Most of us know that smartphone batteries degrade as we recharge them, and there's no exception when it comes to iPhones. Fortunately, a weak battery doesn't mean you need an all-new iPhone - you can just replace the battery instead. If this is a path you want to go take, here's what you need to know.
Why replace an iPhone battery?
All smartphone batteries get weaker over time. iPhones (and every other Apple product) use lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time due to the battery's chemical composition. Apple says the iPhone battery is designed to retain 80% of its original capacity over 500 complete recharges.
Replacing an old iPhone battery with a new one will restore performance to "normal". In addition, a fresh battery
will mean your iPhone will last longer before going flat.
Since Batterygate in 2017, Apple has made efforts to better educate consumers on battery performance and better-publicised features that lower performance to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
In 2020, Apple settled for $500 million in a California court after it was found that versions of iOS from 10.2.1 onward reduced the peak performance of older iPhone models with degraded batteries to prevent unexpected shutdowns. The shutdowns would've been caused by the older iPhones drawing more power than the batteries could provide.
When should you replace an iPhone battery?
Apple suggests you replace your iPhone battery once it reaches 80% maximum capacity, which should take an estimated 500 recharges. Previous Apple estimates found that if you're recharging once a day you should need to replace your battery every 16-18 months. If you are willing to put it off until 60-70% maximum capacity you may be able to wait until the 2-year mark.
If you want to check the health of your battery (available on iOS 11.3 or newer), you can do so by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Battery and then Battery Health & Charging
This will show the maximum capacity of your battery. If your iPhone performance is being throttled due to a reduced battery, you'll be able to disable this here. Disabling performance throttling can however lead to unexpected shutdowns or app crashes.
You also have the option of turning on Optimised Battery Charging which allows your iPhone to learn your charging routine and not charge past 80% until you need it. iPhone 15 models can even show how many charge cycles the phone has completed.
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Should I replace the battery or the whole phone?
Like most things, iPhones have a shelf life and at some point, there will just be no point salvaging an older iPhone, instead an phone upgrade may be in order. If you have an iPhone X, iPhone 8 or iPhone 7, battery replacement may not be the answer.
| Still Sold | Still Supported | |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Plus | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Pro | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone SE (2022) | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 13 mini | No | Yes |
| iPhone 13 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 13 Pro | No | Yes |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | No | Yes |
| iPhone 12 models | No | Yes |
| iPhone 11 models | No | Yes |
| iPhone SE (2020) | No | Yes |
| iPhone XS/XR models | No | Yes |
| iPhone X, iPhone 8 models, and older | No | No |
Assuming you have an original iPhone 8 or iPhone X, battery replacement is still an option. At the same time, Apple no longer supports these phones with new software and security updates. As such, we'd recommend most opt for a new phone instead.
Similarly, the iPhone XS and iPhone XR will likely lose software updates in the next year or so, so it may be worth considering if you really want to hold on to the device. Instead, it may be time to look for a new or refurbished iPhone.
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How much will an iPhone battery replacement cost me?
If your iPhone is still under warranty, covered by consumer law or AppleCare Plus, Apple will replace your battery free of charge.
If you're not covered by any of the aforementioned, what you'll pay will depend on which iPhone you have. An out-of-warranty battery replacement for most iPhones newer than the 3rd generation iPhone SE costs at least $114.90, but iPhone repair costs will vary depending on age, warranty, and whether you're an AppleCare Plus customer.
| Covered by AppleCare Plus | Out of warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 models | $0 | $169 |
| iPhone 14 models | $0 | $169 |
| iPhone 13 models | $0 | $149 |
| iPhone 12 models | $0 | $149 |
| iPhone 11 models | $0 | $149 |
| iPhone XS models | $0 | $149 |
| iPhone XR | $0 | $149 |
| iPhone X | $0 | $149 |
| iPhone 8 models | $0 | $114.90 |
| iPhone 7 models | $0 | $114.90 |
| iPhone SE models | $0 | $114.90 |
Where can I get my iPhone battery replaced?
You get your iPhone battery replaced either in-store or by mailing your device to Apple. If you go for the in-store option, you can either make an appointment at an Apple Store or take it to an authorised third-party Apple retailer.
If you don't have a store nearby, Apple will send you a box that you can use to ship your iPhone to an Apple Repair Centre. Apple estimates that you'll typically get your iPhone back in between six and ten days.
Which iPhones are eligible for a battery replacement?
Apple should be able to replace the battery of any iPhone. However, at a minimum, the company will definitely replace batteries on devices as old as the 2016 iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Apple will typically only replace your battery if it retains less than 80% of its original capacity. You check capacity under the Battery Health & Charging section in Settings.
Alex Choros
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