iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model, with some older phones no longer supported

Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement: $69 for iPhone 11 and earlier 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. Third-party repair shops typically charge $30 to $60, though quality and warranty coverage vary widely.

The cost depends on three things: whether your phone is under warranty, which iPhone model you have, and where you go for the repair. Understanding each option helps you decide what makes sense for your situation and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $69 for iPhone 11 and older, $99 for iPhone 12 and newer, but the service is free if you have AppleCare+ or are still within the one-year limited warranty.
  • Your iPhone battery is considered worn out when it holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity, which Apple will check for free before charging you.
  • Third-party repair shops cost less upfront but may use non-original parts and offer shorter or no warranty on the replacement battery.
  • Mail-in repair through Apple takes about 5 to 7 business days, while in-store service at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop is usually same-day or next-day.
  • Some carriers like Verizon and AT&T offer battery replacement through their own repair programs, sometimes at a discount if you're a customer.

What Apple charges for battery replacement

Apple's pricing is straightforward: $69 for iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone X, and all earlier models; $99 for iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16. These prices are for out-of-warranty replacement. The service includes a new battery, labor, and a 90-day warranty on the battery itself.

Before you pay anything, Apple will run a battery health check at no cost. This tells you the current capacity of your battery as a percentage of its original capacity. If it's above 80 percent, Apple will not replace it under their battery service — they consider that normal wear. If it's below 80 percent, you can choose to replace it at the prices above.

You can check your own battery health before visiting Apple. On any iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. The number shown as "Maximum Capacity" is what Apple will verify. If it's already below 80 percent, you know a replacement will be offered.

When the replacement is free

If your iPhone is within its first year from the date of purchase, battery replacement is free under Apple's limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, which includes batteries that fail prematurely. You'll need your proof of purchase (receipt or order confirmation) to claim this.

AppleCare+ also covers battery replacement at no cost, even after the one-year warranty ends. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 depending on your model and includes two years of coverage from the date you buy it. If you already have AppleCare+, battery replacement is always free as long as the plan is active.

If your battery failed because of physical damage to the phone (a cracked screen, water damage, or a dent that affected the battery), Apple will not cover it under warranty. They will charge the standard replacement fee instead.

How much third-party repair shops charge

Independent repair shops and chain retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and local phone repair stores typically charge $30 to $60 for battery replacement. Some shops charge a flat rate; others charge by model. Newer iPhones usually cost more to replace than older ones because the battery is harder to access.

The trade-off is that third-party shops often use non-original batteries. These may work fine, but they sometimes have shorter lifespan or do not hold a charge as well as Apple's batteries. Ask the shop whether they use original Apple batteries or third-party alternatives before you commit.

Warranty coverage also varies. Some shops offer a 30-day or 90-day warranty on the battery; others offer none. If the replacement battery fails after you leave, you may have no recourse. Always ask what warranty comes with the service and get it in writing.

Carrier repair programs and other options

Verizon and AT&T both offer battery replacement through their own repair services. Verizon charges $29 to $49 depending on the model, and AT&T charges $29 to $49 as well. If you are a customer of either carrier, you can schedule a repair at a carrier store or through their website. Turnaround is usually 1 to 3 business days.

Some carriers bundle battery replacement into their device protection plans. If you pay for monthly device protection (usually $10 to $15 per month), battery replacement may be free or heavily discounted. Check your plan details or call your carrier to confirm what is covered.

Costco and Sam's Club also offer battery replacement for members at rates similar to third-party shops, usually $40 to $60. If you are a member, this can be a good option because these retailers tend to use quality parts and stand behind their work.

How long the repair takes

At an Apple Store, battery replacement usually takes the same day if you arrive early in the morning and the store is not busy. During peak times (weekends, holidays, back-to-school season), you may wait 1 to 3 days. You can make an appointment online at apple.com to skip the walk-in queue.

If you mail your iPhone to Apple, the repair takes about 5 to 7 business days plus shipping time. You start the process at apple.com/repair or by calling Apple Support. They will send you a prepaid shipping label, and you ship the phone to Apple's repair center. Once they receive it, the turnaround is usually 3 to 5 business days, then they ship it back to you.

Third-party shops vary widely. Some can replace a battery while you wait (30 minutes to 2 hours). Others may keep your phone overnight or for a few days. Call ahead to ask about their turnaround time before you drop off your phone.

What to do before you replace the battery

Back up your iPhone before you take it in for repair. Use iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or connect to a computer and use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows). A backup ensures that if something goes wrong during the repair, your data is safe.

If you have a passcode or Face ID enabled, disable it before the repair. Some repair shops ask you to do this so they can test the phone after the repair. You can turn it back on once you get the phone back.

Write down your Apple ID password and keep it handy. If the repair requires any software updates or if the phone needs to be restarted, you may be asked for your Apple ID. Do not give your password to the repair shop — they should never ask for it — but have it ready in case you need to enter it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my battery actually needs to be replaced?

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and look at the "Maximum Capacity" percentage. If it is below 80 percent and your phone is draining quickly or shutting down unexpectedly, replacement is worth considering. If the capacity is above 80 percent, the battery is still within normal range and replacement is not necessary.

Can I replace the battery myself?

Apple does not sell batteries to consumers for self-replacement, and opening an iPhone yourself will void any remaining warranty. If you try and damage the phone, Apple will charge you for the full repair. For most people, paying for professional replacement is safer and simpler.

Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it is slow or freezing?

Slowness and freezing are usually caused by software issues or lack of storage space, not the battery. A battery replacement will not fix these problems. Try restarting your phone, deleting unused apps, or updating to the latest iOS version first. If the phone still has problems, the issue may be something else.

What is the difference between Apple's battery replacement and a screen replacement?

Battery replacement costs $69 to $99 and takes 1 to 7 days depending on where you go. Screen replacement costs $129 to $329 depending on the model and usually takes the same day at an Apple Store. Both are separate services with separate costs.

If I replace the battery, will my phone work like new?

A new battery will restore the phone's ability to hold a charge, but it will not fix other wear and tear like a worn-out screen, slow processor, or storage issues. The phone will feel faster in the sense that it will not shut down unexpectedly, but it will not be as fast as a brand-new phone.