iPhone Battery Replacement: Is it Worth the Cost?

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We are approaching smartphone upgrade season, the moment when Apple fans consider spending more than $1,000 outright for the latest handset or committing to a lengthy 24-month contract. The more conspiratorial will say that it’s no accident that the battery on their existing iPhone suddenly begins to drain with the arrival of a new range of iPhones and a new iOS, which forces them into yet another upgrade cycle.

Thankfully, there is another option that will enable you to finally break the cycle rather than the bank and keep your existing iPhone without sacrificing performance. Sure, you could spend $1,100 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and a range of new AI features. But why not give your old iPhone 14 Pro Max a new lease on life for $99?

At Techopedia, we explore how the Apple iPhone battery replacement program can help you save money and prevent you from confining another smartphone to a technology graveyard drawer or a landfill site near you.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple’s iPhone battery replacement program is free for AppleCare+ members and under $100 for everyone else.
  • The program applies to iPhones that hold less than 80% of their original capacity.
  • Competitively priced when compared to DIY options that void the warranty.
  • Huge savings and sustainable option for those who are not interested in new features or upgrading their handset

Why Is My iPhone Battery Degrading?

We all have different preferences, such as high display brightness, number of apps running in the background, notifications, GPS usage, or spending a lot of time in areas with poor cellular signal strength. These are all areas that can degrade your battery performance over time.

As your iPhone gets older, the amount of charge the battery can hold begins to diminish. Your first indicator of this is when you notice the much shorter amounts of time before your iPhone needs to be recharged again.

This is why you often see wall-hugging iPhone users desperately scrambling for unused power sockets in shopping malls and airports around the world.

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How Do I Know if I Have a Depleted iPhone Battery?

Apple considers an iPhone battery defective when it holds less than 80% of its original capacity. It’s easy to check your iPhone battery health and usage by navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. 

If your battery meets this criteria, you will be eligible for the iPhone battery replacement service.

IPhone battery health check.
IPhone battery health check. Source: Apple

How Much Is Apple’s iPhone Battery Replacement Service?

Once you have confirmed that your battery has degraded, you have several options that could restore your iPhone’s performance to its former glory.

If you have Apple Care iPhone support, Apple will replace the battery for free for supported devices. But it’s worth noting that AppleCare+ will cost over $200 over two years. So, if your iPhone is just coming to the end of a two-year subscription, it might be cheaper to opt for a new battery than another two years of Apple Care.

For everyone else, you need to make an Apple appointment, and Apple will replace your battery for under $100.

However, the iPhone battery replacement cost will depend on your current model.

Apple iPhone Battery Replacement Costs

iPhone Model Apple iPhone Battery Replacement Cost
iPhone 15 Battery Replacement (including Pro, Pro Max, and Plus) $99
iPhone 14 Battery Replacement (including Pro, Pro Max, and Plus) $99
iPhone 13 Battery Replacement (including Mini, Pro, and Pro Max) $89
iPhone 12 Battery Replacement  (including mini, Pro, and Pro Max) $89
iPhone 11 Battery Replacement (including Pro and Pro Max) $89
iPhone XS Battery Replacement (including Max) $89
iPhone X Battery Replacement $89
iPhone XR Battery Replacement $89
iPhone SE Battery Replacement (2nd and 3rd gen) $69
iPhone 8 Battery Replacement (including Plus) $69

Can You Replace the iPhone Battery Yourself?

The moment you choose to go rogue and attempt your first iPhone repair using third-party tools, you void the warranty. But if the iPhone is over 12 months old, there is an argument that it’s already out of warranty. There are many DIY services online that will provide you with the guides and tools you need to save a few pennies by using your technical skills.

If this is your first rodeo of changing a smartphone battery, you will need a set of tools, a new battery, and the confidence to complete the job without making any mistakes. If reading through the iFixit battery fix kit guide does not overwhelm you or fill you with dread, it could be your best option.

However, if you are the type of person who always has a few screws left over when putting something back together or enters panic mode after accidentally disturbing something inside, you are probably better off spending a few more dollars to have Apple take care of everything for you and avoid unnecessary stress.

Battery authenticity check
Battery authenticity check. Source: Apple

Depending on where you buy the replacement battery, there is always a risk that it will not be compatible with Apple’s monitoring feature. Whether this is a risk you will take to save $30 will give you the answer you want.

Is It Worth Replacing An iPhone Battery?

It’s easy to get distracted by the new features on the latest iPhone when watching the Apple Keynotes or following live blogs online. But very often, within a few weeks of using the latest model, you might be struck by the realization that it’s just another iPhone.

Whether you will replace your iPhone battery or upgrade to the latest iPhone depends entirely on whether you will use the new features.

For example, if you have the iPhone 14 Pro Max and are happy with every aspect of its performance other than the degrading battery, the big question is, do you want and need the AI features of a new iPhone 16? Or is it more sensible to replace the battery on your existing smartphone and save yourself a thousand dollars?

The Bottom Line

A $99 iPhone battery replacement could extend the life of your existing phone from two to four years. But your decision will depend on whether you have the inner strength to avoid FOMO when the Apple hype machine rolls into your town.

So, what’s it to be? A $99 new battery or $1,100 for a new iPhone with AI features, the choice is yours.

FAQs

How much would it cost to replace an iPhone battery?

Is battery replacement worth it on an iPhone?

Is it easy to replace your iPhone battery on your own?

Does replacing a battery void your phone warranty?

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Neil C. Hughes
Senior Technology Writer
Neil C. Hughes
Senior Technology Writer

Neil is a freelance tech journalist with 20 years of experience in IT. He’s the host of the popular Tech Talks Daily Podcast, picking up a LinkedIn Top Voice for his influential insights in tech. Apart from Techopedia, his work can be found on INC, TNW, TechHQ, and Cybernews. Neil's favorite things in life range from wandering the tech conference show floors from Arizona to Armenia to enjoying a 5-day digital detox at Glastonbury Festival and supporting Derby County.  He believes technology works best when it brings people together.