Yes, you can replace an iPhone battery, but where you go matters

You can replace an iPhone battery through Apple, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or an independent repair shop. Apple will replace the battery in any iPhone model, though the cost and turnaround time depend on whether your phone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. If you go outside Apple, you lose any remaining warranty coverage on the phone itself, but you may pay less and get the work done faster.

The battery is not a part you can safely swap yourself unless you have specific tools and training. iPhones are sealed devices — the battery is glued in place, and opening the phone risks damaging the screen, logic board, or water-resistance seal. Even small mistakes during removal can make the phone unusable.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges between $69 and $99 for an out-of-warranty battery replacement, depending on your iPhone model, and the work takes three to five business days at most locations.
  • AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost if the battery has lost more than 80 percent of its capacity, and you can check your battery health in Settings under Battery.
  • Apple Authorized Service Providers perform the same work as Apple stores but may have different pricing and wait times — call ahead to compare.
  • Independent repair shops often charge $40 to $70 and can complete the work the same day, but you will lose your remaining manufacturer warranty.
  • If your iPhone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery is defective, Apple replaces it at no cost.

Apple's battery replacement service and pricing

Apple replaces batteries at its retail stores and through mail-in service. Out-of-warranty replacements cost $69 for iPhone 15, $79 for iPhone 14 and earlier models, and $99 for iPhone 15 Pro models. If you have AppleCare+, the service is free as long as the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent of its original capacity. You can check your battery health by opening Settings, tapping Battery, then Battery Health & Charging.

At an Apple Store, you can walk in or book an appointment online. Most locations complete the work within three to five business days, though some stores with high volume may take longer. Apple also offers mail-in service if no store is nearby — you ship your phone to Apple, they replace the battery, and they ship it back. Mail-in service typically takes one to two weeks total.

If your iPhone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery is defective (meaning it fails to hold a charge through normal use), Apple replaces it at no cost. A defective battery is different from a worn battery — wear happens over time with normal charging cycles, while a defect is a manufacturing flaw.

Apple Authorized Service Providers and independent shops

Apple Authorized Service Providers are third-party businesses that Apple trains and certifies to perform repairs. They use genuine Apple parts and follow Apple's repair standards, so your warranty coverage remains intact. However, they are not Apple stores, and pricing and wait times vary by location. Some charge the same as Apple; others charge less. Call ahead to ask the price and how long the work takes.

Independent repair shops — sometimes called third-party or non-authorized shops — typically charge $40 to $70 for a battery replacement and can often complete the work the same day or within 24 hours. The trade-off is that using an independent shop voids any remaining manufacturer warranty on your phone. If something else breaks after the repair, Apple will not cover it under warranty. Independent shops may also use aftermarket batteries instead of genuine Apple parts, which can affect performance or longevity.

What happens to your warranty when you replace the battery

If you replace the battery at Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, your remaining manufacturer warranty stays in effect. The one-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship on the phone itself, not the battery you just had replaced — but the rest of the phone is still covered.

If you replace the battery at an independent shop, you lose any remaining manufacturer warranty on the entire phone. Apple's policy is that unauthorized repairs void the warranty. This means if your screen breaks, your charging port fails, or any other component malfunctions after an independent battery replacement, Apple will not repair it under warranty. You would have to pay out of pocket or return to the independent shop.

AppleCare+ is separate from the manufacturer warranty. If you have AppleCare+, it covers accidental damage and hardware failures for two years from the date you bought the phone. Battery replacement is included at no cost if the battery capacity is below 80 percent. AppleCare+ remains valid even if you have the battery replaced at an independent shop, though Apple may refuse to service other damage if they determine it was caused by the unauthorized repair.

How to check if your battery needs replacement

Your iPhone tells you when the battery is degrading. Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see Maximum Capacity, which shows what percentage of the battery's original capacity remains. A new iPhone battery is at 100 percent. After 500 full charge cycles (roughly one year of normal use), the capacity typically drops to 80 percent. At 80 percent, the battery is still functional but noticeably weaker.

You will also see Condition, which tells you whether the battery is Normal, Degraded, or Service Recommended. If it says Service Recommended, Apple considers the battery worn enough to replace. You do not have to replace it when ready — the phone will continue to work — but performance may decline, and the phone may shut down unexpectedly under heavy load.

Some older iPhones (iPhone 6 through iPhone X) had a separate issue: Apple slowed down the processor on phones with degraded batteries to prevent unexpected shutdowns. If you have one of these models and the battery is worn, replacing it may restore full speed.

Timeline and what to expect during the repair

At an Apple Store with an appointment, the repair usually takes one to three hours, though you may have to leave the phone and pick it up later. Without an appointment, wait times vary — busy locations may have a several-hour wait or may ask you to come back another day. Mail-in service takes one to two weeks total, including shipping both ways.

At an Apple Authorized Service Provider, call ahead to ask how long the work takes. Some complete it the same day; others may take two to three days. Independent shops typically finish within 24 hours and often while you wait.

Before the repair, back up your phone using iCloud or a computer. The technician will not erase your data during a battery replacement, but it is always safer to have a backup. Bring your phone and a form of ID. If you have AppleCare+, bring proof of purchase or your AppleCare+ receipt so the technician can verify your coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace an iPhone battery at Apple?

Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $69 for iPhone 15, $79 for iPhone 14 and earlier, and $99 for iPhone 15 Pro models. If you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery is defective, it is also free.

Can I replace the battery myself?

You can, but it is not recommended. iPhones are sealed with adhesive, and opening one requires special tools and training. Mistakes during removal can damage the screen, logic board, or water-resistance seal, making the phone unusable. The cost of professional repair is low enough that DIY is not worth the risk.

Will replacing the battery at an independent shop void my warranty?

Yes. Apple's policy voids the manufacturer warranty if you have an unauthorized repair. However, AppleCare+ may still cover other issues, though Apple may refuse service if they determine the damage was caused by the unauthorized repair.

How long does a new iPhone battery last?

Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles, which is roughly one year of normal daily use. After that, capacity gradually declines. Most batteries last two to three years before they noticeably affect performance.

What is the difference between a defective battery and a worn battery?

A defective battery fails to hold a charge through normal use and is covered by the one-year limited warranty at no cost. A worn battery has lost capacity over time through normal charging cycles and is not covered unless you have AppleCare+. You can check which one you have by looking at Battery Health in Settings.