iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model, and takes one to two hours if parts are in stock
Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement on most iPhones. The exact price depends on whether you have an iPhone 15, 14, 13, or an older model — Apple's website lists the current price for your specific phone. If your battery is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery has genuinely failed (not just drained quickly), Apple replaces it at no cost.
Third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple, typically $40 to $70, but quality and warranty coverage vary widely. Some use genuine Apple parts; others use aftermarket batteries that may not last as long. If you go this route, ask the shop whether they use original or third-party parts before you hand over your phone.
You can also replace the battery yourself using a kit from Amazon or iFixit, which costs $15 to $30 for the battery and tools. This requires patience and a steady hand — you will be opening your phone and disconnecting the display. If something goes wrong, you have voided any remaining warranty and may have damaged the phone beyond repair.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model and is covered free if the battery failed within one year.
- Third-party repair shops typically charge $40 to $70 but may use aftermarket batteries with shorter lifespans instead of genuine Apple parts.
- DIY battery kits cost $15 to $30 but require opening your phone and risk damaging the display or other components if you make a mistake.
- Turnaround time at Apple is usually one to two hours if the battery is in stock, while third-party shops vary from same-day to several days.
When to replace your battery versus when to replace your phone
If your iPhone is more than three years old and the battery is failing, you should also consider whether the phone itself is worth keeping. A battery replacement extends the phone's life by one to three years, depending on how you use it. If you are already seeing cracks in the screen, the phone is slow, or the camera is failing, a new battery alone will not solve those problems.
If your phone is less than three years old and the battery is the only issue, replacement makes sense. You will get years of additional use for $70 to $100. If you are on a two-year upgrade cycle anyway, you might skip the replacement and move to a new phone instead.
How to check if your battery is actually failing
Before you pay for a replacement, confirm that the battery is the problem. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. Look at the "Maximum Capacity" number. If it is above 80 percent, your battery is still in reasonable condition — the phone draining quickly is usually a software issue, not a hardware one. If it is below 80 percent and you are seeing unexpected shutdowns or the phone dies at 20 percent, the battery is genuinely wearing out.
If Maximum Capacity is above 80 percent but the phone still drains fast, restart it first. Then check which apps are using the most battery by going to Settings, Battery, and looking at Battery Usage by App. A single app using 40 percent of your battery is the real problem, not the battery itself. Uninstalling or updating that app often fixes the issue without any hardware replacement.
Getting the replacement at Apple
You can book a battery replacement at Apple in two ways: online through apple.com or by calling your local Apple Store. Go to apple.com/support, select your device, choose "Battery and Charging," and then select "Battery Replacement Service." You will see available appointment times at stores near you. Pick a time and bring your phone and a valid ID.
Bring your phone charged to at least 50 percent. Apple will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is failing, show you the cost, and ask you to approve the repair before they start. The whole process takes one to two hours. You will get your phone back the same day with a new battery and a 90-day warranty on the replacement battery itself.
Third-party repair shops and mail-in services
If you do not have an Apple Store nearby or want to save money, third-party shops like Best Buy's Geek Squad, local independent repair shops, and mail-in services like iFixit offer battery replacement. Best Buy charges around $60 to $80 and usually completes the work within 24 hours. Independent shops vary by location — call ahead to ask their price and turnaround time.
Mail-in services like iFixit send you a prepaid shipping box, you mail your phone to them, they replace the battery, and they mail it back. This takes five to seven business days total and costs $50 to $80. The advantage is you do not have to leave home. The disadvantage is you are without your phone for a week. Before you choose any third-party shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or aftermarket ones, and what warranty they offer on the repair.
What happens if you ignore a failing battery
A phone with a failing battery will not suddenly stop working, but it will become increasingly unreliable. You will see unexpected shutdowns when the battery percentage is still 20 or 30 percent. The phone will take longer to charge. Over time, the battery will hold less and less charge, and you will find yourself plugging in multiple times a day. None of this damages the phone permanently — replacing the battery restores normal function.
The only real risk is that a severely degraded battery can swell inside the phone, which can damage the screen or other components. This is rare but possible. If you notice the back of your phone bulging or the screen lifting away from the frame, stop using it and take it to Apple or a repair shop immediately. Do not try to replace the battery yourself in this case — a swollen battery is a fire hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple replace the battery if I have AppleCare+?
Yes. If your phone is covered by AppleCare+ and the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity, Apple replaces it at no cost. Without AppleCare+, you pay the standard $69 to $99 fee. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your iPhone model, so it only makes financial sense if you plan to keep the phone for several years and expect other repairs.
Can I replace the battery myself without damaging the phone?
It is possible but requires care. You will need to remove the display, disconnect the battery connector, and peel out the old battery. If you slip with the pry tool, you can crack the display or damage the logic board. Most people who attempt this successfully watch a detailed video for their specific model first. If you are not comfortable with small electronics, the $70 Apple fee is worth the peace of mind.
How long does a new battery last after replacement?
A genuine Apple battery typically lasts three to five years under normal use. Aftermarket batteries from third-party shops may last two to three years. Battery lifespan depends on how often you charge it, whether you let it drain to zero regularly, and how hot your phone gets. Keeping your phone cool and avoiding extreme charge cycles extends battery life.
Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it is running slowly?
Not necessarily. A failing battery can cause slowdowns because the phone throttles performance to avoid unexpected shutdowns. If Maximum Capacity is below 80 percent, replacing the battery may restore speed. If Maximum Capacity is above 80 percent, the slowness is caused by something else — usually too many apps running, insufficient storage, or an outdated iOS version. Check your storage first by going to Settings, General, iPhone Storage.
What is the difference between Apple's battery replacement and a screen replacement?
Battery replacement costs $69 to $99 and takes one to two hours. Screen replacement costs $169 to $329 depending on your model and also takes one to two hours. Both are covered free under AppleCare+ if you have it. Battery replacement is one of the cheapest repairs Apple offers, which is why it is often worth doing even on older phones.