iPhone battery replacement costs $69 to $99 at Apple, depending on your model and warranty status

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 under the one-year limited warranty or you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. The cost covers the battery itself, labor, and a full diagnostic test before and after the swap.

The price does not change based on where you go — Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Service Providers, and Apple's mail-in repair service all charge the same amount. The main difference is timing: an Apple Store can often complete the replacement the same day if you walk in without an appointment, while mail-in service takes five to seven business days plus shipping time.

Third-party repair shops typically charge less, usually between $40 and $80, but quality and warranty coverage vary widely. Some shops use genuine Apple parts; others use aftermarket batteries that may not last as long or report accurate health information to your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $69 for iPhone 11 and older, $99 for iPhone 12 and newer, with no variation by location or repair method.
  • The replacement is free if your phone is under one-year warranty or you own AppleCare+ coverage.
  • Apple Stores often complete same-day replacements, while mail-in service takes five to seven business days plus shipping.
  • Third-party shops charge $40 to $80 but may use aftermarket batteries that do not integrate fully with iOS battery health reporting.
  • Authorized Service Providers charge the same as Apple Stores but may have longer wait times depending on location.

How to check if your battery replacement is free

Open Settings, go to Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. Look at the Maximum Capacity percentage — if it is 80% or higher, Apple will not replace the battery under warranty because the phone is still considered in normal condition. If it is below 80%, you may be covered under the one-year limited warranty if your phone is less than a year old.

AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at any capacity level, but only if you purchased the plan within 60 days of buying your phone. Check your Apple ID purchase history or ask an Apple Store associate to confirm whether your phone has active coverage. If you do not have AppleCare+ and your phone is out of warranty, you will pay the standard rate.

What happens during an Apple battery replacement

When you bring your iPhone to Apple, a technician runs a diagnostic test to confirm the battery is the problem and check for other hardware issues. The actual replacement takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the store is. During that time, your phone is wiped and restored from your iCloud backup, so all your data returns but the phone restarts fresh.

You receive a new battery (not a refurbished one) and a receipt showing the work performed. The battery comes with a 90-day warranty covering defects, separate from your phone's warranty. If the replacement battery fails within 90 days, Apple replaces it again at no charge.

Third-party repair shops: what to watch for

Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy charge less than Apple but carry real risks. The biggest issue is battery quality — a cheap aftermarket battery may report incorrect health information to iOS, show false "Service" warnings, or lose capacity much faster than a genuine Apple battery. Some shops use refurbished Apple batteries, which are legitimate but not as reliable as new ones.

Before choosing a third-party shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple parts or aftermarket batteries, and whether they offer a warranty on the replacement. A reputable shop will answer both questions directly and provide a written receipt. Avoid shops that cannot or will not tell you what battery they are installing.

Mail-in repair through Apple

If you do not have an Apple Store nearby, you can start a mail-in repair through apple.com or the Apple Support app. You describe the issue, pay the $69 or $99 upfront with a credit card, and Apple mails you a prepaid shipping box. You pack your phone, drop it off, and Apple sends it back within five to seven business days.

The downside is that you are without your phone for a week or more, and if Apple finds a different problem during the diagnostic, they contact you before proceeding — which can delay the repair further. The upside is that you avoid travel time and do not need an appointment. The cost is identical to in-store replacement.

Authorized Service Providers vs. Apple Stores

Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent businesses certified by Apple to perform repairs using genuine parts and Apple's official procedures. They charge the same $69 or $99 as Apple Stores and offer the same 90-day battery warranty. The difference is usually in wait time and location — an Authorized Provider near you might have shorter lines than the nearest Apple Store.

To find an Authorized Service Provider, go to apple.com/repair and enter your zip code. The list shows both Apple Stores and Authorized Providers with their hours and whether they offer same-day service. Call ahead to confirm they have battery replacement slots available, because some locations book up several days in advance.

What to do before you go in for replacement

Back up your phone to iCloud before your appointment. Go to Settings, tap your name, select iCloud, and turn on iCloud Backup. Let it finish — this usually takes a few minutes on Wi-Fi. During the replacement, your phone will be restored from this backup, so anything not backed up will be lost.

Bring your phone and a valid ID. If you are not the original purchaser, bring proof of ownership or a receipt. Write down any issues you have noticed — slow performance, unexpected shutdowns, or battery draining fast — so the technician can check for other problems while the phone is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement if the battery is degraded but not defective?

Yes. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement once the maximum capacity drops below 80%, even if the battery is not technically defective. Without AppleCare+, Apple only replaces batteries under the one-year limited warranty if capacity falls below 80% and the phone is still within that year.

Can I replace the battery myself with a kit from Amazon?

Technically yes, but it voids your warranty and risks damaging the phone if you make a mistake. DIY kits cost $20 to $40 but require opening the phone, disconnecting the display, and removing adhesive — one slip can crack the screen or damage the logic board. Most people find the $69 to $99 Apple charge worth the certainty and warranty.

What if Apple finds a different problem during the diagnostic?

The technician will tell you about it before proceeding. If the problem is covered under warranty or AppleCare+, there is no extra charge. If it is not covered, you can choose to pay for that repair or just get the battery replaced. You are never charged for the diagnostic itself.

How long does a replacement battery last?

A genuine Apple battery typically lasts two to three years before capacity drops below 80% again, depending on how often you charge it. Aftermarket batteries often degrade faster, sometimes within 12 to 18 months. This is why the $30 difference between Apple and a third-party shop often costs you more in the long run.

Can I get a battery replacement if my phone is cracked?

Yes, but Apple may ask you to repair the crack first. A cracked screen or back can allow moisture into the battery compartment, which creates a safety risk. If the damage is minor, the technician may proceed with the battery replacement. If it is severe, you may need to repair the screen first, which costs extra.