Are you charging your iPhone at least once a day?
Then, chances are your battery is showing signs of wear and needs to be replaced.
If you, like thousands of other iPhone users, are wondering “how much to replace iPhone battery or is it better to just buy a new device”, we have the answers below.
We also included some helpful tips on how to tell if your battery is due for a replacement and where you can get a new one.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Battery Replaced in an iPhone?
iPhones are known for their durability, however, there is one part that will require a replacement, no matter how well you take care of your mobile phone—the battery.
iPhone batteries use lithium-ion technology which charges faster and lasts longer but tends to degrade over time.
The good news is that you can easily replace an iPhone battery for free if your device is covered by warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law.
To see if the iPhone beats Samsung in battery life and other features, take a look at this guide.
If not, Apple charges between $79 and $109 for a new iPhone battery, depending on the model.
Here is the pricing for each iPhone model:
iPhones are sold with a one-year warranty that includes coverage for a defective battery.
What is AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is a complimentary service that provides technical support, hardware and software solutions.
To check whether your phone is still under warranty or whether you have AppleCare+ coverage, enter your iPhone’s serial number here.
With AppleCare+ you get:
- Direct access to Apple experts (phone or chat)
- Same day service in most metropolitan areas
- Express replacement service
- Coverage for up to two incidents every 12 months (if your phone is accidentally damaged)
- Free battery replacement if your battery retained less than 80% of its original capacity
Note: Apple provides AppleCare+ plans for other products, including Macs and iPads, although each product needs to be covered by a separate plan.
Is It Worth It to Replace a Battery in an iPhone?
This depends on the model you have.
Are products still Apple’s biggest revenue stream or is the company’s shift towards service picking up? Take a look at the latest Apple sales statistics to find out.
Older models might not be worth the trouble since you cannot replace the battery of any phone prior to the iPhone 6. If you are still holding on to an older iPhone model, it might be best to get an upgrade.
If you have an iPhone 7 or 8 that is in good working order, getting an Apple battery replacement is an option to consider.
However, if there are other repairs needed, purchasing a newer model could be a more cost-effective option. You could also consider a trade-in—this way you stand to get more money than by trying to sell an older model with a non-working battery.
For newer versions, the dilemma between getting a replacement battery and buying a new device is a no-brainer. Even if your Apple battery replacement is not free of charge, it still costs much less than getting a new smartphone. Case in point: a new 128GB iPhone 13 costs $1,350, while a replacement battery is just $109 (or free if you have coverage).
To find out more about traded-in and refurbished phones and laptops in Australia, check out this guide.
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When Should You Get an iPhone Battery Replaced?
The iPhone battery is designed to hold 80% of its original capacity for up to 500 charge cycles. For most users, this translates to around 18 to 24 months.
However, battery life is not determined just by time—it also depends on how you use your smartphone. For instance, clearing your cache could help boost performance and keep the device running smoothly for longer.
As your iPhone battery degrades, you will start to see slower performance on your device. In extreme cases, your phone may even shut down frequently, making it impossible to use, although this is rare with iPhones, especially the newer models.
Some of the signs indicating that your battery is no longer providing enough juice for your smartphone, include:
- Apps will take longer to launch or may need to be reloaded if they have been running in the background
- You will see lower frame rates when scrolling
- The backlight might be dimmed
- Speaker volume could go down by -3 dB
The essential functions of your iPhone will not be affected. These include GPS and location, call quality, photo and video quality and Apple Pay.
Noticing the effects of a dying battery may be harder in newer models since they incorporate more sophisticated hardware and software. For example, the iPhone 13s and later models have Optimized Battery Charging on by default—a feature that delays charging past 80%, reducing the wear on your battery and prolonging its lifespan
Optimized Battery Charging on by default—a feature that delays charging past 80%, reducing the wear on your battery and prolonging its lifespan.
So, to be on the safe side, Apple has included a new feature in their iPhones that shows battery health and recommends if the battery needs to be replaced.
To check your battery health, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
On the screen, you will see the battery’s maximum capacity and peak performance capability. If performance is normal and your battery’s max capacity is at 100% (or slightly less), then your battery is fine.
However, if it goes under 80% or you see a message that says your battery health has degraded considerably, it’s time to get it replaced.
On the other hand, if you own an Apple Pencil and you want to charge it with your iPhone, you may want to read this guide first.
Where Can I Replace an iPhone Battery in AU?
If you need an Apple battery replacement, there are two official options available.
1. Send the phone in for repairs at an Apple Repair Centre
Apple will send a box to collect your iPhone, replace the battery and return your device in three to five working days.
2. Bring in the device at an Apple Store or Apple authorised service location
In this case you would have to make an appointment and actually go to a specified location, but on the flip side the battery will be replaced instantly.
Note: if there are other issues with your iPhone, then the device will be sent to an Apple Repair Centre.
There are four Apple Authorised Service Providers in Australia that provide genuine Apple parts and employ staff trained by Apple.
You can always take your smartphone to an unauthorised repair specialist, although keep in mind that prices vary, and some might even be higher than what Apple will charge you for a replacement battery.
What Should I Do Before Taking the Phone in for Service?
It’s a good idea to go through these steps before you bring in or send your phone for a replacement battery.
Can I replace an iPhone battery myself?
Technically, yes. You could buy an iPhone Battery Replacement Repair Kit for $64.99 and watch some online tutorials. Another popular option is iFixit, a US how-to-website, which has extensive repair guides on almost all iPhone models.
- Make sure you backup your device
- Have your Apple ID password at hand as you might be asked to clean your phone before it gets serviced
- Have the battery at 30% (if possible)
- Bring a sales receipt (if you have one)
- Take any phone accessories that you think might be needed
- Bring some form of identification.
However, replacing the battery yourself is not recommended for the following reasons:
- Taking the battery out is a long and tedious process
- You might damage the phone if you don’t do it right
- You could affect the phone’s waterproof capabilities by messing with the structure
- Your warranty will be void
- The repair kits costs slightly less than what Apple charges for some iPhone models
Bottom Line
If you notice that your battery is degrading, you should not hesitate to get it replaced. It is free of charge if you are covered by a warranty or AppleCare+, but even out-of-warranty costs are not that high—ranging from $79 to $109, depending on the model.
When calculating how much to replace iphone battery costs, remember that you could replace the battery yourself or take it to an unauthorised repair shop, however, you run the risk of losing your warranty and damaging your phone, which could end up costing you more.
1. How long does it take to replace an iPhone battery?
If you take the phone to an Apple store or an authorised service location, the battery replacement procedure should not take longer than 30 minutes.
2. Does charging my Apple Pencil with my iPhone drain the battery?
Yes. You can charge your Apple Pencil with your iPhone, but it is very likely that your iPhone battery will drain faster.
3. How much does an iPhone X battery replacement cost?
If you have a warranty or are covered by AppleCare+, it costs nothing to get a battery replaced. If not, an iPhone X battery replacement would cost $109.
