Apple's official battery replacement price

Apple charges $69 to replace the battery in most iPhones, whether you go to an Apple Store or use their mail-in repair service. This price has stayed the same since 2018. The work takes about an hour at an Apple Store, or three to five business days if you mail your phone in.

The $69 covers the battery itself, the labor to remove and install it, and testing. You do not pay extra if your phone is out of warranty — Apple charges the same flat rate regardless of how old your device is or whether you have AppleCare+.

Some older iPhones cost more. iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, and 7 Plus batteries cost $29 if you had AppleCare+ coverage when the battery degraded, but $79 if you did not. These prices are lower because Apple settled a lawsuit in 2017 over slowing down older phones with worn batteries.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's standard battery replacement is $69 at an Apple Store or through mail-in service, regardless of your phone's age or warranty status.
  • Third-party repair shops often charge $30 to $60, but may use non-Apple batteries and do not carry Apple's warranty on the repair.
  • If your battery fails within one year of purchase and you have not physically damaged the phone, Apple may replace it for free under the limited warranty.
  • Mail-in repair through Apple takes three to five business days; in-store service usually takes about an hour.
  • AppleCare+ does not cover battery replacement unless the battery has degraded to less than 80 percent capacity due to a manufacturing defect.

When Apple replaces the battery free

Apple covers battery replacement at no cost if the battery is defective and your iPhone is still under the one-year limited warranty. A defective battery means it holds significantly less charge than it should for a new device — not straightforward that you use your phone heavily.

You need to bring your phone to an Apple Store or contact Apple Support to have them test the battery. They run a diagnostic that shows the current capacity. If the test confirms a defect, the replacement is free. If the battery is straightforward worn from normal use over time, you pay the standard $69.

AppleCare+ does not waive the $69 fee for normal battery wear. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage (with a deductible) and hardware failures, but battery degradation from regular charging cycles is considered normal wear.

Third-party repair shops and their trade-offs

Independent phone repair shops typically charge $30 to $60 for an iPhone battery replacement. This is cheaper than Apple, but comes with real differences in what you get.

Third-party shops often use aftermarket batteries — batteries made by companies other than Apple. These batteries work, but may not last as long or charge as reliably as Apple's original batteries. Some shops use refurbished batteries salvaged from other phones, which carry unknown history. A few reputable shops use genuine Apple batteries they source independently, but you have to ask.

When a third-party shop replaces your battery, that repair is not covered by Apple's warranty. If something goes wrong with the battery or the phone stops working after the repair, Apple will not fix it for free. The shop itself may offer a warranty on their work — typically 30 to 90 days — but this is much shorter than Apple's coverage.

Choosing a third-party shop means reading reviews carefully and asking exactly what battery they use and what warranty they offer on the repair itself.

How to check your battery's current health

You can see your battery's current capacity without visiting a repair shop. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. The number shown under "Maximum Capacity" tells you what percentage of the battery's original charge it can still hold.

A new iPhone battery shows 100 percent. After a year of normal use, it typically drops to 95 to 98 percent. After two years, 85 to 90 percent is normal. Once it falls below 80 percent, you may notice the phone drains faster or shuts down unexpectedly under heavy use.

This screen also shows "Condition" — either "Normal" or "Service Recommended." If it says "Service Recommended," Apple considers the battery degraded enough that replacement would improve performance. This does not mean the battery is defective; it means it has worn to the point where you would benefit from replacing it.

Mail-in versus in-store repair timing

An Apple Store battery replacement usually takes about an hour. You can often book an appointment online through Apple's website or the Apple Support app. Walk-in service is available but may have a wait, especially on weekends.

Apple's mail-in service takes three to five business days once they receive your phone. You start the process through Apple Support, and they email you a prepaid shipping label. You pack the phone, drop it off, and Apple sends it back once the battery is replaced. The total time from shipping to receiving your phone back is usually one to two weeks.

If you cannot be without your phone for that long, in-store is faster. If you live far from an Apple Store or prefer not to travel, mail-in works but requires patience.

What happens if you ignore a degraded battery

A phone with a worn battery will drain faster, especially in cold weather or during heavy use. You may also see unexpected shutdowns — the phone powers off even though the battery percentage shows 20 or 30 percent remaining. This happens because the battery cannot deliver the power the phone needs in that moment.

A degraded battery does not damage the rest of your phone. It will not cause data loss or hardware failure. But it makes the phone less usable, and you may find yourself charging multiple times a day or carrying a portable charger constantly.

Replacing the battery does not extend your phone's lifespan indefinitely. Other components age too. But a fresh battery often makes an older phone feel usable again for another year or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?

AppleCare+ does not cover normal battery wear. It covers accidental damage and hardware failures, but battery degradation from regular charging is considered normal use. You still pay $69 for a battery replacement even with AppleCare+.

Can I replace the battery myself?

iPhones are glued shut and require special tools to open safely. Attempting it yourself risks damaging the screen, logic board, or other components. Apple and most third-party shops recommend against DIY replacement unless you have professional experience.

Is a third-party battery as good as an Apple battery?

Aftermarket batteries work, but Apple's original batteries are engineered specifically for each iPhone model and typically last longer. Quality varies widely among third-party batteries. Ask the shop whether they use genuine Apple batteries, refurbished batteries, or new aftermarket batteries before you commit.

How long does a new battery last?

A new iPhone battery is designed to retain 80 percent of its capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, this typically means two to three years before you notice significant degradation, depending on how often you charge and how you use the phone.

What if my phone is too old to repair?

Apple repairs iPhones going back several years, though parts availability eventually becomes a constraint. If your phone is very old, Apple may tell you repair is not possible. In that case, a third-party shop may still be able to help, or recycling the phone and upgrading is the practical option.