Apple replaces iPhone batteries, but the cost and timeline depend on your warranty status and which model you own

Apple will replace your iPhone battery through its retail stores and authorized service providers. If your battery health has dropped below 80 percent and your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty, the replacement is free. If your warranty has expired, Apple charges a flat fee that varies by model — typically between $69 and $99 for current iPhones. The process usually takes three to five business days, though some stores offer same-day service if parts are in stock.

You do not need to buy a new phone to get a working battery. Apple's battery replacement program exists specifically because batteries degrade over time, and the company designs iPhones to be repairable. The catch is that you have to go through Apple or an Apple-authorized service provider — third-party repair shops may offer cheaper options, but they do not carry Apple's warranty on the replacement part.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple replaces batteries free if your iPhone is under warranty and battery health is below 80 percent; otherwise the cost ranges from $69 to $99 depending on your model.
  • You can check your battery health yourself in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see the current percentage before you visit Apple.
  • Apple Stores and authorized service providers handle replacements, and the job typically takes three to five business days unless same-day service is available.
  • If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered at no cost even after the standard warranty expires.

How to check your battery health before visiting Apple

Your iPhone displays its current battery health percentage in the Settings app. Open Settings, tap Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. The number shown under "Maximum Capacity" tells you what percentage of the battery's original capacity remains. A phone at 80 percent or below is considered degraded; at 50 percent or lower, you will notice the phone shutting down unexpectedly under load.

Apple uses this same measurement to determine whether a replacement is warranted. If your battery is at 79 percent and your phone is still under warranty, Apple will replace it free. If it is at 85 percent, Apple will not replace it under warranty, though you can still pay out of pocket. Checking this number first saves you a trip if your battery is still healthy.

What the warranty covers and what it does not

The standard one-year limited warranty covers battery replacement if capacity has dropped below 80 percent through normal use. This is Apple's way of acknowledging that batteries wear out. The warranty does not cover damage from physical drops, water exposure, or third-party repairs — if your battery failed because the phone was dropped, Apple may refuse the free replacement and charge you for a full repair instead.

AppleCare+, Apple's extended protection plan, covers battery replacement at no cost for the duration of the plan, which is typically two years from purchase. If you bought AppleCare+ when you got your phone, you can replace the battery as many times as needed during that period without paying the $69 to $99 fee. AppleCare+ costs between $99 and $199 depending on the iPhone model, so it makes financial sense only if you plan to keep the phone for at least two years and expect to need service.

Where to get your battery replaced

Apple Stores handle battery replacements directly and usually have parts in stock for current and recent models. You can book an appointment through the Apple Store app or website, or walk in and ask for a Genius Bar appointment. Authorized Service Providers — independent repair shops that Apple certifies — can also replace batteries and often have shorter wait times than busy Apple Stores. You can find authorized providers near you on Apple's official service locator.

Mail-in service is an option if no store is nearby. Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label, you mail your phone to Apple, and they return it with a new battery. This route takes longer — typically one to two weeks total — but works if you cannot visit a store in person.

Cost breakdown by iPhone model

Battery replacement costs are set by Apple and do not vary by location. Out-of-warranty replacements for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max cost $99. For iPhone 14 and earlier models, the cost is typically $69 to $89. Older models like iPhone 11 and iPhone XS cost $69. These prices are for battery replacement only; if Apple finds other damage during the inspection, you may be charged additional repair fees.

Some third-party repair shops charge less — sometimes $40 to $60 — but the replacement battery does not carry Apple's warranty, and using non-Apple parts can affect your phone's performance or future repairs. If your phone is still under AppleCare+, the cost is zero regardless of model.

How long the replacement takes

At an Apple Store or authorized provider, battery replacement usually takes three to five business days. The store orders the part if it is not in stock, performs the replacement, and tests the phone before returning it to you. Some busy locations may take longer, and some stores offer same-day service if the battery is in stock and you arrive early in the day.

If you use mail-in service, add one to two weeks for shipping and handling. You will be without your phone during this time, so mail-in is best for people who have a backup device or can wait. Express mail-in options may be available in some areas for a higher fee.

What happens if your phone has other damage

If Apple discovers damage during the battery replacement inspection — a cracked screen, water damage, or a bent frame — they will tell you before proceeding. You can choose to pay for those repairs as well, or decline and just get the battery replaced. Water damage is the most common complication; if your phone has been exposed to liquid, Apple may refuse the battery replacement and recommend a full device replacement instead.

If you drop your phone on the way to the Apple Store and crack the screen, you can still get the battery replaced, but you will pay for both repairs. The total cost for a screen replacement plus battery replacement can reach $200 to $300 depending on the model, which is why some people choose to replace the phone instead if it is older.

Alternatives if Apple's cost is too high

Third-party repair shops like iFixit, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local independent repair stores can replace iPhone batteries for less money — often $40 to $70 out of warranty. The trade-off is that these shops do not use Apple-certified parts, and the replacement battery does not carry Apple's warranty. If the third-party battery fails after a few months, you have no recourse.

If your phone is very old and the battery replacement cost approaches the price of a used replacement phone, buying a used iPhone in good condition may be the better choice. A used iPhone 13 or 14 in good condition often costs $300 to $500, which is not much more than the cost of a new phone plus a battery replacement if you factor in labor and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?

Technically yes, but Apple does not recommend it and it will void your warranty. Replacement batteries and tools are sold online, and repair guides exist, but opening an iPhone requires specialized equipment and risks damaging the screen or internal components. If you damage the phone during a self-repair, Apple will not cover it.

Does Apple replace batteries for iPhones older than five years?

Apple will replace the battery in any iPhone model it still supports, even very old ones. However, parts for older models may take longer to source, and some very old models like iPhone 6 may no longer have batteries in stock. Call your local Apple Store first to confirm they can service your specific model.

What if my battery drains too fast but the health percentage is still above 80 percent?

Fast drain does not always mean low battery health. Your phone may be running power-hungry apps, have too many background processes, or have a software issue. Check Settings > Battery to see which apps use the most power. If battery health is above 80 percent, Apple will not replace it under warranty, but you can still pay out of pocket if you want to.

Will Apple replace my battery if I have a cracked screen?

Yes, but you will be charged for both repairs. Apple can replace the battery even if the screen is cracked, but they will give you a quote for the screen repair as well. You can choose to fix only the battery and leave the screen for later, or have both done at once.

How often do iPhone batteries need to be replaced?

Most iPhone batteries last three to four years of normal use before dropping below 80 percent capacity. If you use your phone heavily — constant charging, high screen brightness, demanding apps — the battery may degrade faster. Light users may go five years before needing a replacement.