Apple will replace your iPhone battery if it is degraded, but the cost and timeline depend on your warranty status and which model you own

Apple replaces iPhone batteries under two conditions: if your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery is defective, or if you pay out of pocket. A defective battery means it holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity within the first year — Apple tests this with their Diagnostics and Usage Data tool in Settings. If your battery is straightforward worn from normal use after a year, you will pay for the replacement.

Out-of-pocket battery replacement costs between $49 and $99 depending on your iPhone model. Older models like the iPhone 8 and earlier cost $49; iPhone X through iPhone 14 cost $69; iPhone 15 and newer cost $79. If your phone is physically damaged or has water damage, Apple may refuse the battery replacement or charge you for screen or housing repair first. The replacement takes three to five business days at an Apple Store, or longer if you mail it in.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple covers battery replacement free under warranty only if the battery fails to hold 80 percent capacity within your first year of ownership.
  • Out-of-pocket battery replacement costs $49 to $79 depending on your iPhone model, with newer phones costing more.
  • AppleCare+ extends your coverage to two years and covers battery replacement at no cost if capacity drops below 80 percent.
  • Third-party repair shops often charge $30 to $60 for battery replacement and complete the work faster, but may void your warranty.
  • You can check your battery health yourself in Settings under Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see if replacement makes sense.

How to check if your battery qualifies for free replacement

Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see a number labeled Maximum Capacity — this is the percentage of your battery's original charge your phone can now hold. If you bought your phone less than a year ago and this number is below 80 percent, your battery is covered under warranty.

Apple's warranty does not cover batteries that degrade from normal use. If you are past the one-year mark and your Maximum Capacity is 79 percent or lower, the battery is straightforward aged, not defective. You will pay the out-of-pocket fee. The Maximum Capacity number is the only metric Apple uses to decide whether a battery is defective — they do not consider how fast your phone drains or how often it shuts down at low battery.

What AppleCare+ covers and whether it is worth the cost

AppleCare+ extends your battery coverage to two years from the date you buy it. During those two years, if your Maximum Capacity drops below 80 percent, Apple replaces the battery at no cost. After two years, you pay the standard out-of-pocket fee. AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage like drops and water damage, which is useful if you are clumsy, but the plan costs $99 to $199 depending on your iPhone model.

Whether AppleCare+ makes sense depends on how long you keep your phone. If you replace your iPhone every two years, the battery coverage alone is not worth the cost — you would pay $99 to $199 upfront to save $69 to $79 on one battery replacement. If you keep your phone for four or five years, the math shifts: you might need two battery replacements, and the accidental damage coverage becomes more valuable. You can buy AppleCare+ up to 60 days after you purchase your iPhone, so you do not have to decide when ready.

Authorized Apple repair partners versus Apple Stores

Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers both charge the same out-of-pocket battery replacement fee and use genuine Apple parts. The difference is speed and location. Apple Stores are faster in most cities — three to five business days — but you may not have one nearby. Authorized Service Providers are independent repair shops certified by Apple, and they often have shorter wait times because they handle less volume.

To find an Authorized Service Provider, go to apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Find Locations" under Repair and Physical Damage. You will see a map of all certified shops in your area. Call ahead to confirm they have your battery in stock and ask about their current turnaround time. Some shops can replace a battery the same day if you drop it off in the morning.

Third-party repair shops and what you trade off

Independent repair shops that are not Apple-certified often charge $30 to $60 for an iPhone battery replacement and can complete the work in one to two hours. This is faster and cheaper than Apple's route. The trade-off is that using a non-certified shop may void your warranty if you still have one, and the battery may not be a genuine Apple part — it could be a third-party battery that holds less charge or degrades faster.

If your phone is out of warranty and you do not plan to sell it, a third-party shop is a reasonable choice. If you are still under AppleCare+ or your one-year warranty, stick with Apple or an Authorized Service Provider to keep your coverage intact. Check Google reviews and Yelp for the shop's reputation before you go — look for reviews that mention battery replacement specifically, since quality varies widely between shops.

What happens if your phone has water damage or a cracked screen

Apple will not replace your battery if your phone shows signs of water damage, even if the damage is minor. They use a Liquid Contact Indicator — a small white or red sticker inside your phone — to check for moisture. If it is red, Apple considers your phone water-damaged and will refuse the battery replacement unless you pay for housing repair first, which costs $99 to $199 depending on your model.

A cracked screen does not automatically block battery replacement, but if the crack is large enough that Apple cannot safely open your phone, they will ask you to repair the screen first. If your screen is cracked and your battery is degraded, ask Apple for a quote on both repairs together — sometimes they offer a discount if you do them at the same time. In most cases, it is cheaper to replace both at once than to do them separately.

How long battery replacement takes and what to expect

At an Apple Store, battery replacement usually takes three to five business days. This is not because the replacement itself is slow — the actual work takes about an hour — but because Apple batches repairs and prioritizes damage claims over battery replacements. If you mail your phone to Apple, add five to seven business days for shipping both ways, so plan for two to three weeks total.

When you drop off your phone, Apple will back up your data to iCloud if you are signed in, but you should back up manually beforehand to be safe. You will receive your phone back in the same condition it left, with a new battery and the same software version. Apple does not update your phone during the repair. If your phone is under warranty and the battery replacement is free, you will not pay anything when you pick it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?

You can buy a replacement battery online and watch a YouTube guide, but it requires opening your phone with specialized tools and risks damaging the screen, logic board, or water seals. If something goes wrong, you will have paid for a battery and a repair. Unless you have done phone repairs before, the $49 to $79 Apple charges is worth the safety and warranty protection.

Does Apple replace batteries for iPhones bought from other retailers?

Yes. Apple replaces batteries for any iPhone, regardless of where you bought it, as long as it is a genuine iPhone and you have proof of purchase for warranty claims. If you bought your phone used or do not have a receipt, you can still pay out of pocket for a replacement.

What if my battery health is at 85 percent — should I replace it now?

Not yet. Apple's threshold is 80 percent, and most people do not notice a difference until capacity drops to 70 percent or lower. Wait until you see a real change in how long your phone lasts between charges before you spend money on a replacement.

Can I get a battery replacement while my phone is being repaired for something else?

Yes. If you are already having your phone repaired for a cracked screen or other damage, ask Apple to replace the battery at the same time. They will charge you the out-of-pocket battery fee plus the repair cost, but you only pay for shipping or wait time once instead of twice.

Does Apple replace batteries for phones that are several years old?

Yes, as long as your phone is a supported model. Apple will replace batteries for iPhones going back several generations. Check apple.com/support to confirm your model is still supported, then contact Apple or visit a store for a quote.