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 exact price depends on which iPhone you own — older models like the iPhone 11 and earlier cost $69, while iPhone 12 through iPhone 15 cost $79, and the newest models cost $99. If your battery is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery health has dropped below 80% capacity due to a manufacturing defect (not normal use), Apple replaces it at no charge.
You can check your battery health before you go in. On any iPhone running iOS 16 or later, open Settings, tap Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. If the number under Maximum Capacity is below 80%, your battery is degraded. Apple's warranty covers defective batteries that fail within the first year; normal wear that drops your battery to 79% capacity after two years of use is not covered.
The replacement takes about an hour at an Apple Store if you walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you mail your iPhone to Apple, the process takes five to seven business days plus shipping time. Third-party repair shops and carriers like Verizon and AT&T also offer battery replacement, usually at lower prices, but the cost and warranty terms vary widely.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model, with newer phones costing more.
- If your iPhone is within one year of purchase and the battery failed due to a manufacturing defect, Apple replaces it free under warranty.
- You can check your battery health in Settings under Battery Health & Charging to see if it has degraded below 80% capacity.
- Third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple but may not offer the same warranty protection on the replacement battery.
- In-store replacement at Apple takes about an hour, while mail-in service takes five to seven business days plus shipping.
Where to get your battery replaced
Apple Stores are the most straightforward option if you have one nearby. You can book an appointment online through apple.com or walk in during business hours. The technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then replace it while you wait. Apple's replacement batteries come with a one-year warranty on the battery itself, separate from your phone's warranty.
Authorized Apple Service Providers — independent repair shops certified by Apple — charge the same prices as Apple Stores and offer the same warranty. You can find them on apple.com by searching for service providers in your area. Response times are often faster than Apple Stores in less populated areas.
Carrier stores like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer battery replacement, usually for $50 to $80. The trade-off is that they may not run the same diagnostics as Apple, and the warranty on the replacement battery may be shorter. Some carriers offer this service only if you are an active customer on their network.
Independent repair shops charge $40 to $70 in most markets, but quality and warranty coverage vary significantly. Before you choose an independent shop, check online reviews and ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or third-party replacements. A genuine battery will last longer and charge more reliably than a third-party one.
What happens during the replacement
At an Apple Store or authorized provider, the technician will first confirm your identity and check your device. They run a battery diagnostic tool that measures the current capacity and health of your battery. If the battery is below 80% capacity and you are out of warranty, they will quote you the replacement cost and ask if you want to proceed.
The actual replacement takes 15 to 30 minutes. The technician removes the display, disconnects the old battery, and installs a new one. They then reassemble the phone, run a final diagnostic to confirm the new battery is working, and test basic functions like charging and power-on. You leave with a fully functional phone and a receipt showing the warranty start date on the new battery.
If you mail your phone to Apple, you will receive a prepaid shipping label. Apple receives it, runs the same diagnostic, and contacts you to confirm the cost before they proceed. Once you approve, they replace the battery and ship it back. The entire process, including shipping both ways, typically takes 10 to 14 business days.
When Apple covers the cost under warranty
Apple's one-year limited warranty covers battery replacement if the battery fails due to a manufacturing defect — meaning it stops holding a charge or shuts down unexpectedly despite being new. The warranty does not cover batteries that degrade from normal use over time. After 12 months, all battery replacement is out-of-warranty and costs the standard fee.
If you purchased AppleCare+, the coverage extends to two years from the purchase date. AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage, though battery replacement due to normal degradation is not considered damage and is not covered under AppleCare+ either. You would still pay the standard out-of-warranty fee.
To use your warranty, bring your phone and proof of purchase (receipt, order confirmation, or Apple ID account history) to an Apple Store or authorized provider. If you bought the phone more than a year ago, the warranty has expired and you will pay the standard replacement cost.
Comparing costs across repair options
| Repair Option | Cost Range | Warranty on Battery | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $69–$99 | 1 year | 1 hour |
| Authorized Apple Service Provider | $69–$99 | 1 year | 1–3 days |
| Carrier Store (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) | $50–$80 | Varies (often 90 days) | 1–2 hours |
| Independent Repair Shop | $40–$70 | Varies (30 days to 1 year) | Same day to 3 days |
The lowest price is not always the best value. Independent shops that use third-party batteries may charge $30 less but the battery may not last as long as a genuine Apple battery. A genuine battery typically holds 80% capacity after 500 charge cycles; third-party batteries often drop below 80% after 300 to 400 cycles. If you plan to keep your phone for two more years, the extra $30 to $40 for a genuine battery is worth it.
Signs your battery needs replacement
The most obvious sign is that your phone shuts down unexpectedly, even when the battery percentage shows 20% or higher. This happens when the battery can no longer deliver the power the phone needs, so the system cuts power to protect the battery. Another sign is that your phone charges to 100% but drains to zero in a few hours of normal use, or the battery percentage jumps erratically (from 50% to 20% without warning).
Slow charging is also a clue. If your phone takes twice as long to charge as it did a year ago, the battery is degraded. You can confirm this by checking Battery Health in Settings. If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, the battery is worn and replacement will improve performance noticeably.
Physical swelling is a rare but serious sign that requires when ready attention. If your phone feels thicker than normal, the battery is swelling and could damage the display or other components. Do not use the phone; take it to Apple or an authorized provider right away. Swelling batteries are always replaced free, even out of warranty, because they pose a safety risk.
How to extend your battery's lifespan
The single most effective step is to keep your phone cool. Batteries degrade faster when exposed to heat above 95°F (35°C). Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight, in a car on a hot day, or near a heat source. If your phone gets hot during charging, stop charging and let it cool before you continue.
Charge your phone to 80% instead of 100% whenever possible. Lithium batteries degrade faster when held at full charge. If you enable Optimized Battery Charging in Settings under Battery Health & Charging, your phone will learn your charging patterns and avoid charging past 80% until you need it. This can add six months to a year to your battery's lifespan.
Avoid letting your battery drain completely to zero. Charging from 20% to 80% is gentler on the battery than charging from 0% to 100%. If your phone dies, charge it as soon as you can. Over time, repeated complete discharges wear the battery faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?
Apple does not sell batteries to consumers for self-replacement, and opening your phone yourself voids the warranty. If you use a third-party battery kit, you risk damaging the display, water seals, or other components. Professional replacement is safer and comes with a warranty on the work.
Will my data be erased if I get a battery replacement?
No. Battery replacement does not require erasing your phone or restoring from backup. The technician removes only the battery; your data, apps, and settings stay on the phone. You will have everything exactly as it was when you pick it up.
What if my phone is still under AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ extends your warranty to two years, but battery replacement due to normal wear is not covered. You still pay the standard out-of-warranty fee ($69–$99). AppleCare+ covers accidental damage and hardware failures, not battery degradation from age.
Is it cheaper to buy a new phone than replace the battery?
Almost never. A new iPhone costs $700 to $1,200, while battery replacement costs $69 to $99. Even if you trade in your old phone, you will pay hundreds of dollars more than a battery replacement. A new battery often restores your phone to near-original performance for a fraction of the cost.
How long does a replacement battery last?
A genuine Apple replacement battery typically lasts two to three years before it drops below 80% capacity, depending on how often you charge it. If you follow best practices like keeping your phone cool and charging to 80%, you may get closer to three years. Third-party batteries often last 18 to 24 months.