original batteries. Ask the shop directly whether they use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) batteries or third-party alternatives before you commit.
AppleCare+ coverage for battery replacement
If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered at no cost as long as your battery health has dropped below 80 percent. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $379 depending on your iPhone model and is purchased either when you buy the phone or within 60 days of purchase.
This coverage is worth considering if you plan to keep your phone for three or more years, since battery degradation is inevitable and you'll likely need a replacement during that window. If you don't have AppleCare+ and your battery is still above 80 percent health, Apple won't cover the replacement under warranty.
DIY battery replacement kits
You can buy a battery replacement kit online for $15 to $30, which includes the battery, adhesive strips, and basic tools like a pentalobe screwdriver and plastic pry tools. Popular sources include iFixit, Amazon, and eBay. The kit itself is straightforward — the battery is glued in place, so you'll need to heat the phone, pry out the old battery, remove the adhesive, and install the new one.
The risk is that opening your phone yourself can damage the display, water seals, or internal components if you slip or explore too much force. If something breaks during the process, you'll pay for repairs out of pocket. This route makes sense only if you've repaired phones before or are comfortable with the possibility of causing additional damage.
Warranty and what voids it
Apple's one-year limited warranty does not cover battery replacement due to normal wear and tear — it only covers defects in materials or workmanship. If your battery is straightforward degraded from normal use, you'll pay the standard replacement fee. The warranty does cover battery replacement if the battery is defective and fails prematurely.
Opening your iPhone yourself voids Apple's warranty for that device. If you use a third-party repair shop, your warranty is not automatically voided, but Apple may refuse to service the phone later if they determine the third-party repair caused the problem. AppleCare+ remains valid even after a third-party repair, though Apple may investigate whether the repair caused any new issues.
How to check if your battery needs replacement
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging on your iPhone. The "Maximum Capacity" percentage tells you how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new. Most people notice performance issues when capacity drops below 80 percent, though some don't feel a difference until it's lower.
If your phone is throttling performance (running slower under load to preserve battery), you'll see a message in that same menu. Throttling is Apple's way of preventing unexpected shutdowns when the battery can't deliver enough power. Replacing the battery removes the throttle and restores full performance.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Cost | Time | Battery Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $69–$99 | 1 hour (with appointment) | Genuine Apple | 1 year on battery |
| Apple Mail-In | $69–$99 | 3–5 business days | Genuine Apple | 1 year on battery |
| Third-Party Shop | $30–$60 | Same day or next day | OEM or aftermarket | Varies by shop |
| DIY Kit | $15–$30 | 1–2 hours | Aftermarket | None; voids Apple warranty |
| AppleCare+ (if you have it) | $0 | 1 hour or 3–5 days | Genuine Apple | Covered under AppleCare+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple replace batteries for free if my phone is under warranty?
Only if the battery is defective. Standard one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, not normal battery wear. If your battery capacity has straightforward degraded from regular use, you'll pay the replacement fee. AppleCare+ is the only plan that covers battery replacement due to normal wear.
Can I get a battery replacement at Best Buy?
Yes. Best Buy's Geek Squad offers iPhone battery replacement for $40 to $60 depending on the model. Turnaround is usually same-day or next-day. Like other third-party shops, they may use aftermarket batteries, so ask before you commit.
What happens if I replace the battery myself and something breaks?
You'll pay for repairs out of pocket. Opening your iPhone voids Apple's warranty, so Apple won't cover damage you cause during the repair. If you damage the display, logic board, or other components, you'll face replacement costs of $200 to $500 or more.
Is an aftermarket battery safe to use?
Yes, aftermarket batteries are safe. They meet basic safety standards and won't damage your phone. The downside is they may have slightly lower capacity or shorter lifespan than genuine Apple batteries. Most people don't notice a meaningful difference in daily use.
How long does a replacement battery last?
A new battery typically lasts two to three years before capacity drops noticeably. This depends on how often you charge it and how you use the phone. Heavy users may see degradation sooner; light users may get longer life.