iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model and whether your phone is under warranty
Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement on most iPhones: $69 for iPhone 11 and older models, and $99 for iPhone 12 and newer. If your phone is still covered by AppleCare+ or within one year of purchase under the standard limited warranty, the replacement is free. The cost does not include labor — Apple includes that in the price.
Third-party repair shops charge less, typically $30 to $60, but they do not use Apple parts and may void any remaining warranty coverage. Mail-in repair services like iFixit and uBreakiFix offer similar pricing. If you replace the battery yourself using a kit, you will spend $15 to $30 on parts, but you risk damaging the phone if you do not have repair experience.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $69 for iPhone 11 and earlier, $99 for iPhone 12 and newer, and includes labor.
- If your phone is under AppleCare+ or within the first year of purchase, battery replacement is free at Apple.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $30 to $60 but use non-Apple parts and may void your warranty.
- You can buy a battery kit for $15 to $30 and replace it yourself, but this carries a high risk of damage if you lack repair experience.
How to check your warranty status before paying
Go to apple.com/support and sign in with your Apple ID. Enter your serial number or IMEI (the 15-digit number on your SIM tray or in Settings > General > About). Apple will show you the exact expiration date of your limited warranty and whether AppleCare+ is active.
If you bought your phone from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T rather than Apple, the warranty still runs from the original purchase date, not the set up date. If you are unsure when you bought it, ask the carrier — they have the purchase record. Many people discover they are still covered and avoid the $69 or $99 charge entirely.
What happens at an Apple Store versus authorized repair shops
At an Apple Store, a technician runs a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then replaces it with a genuine Apple battery while you wait — usually 30 minutes to an hour. You get a receipt and your warranty remains intact. If other damage is found during the diagnostic, the technician will tell you before proceeding.
Authorized Apple repair shops (Best Buy's Geek Squad, for example) charge the same $69 or $99 and use genuine parts, but wait times are often longer. Third-party independent shops charge less but use aftermarket batteries, which may not last as long and can trigger a "battery health" warning in your phone's settings. Some independent shops will not replace the battery if they find water damage or other issues, and you may not get a warranty on the repair itself.
Mail-in repair as an alternative
If you do not have an Apple Store nearby, you can mail your phone to Apple or to a mail-in repair service. Apple's mail-in service costs the same ($69 or $99) plus $6.95 for shipping, and takes 5 to 7 business days. You will be without your phone during that time.
Services like iFixit and uBreakiFix offer mail-in battery replacement for $40 to $60 and typically return your phone within 3 to 5 business days. They use non-Apple parts. If you choose mail-in repair, back up your phone first using iCloud or a computer, in case data is lost during shipping or handling.
The cost of ignoring a failing battery
A battery that no longer holds a charge forces your phone to shut down at 20 or 30 percent power, even if the display shows more. This is Apple's way of protecting the phone from sudden power loss. You will spend more time charging and less time using the phone. If the battery swells — a rare but serious problem — it can damage the screen and logic board, turning a $69 repair into a $300+ replacement.
Battery degradation is normal. After 500 full charge cycles (roughly two years of daily use), most iPhone batteries drop to 80 percent of their original capacity. At that point, replacement becomes worth the cost. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it shows below 80 percent and you are not under warranty, the $69 or $99 replacement will restore your phone's performance.
DIY battery replacement: when it makes sense and when it does not
A battery replacement kit costs $15 to $30 and includes the battery, adhesive strips, and basic tools. If you have replaced a phone battery before or have steady hands and patience, you can do it. The process takes 30 to 45 minutes and involves removing the screen, disconnecting the old battery, and installing the new one.
The risk is high if you slip: you can crack the screen (adding $200 to $300 in repairs), damage the display connector (making the screen unresponsive), or puncture the battery itself (a fire hazard). If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, opening it yourself voids the coverage. For most people, paying Apple or an authorized shop is worth the peace of mind.
Comparing the total cost over time
The table below shows what you will pay at each type of repair location, how long the work takes, and what warranty you get on the repair itself. Apple and authorized shops cost more but offer longer guarantees and use genuine parts. Independent shops and DIY kits save money but carry higher risks or shorter warranties.
| Repair Option | Cost | Time to Completion | Warranty on Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (out of warranty) | $69–$99 | 30 minutes to 1 hour | Yes, 90 days |
| Authorized repair shop | $69–$99 | 1–3 hours | Yes, varies by shop |
| Independent repair shop | $30–$60 | 30 minutes to 2 hours | Usually 30 days |
| Mail-in service | $40–$60 | 3–7 business days | Yes, 30–90 days |
| DIY kit | $15–$30 | 30–45 minutes | None |
If you value your time and want a may provide, Apple or an authorized shop is the best choice despite the higher cost. If you are comfortable with risk and want to save money, an independent shop or mail-in service works. DIY is only worth it if you have done it before or are willing to accept the possibility of a much larger repair bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?
Yes. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost as long as the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent. If you damage the battery yourself, AppleCare+ covers it under accidental damage protection, but you will pay a $99 service fee. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model and lasts two years.
Can I get a free battery replacement if my phone is one year old?
Yes, if you are within 12 months of the original purchase date and have not damaged the phone. Apple's limited warranty covers manufacturing defects, including battery failure. Bring your phone and proof of purchase (receipt or order confirmation) to an Apple Store. If you bought it from a carrier, bring your account information instead.
What if the repair shop says my battery is not the problem?
Ask for a written diagnostic report. If the phone is shutting down unexpectedly or not holding a charge, the battery is almost always the cause. If the technician suspects a different problem — like a faulty charging port or logic board issue — they should explain what they found and give you the option to proceed with further diagnosis. Do not pay for repairs you did not authorize.
Will a third-party battery affect my phone's performance?
A quality aftermarket battery will work, but your phone may show a "Unable to verify this battery" message in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. This is a warning, not a failure — the phone will still function normally. Some aftermarket batteries degrade faster than Apple batteries, so you may need another replacement sooner. Genuine Apple batteries last longer on average.
Is it cheaper to buy a new phone than replace the battery?
No, unless your phone is very old or damaged beyond the battery. A used iPhone in good condition costs $200 to $500 depending on the model. A battery replacement costs $69 to $99. Even if you keep your current phone for two more years, the battery replacement is far cheaper. Replace the battery unless the phone has other serious problems.