iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model and whether you have AppleCare+
Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement on most iPhones: $69 for iPhone 15 and newer models, and $79 for older ones. If you have AppleCare+ coverage, the cost drops to $0 to $29 depending on your plan and phone age. Third-party repair shops typically charge $40 to $60, though quality and warranty coverage vary widely.
The price difference matters most if your phone is out of warranty. A cracked screen costs $199 to $649 to fix at Apple, so a $69 battery replacement is often the cheaper repair when your phone is slowing down. But if your battery is failing under warranty — usually within the first year — Apple replaces it free.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's standard battery replacement is $69 for iPhone 15 and newer, $79 for older models, with no appointment fee.
- AppleCare+ reduces battery replacement to $0 or $29 depending on your plan, and covers accidental damage that would otherwise cost hundreds.
- Third-party shops cost less upfront but may not warranty their work or use genuine parts, which can affect future repairs.
- Batteries degrade fastest in hot climates and with constant fast charging, so replacement becomes necessary around 2 to 3 years of heavy use.
- You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see if replacement is actually needed.
How to check if your battery actually needs replacement
Before you pay for a replacement, open Settings, tap Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. Look at the Maximum Capacity number — if it is 80% or higher, your battery is still healthy. Apple considers a battery degraded when it drops below 80%, and that is when most people notice their phone shutting down unexpectedly or losing charge in an hour.
You will also see Peak Performance Capability on that same screen. If it says your iPhone is operating at full performance, the battery is fine even if the percentage is lower. If it says your phone has been throttled to preserve battery life, that is the sign you need replacement soon — your phone is slowing itself down to avoid sudden shutdowns.
Some older iPhones show a message about battery service instead of a percentage. That means Apple's diagnostics detected a problem, and you should schedule a replacement within a few weeks to avoid the phone shutting down without warning.
Apple Store replacement: what to expect and how to book
Go to apple.com/support, select your iPhone model, and choose Battery Service. You can book an appointment at your nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Bring your phone and a valid ID. The appointment usually takes 1 to 2 hours, though it can be longer if the store is busy.
Apple will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem before they charge you. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery is genuinely defective, the replacement is free. If you have AppleCare+, you pay the reduced rate. If neither applies, you pay the standard out-of-warranty price.
Apple uses genuine parts and backs the replacement with a 90-day limited warranty on the battery itself. If the new battery fails within 90 days, they replace it again at no charge. This warranty does not cover physical damage or water damage to the phone.
AppleCare+ and whether it makes sense for battery replacement
AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model, then $4.99 per month. It covers two accidental damage incidents per year at $29 each, plus battery replacement at no cost if the battery capacity drops below 80%. It also extends your phone's warranty from one year to two years.
The math works in AppleCare+'s favor if you keep your phone for more than two years or if you are likely to drop it. A cracked screen costs $199 to $349 to fix without AppleCare+, so one accident pays for the entire plan. Battery replacement alone is not a strong reason to buy AppleCare+ unless you plan to keep the phone past year three.
You can buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your iPhone, or sometimes later if you have not made a claim. If your phone is already out of warranty and you did not buy AppleCare+ when you had the chance, you cannot add it now.
Third-party repair shops: lower cost, higher risk
Independent repair shops and chains like Best Buy's Geek Squad charge $40 to $60 for iPhone battery replacement, roughly $20 to $40 less than Apple. Some use genuine Apple parts; others use aftermarket batteries that may not hold a charge as long or may not integrate fully with iOS battery health reporting.
The main risk is warranty coverage. Apple will still repair your phone after a third-party battery replacement, but if something goes wrong during that repair, Apple may charge you for it rather than covering it under warranty. Some third-party shops offer a 30 to 90-day warranty on the battery itself, but that warranty does not transfer if you sell the phone.
If you choose a third-party shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries, what warranty they offer, and whether they will provide a receipt. Avoid shops that cannot answer these questions clearly.
Mail-in repair through Apple
If you do not have an Apple Store nearby, you can mail your iPhone to Apple for battery replacement. Go to apple.com/support, select your model, and choose Mail-In Repair. You will pay the same price as an in-store replacement plus $6.95 for shipping both ways.
Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label and a box. Pack your phone carefully and drop it off at any UPS location. Apple typically receives it within 2 to 3 business days, diagnoses it the same day, and ships it back within 5 to 7 business days. Total time is usually 10 to 14 days from when you drop it off.
You do not need to back up your data before sending it in — Apple only replaces the battery and does not erase your phone. But it is still a good idea to back up to iCloud or your computer in case something unexpected happens during shipping.
What affects how fast your battery degrades
iPhones lose about 1% of battery capacity per month under normal use, so a phone used heavily for three years typically needs a replacement. But several things speed up that degradation. Charging in hot weather, leaving your phone in a hot car, or using it while it charges all generate heat that damages the battery faster.
Fast charging and wireless charging also degrade batteries slightly faster than standard charging, though the difference is small. If you want your battery to last longer, charge overnight on a standard charger, avoid using the phone while it charges, and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Batteries also degrade faster if you regularly drain them completely or let them sit unused for months. The healthiest pattern is to charge when the battery reaches 20% and unplug when it hits 80%, though most people do not follow this and their batteries still last fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iPhone battery replacement free under warranty?
Yes, if your iPhone is within one year of purchase and the battery capacity has dropped below 80% due to a manufacturing defect. Apple runs a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem. Physical damage, water damage, or normal degradation from age do not may have access to for free replacement.
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?
Technically yes, but it requires opening the phone, which voids any remaining warranty and risks damaging the display or other components. Replacement batteries and tools cost $20 to $40 online, but the labor is difficult if you have not done it before. Most people find it cheaper and safer to use Apple or a repair shop.
How long does an iPhone battery last?
Most iPhone batteries retain 80% capacity for 2 to 3 years with normal use. After that, you will notice the phone drains faster and may shut down unexpectedly. Some people replace at 80% capacity; others wait until the phone is noticeably slow or unreliable.
Will Apple replace my battery if I cracked the screen?
Yes, but Apple will ask you to fix the screen first. A cracked screen can allow moisture into the phone, which can damage the battery during replacement. The screen repair costs $199 to $349 depending on your model, then the battery replacement is separate.
Can I use my iPhone while it is being repaired?
Not during an in-store appointment — the repair takes 1 to 2 hours and you need to leave the phone with Apple. If you cannot be without your phone, ask if the store has a loaner device available, though not all locations offer them. Mail-in repair takes 10 to 14 days total.