iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model and whether your phone is under warranty

If your battery is covered by AppleCare+ or a manufacturer defect, Apple replaces it at no charge. If you're out of warranty and the battery has degraded naturally, you pay the standard replacement fee. The exact price depends on which iPhone you own — older models cost less to replace than newer ones. Apple's pricing is consistent across all locations, whether you go to an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or mail your phone in.

Third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple, typically $30 to $60, but the battery quality and warranty on that work vary widely. Some shops use refurbished or lower-grade batteries. If you choose a non-Apple repair, your phone loses any remaining manufacturer warranty coverage for that component.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $69 to $99 for out-of-warranty battery replacement, with the exact price based on your iPhone model year.
  • If your phone is under AppleCare+ or still covered by the one-year manufacturer warranty and the battery is defective, replacement is free.
  • Third-party repair shops typically charge $30 to $60 but may use lower-quality batteries and you lose Apple's warranty protection on that repair.
  • You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery and Device Care to see if degradation is the actual problem before paying for replacement.

Apple's standard battery replacement pricing by model

Apple publishes a single price list for battery replacement across all iPhone models currently in service. iPhones from the iPhone 15 line cost $99 to replace. iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 12 models cost $89. iPhone 11 and iPhone XS models cost $69. Older models like the iPhone 8 and earlier also cost $69, though Apple may no longer stock batteries for very old phones and may recommend replacement instead.

These prices explore only to out-of-warranty replacements. If you have AppleCare+ coverage, the replacement is free. If your phone is within one year of purchase and the battery is failing due to a defect (not normal wear), Apple covers it under the standard manufacturer warranty at no cost.

You can check your phone's warranty status by going to Settings > General > About, then visiting Apple's coverage checker at support.apple.com/warranty. Enter your serial number to see your exact coverage end date.

When Apple covers battery replacement at no cost

Apple replaces batteries free of charge if your phone is covered by AppleCare+ or if the battery failure is a manufacturing defect within the one-year standard warranty period. A manufacturing defect means the battery failed because of a flaw in how it was made, not because you used the phone normally. Normal battery degradation — losing capacity over time — is not a defect and is not covered after the first year.

If you bought AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your iPhone, battery replacement is included with no deductible. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 depending on the model and covers accidental damage, hardware failures, and battery service for two years from the date you purchase the plan.

To determine whether your battery failure is a defect or normal wear, Apple's Genius Bar staff will run a diagnostic. If the battery health has dropped below 80% capacity and you're still within one year of purchase, Apple usually treats it as a defect. After one year, any battery degradation is considered normal wear.

Third-party repair shop costs and trade-offs

Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy charge $30 to $60 for iPhone battery replacement, roughly half what Apple charges. The lower cost comes from using aftermarket batteries instead of Apple's original parts, and lower labor costs. Some shops offer same-day service, while Apple typically takes 3 to 5 business days even at a physical store.

The main risk is battery quality. Aftermarket batteries vary in lifespan and reliability. A cheap battery may hold a charge poorly after six months, or may swell inside the phone and damage the screen. Reputable shops like Best Buy's Geek Squad and established local repair businesses usually source better-quality batteries and stand behind their work with a warranty, often 30 to 90 days.

Once you use a third-party repair shop, you lose Apple's warranty coverage on that component. If the battery fails after the shop's warranty expires, Apple will not replace it free even if you have AppleCare+, because the battery is no longer an Apple part. For this reason, third-party repair makes sense only if you plan to keep the phone for a short time or if the cost difference is worth the risk to you.

How to check your battery health before paying for replacement

Before you pay for a replacement, check whether your battery is actually the problem. Go to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery Health and Charging. Your phone will show you the maximum capacity as a percentage. A battery at 80% capacity or higher is still functioning normally. A battery below 80% will show a message that it may need service.

If your battery health is above 80% and your phone is draining quickly, the problem is likely not the battery itself — it may be a power-hungry app, a software bug, or a display issue. If your battery health is below 80%, replacement will improve your phone's runtime. If it's below 50%, replacement is usually worth doing because the phone will drain noticeably during normal use.

Apple's battery health tool is the most accurate way to measure degradation. Third-party battery apps exist but are less reliable because they cannot access the same internal diagnostics that Apple's system can.

Mailing your phone to Apple versus in-store replacement

You can replace your battery by visiting an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by mailing your phone to Apple. In-store replacement at an Apple Store typically takes 3 to 5 business days if the battery is in stock. Some locations offer same-day service if you arrive early and the store is not busy, but this is not may provide.

If you mail your phone to Apple, the process takes 5 to 10 business days total, including shipping time. You start by visiting support.apple.com, selecting your device, and choosing mail-in repair. Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label. Once Apple receives your phone, they perform the replacement and ship it back. You do not pay for shipping in either direction.

Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent businesses certified by Apple to perform repairs. They charge the same price as Apple and use genuine Apple parts, but wait times vary by location. You can find a nearby provider by visiting apple.com/repair and entering your zip code.

What affects the total cost of battery replacement

The total cost depends on three factors: your iPhone model, your warranty status, and where you go for the repair. The model determines Apple's base price ($69 to $99). Your warranty status determines whether you pay anything at all — AppleCare+ and manufacturer defects are free. Your choice of repair location determines whether you pay Apple's price or a third-party price.

If you have AppleCare+, the cost is always zero. If you are out of warranty and go to Apple or an Authorized Service Provider, the cost is the published price for your model. If you go to an independent shop, the cost is typically $30 to $60 plus tax, but the battery quality and warranty on the work are not may provide to match Apple's standards.

One hidden cost to consider: if your phone is very old and the battery is no longer manufactured, Apple may recommend replacing the entire phone instead of the battery. This is rare but can happen with iPhones older than 5 or 6 years. Before you schedule a repair, ask Apple whether your specific model's battery is still in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple replace the battery for free if it's degraded?

No, not after the first year. Apple covers battery replacement free only if you have AppleCare+ or if the battery failed due to a manufacturing defect within one year of purchase. Normal degradation over time is not covered. After one year, you pay the standard replacement fee.

Can I replace the battery myself?

You can, but it is difficult and risky. iPhones are sealed with adhesive, and opening one requires special tools and heat. If you crack the screen or damage the logic board while opening it, the repair cost becomes much higher. Most people should use a professional repair service instead.

How long does a replaced battery last?

An Apple original battery typically lasts 2 to 3 years before capacity drops below 80% again, depending on how often you charge it and how you use the phone. Aftermarket batteries may last 1 to 2 years. Battery lifespan depends on charge cycles — each full charge and discharge counts as one cycle, and batteries degrade faster with more cycles.

Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it keeps shutting down?

Maybe. If your battery health is very low (below 50%), the phone may shut down unexpectedly to protect itself. A replacement will fix this. If your battery health is above 80%, the shutdowns are caused by something else — a software issue, a hardware problem, or a faulty power management chip — and battery replacement will not help.

Is AppleCare+ worth buying just for battery replacement?

AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 depending on your model and covers much more than batteries — accidental damage, hardware failures, and theft. If you only care about battery replacement, it is not worth buying because the battery replacement fee ($69 to $99) is close to the AppleCare+ cost. AppleCare+ makes sense if you want protection against drops, water damage, and other accidents.