iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model

Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement on most iPhones. The exact price depends on which iPhone you own — newer models like the iPhone 15 cost $99, while older models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone SE cost $69. If your battery is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery has genuinely failed (not just degraded from normal use), Apple replaces it for free.

The price covers the battery itself, the labor to remove and install it, and testing. You can get the replacement at an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by mail through Apple's repair service. The process usually takes three to five business days if you mail it in, or same-day if you have an appointment at a physical location and they have the part in stock.

Third-party repair shops often charge less — typically $40 to $60 — but the quality of the replacement battery and the warranty on that battery vary widely. Some use genuine Apple batteries; others use aftermarket batteries that may not last as long or may not report accurate health information to your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's official battery replacement costs $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model, with the price listed on Apple's support page for your specific phone.
  • If your iPhone is still under warranty and the battery has failed rather than degraded, Apple replaces it at no cost.
  • Third-party repair shops typically charge $40 to $60 but may use batteries that do not carry Apple's warranty or report health data accurately.
  • Mail-in repair through Apple takes three to five business days; in-store replacement is usually same-day if the part is available.

How to check if your battery needs replacement

Your iPhone tells you when the battery is degrading. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. Look at the number labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this shows what percentage of the battery's original charge it can still hold. If that number is 80% or lower, the battery is degraded enough that most people notice shorter battery life between charges.

You will also see a section called "Condition" that says either "Normal" or "Service Recommended." If it says "Service Recommended," Apple is telling you the battery should be replaced. This does not mean the phone is broken — it means the battery has aged past the point where it performs well. A phone with a 79% capacity battery will still work, but it will need to be charged more often.

Some people replace the battery when capacity drops to 80%; others wait until it reaches 70% or lower. There is no wrong answer — it depends on how often you charge your phone now and whether that bothers you.

When Apple replaces the battery for free

Apple's one-year limited warranty covers battery failure, but not battery degradation. The difference matters. A battery has failed if it suddenly stops holding a charge or shuts the phone off at 20% capacity even though the battery reports it is healthy. A battery has degraded if it has slowly lost capacity over months or years of normal charging — this is what happens to every rechargeable battery and is not covered.

If you bought AppleCare+, the coverage extends to two years and includes battery replacement even after the battery has degraded below 80% capacity. Without AppleCare+, you pay the standard replacement fee once the one-year warranty ends.

To get a free replacement under warranty, you need proof of purchase and the phone itself. Bring both to an Apple Store or contact Apple Support to arrange a mail-in repair. Apple will test the battery to confirm it has failed rather than degraded.

What happens during a battery replacement

At an Apple Store, a technician removes the old battery, installs the new one, and runs diagnostics to make sure the phone recognizes it and charges correctly. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment and the battery is in stock. If the store does not have your model's battery on hand, they can order it and you can pick up the phone later that day or the next day.

If you use Apple's mail-in service, you pack the phone in the box they provide, ship it to Apple, and they do the same work. You get the phone back with a new battery and a report showing the old battery's final capacity. The phone is tested before it ships back to you.

Your data stays on the phone — the technician does not erase it. Your settings, apps, and files are exactly as you left them.

Third-party repair shops and what to watch for

Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy's Geek Squad offer battery replacement for less than Apple. The lower price comes from lower labor costs and sometimes from using aftermarket batteries instead of genuine Apple parts. An aftermarket battery may work fine, but it might not report its health accurately to your phone, and the warranty on that battery is usually shorter.

Before you choose a third-party shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or aftermarket batteries, and what warranty they offer on the replacement. Some shops may provide the battery for six months; others offer a year. If something goes wrong with the battery after you leave, you want to know what the shop will do.

One risk with third-party repair: if something else breaks during the battery replacement, you have no recourse with Apple. Apple will not service a phone that has been opened by someone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, though this is rare in practice.

How battery degradation happens and why it is normal

Every rechargeable lithium battery degrades over time. Each charge cycle — from full to empty and back to full — slightly reduces the battery's ability to hold a charge. After about 500 charge cycles, most iPhone batteries have lost 20% of their capacity. After 1,000 cycles, they have lost roughly 30%. This is chemistry, not a defect.

How fast your battery degrades depends on how you use it. Charging to 100% every day, letting it drain to 0%, or leaving it plugged in overnight all speed up degradation. Keeping the phone cool, charging to 80%, and letting it drain only to 20% slows it down. But even with perfect habits, the battery will degrade — just more slowly.

Apple designs iPhones expecting the battery to last about two to three years before degradation becomes noticeable. If you keep your phone longer than that, a battery replacement is normal maintenance, not a sign something is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the battery myself?

Technically yes, but it is difficult. The battery is glued to the phone, and removing it without damaging the screen or other components requires special tools and practice. Replacement batteries and tool kits are available online for $20 to $40, but if you slip and crack the screen, you have added $200 to $400 to the cost. Most people find it worth paying Apple or a repair shop to avoid that risk.

Will a new battery make my old iPhone feel like new?

A new battery will restore battery life — your phone will run longer between charges. It will not make the phone faster or fix any other problems. If your iPhone is slow, that is a separate issue from the battery.

What if my iPhone battery is swelling?

A swollen battery is a safety issue and should be replaced when ready. Do not try to replace it yourself. Contact Apple or visit an Apple Store right away. A swollen battery can damage the screen and other components, so do not delay.

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement after one year?

Yes. AppleCare+ extends coverage to two years and covers battery replacement even if the battery has degraded below 80% capacity. Without AppleCare+, you pay the standard replacement fee after the one-year warranty ends.

How long does a new battery last?

A new battery will last about two to three years under normal use before capacity drops to 80%. This depends on how often you charge it and how you use it. A phone that is charged once a day will degrade faster than one charged every other day.