iPhone Battery Replacement Cost: Should You Get a Replacement Battery or a New Phone?

Does your iPhone battery struggle to hold a charge? Over time, lithium-ion batteries can degrade, and your phone’s performance can decline as a result. If your battery health is struggling, don’t worry — you still have options.

You could replace your existing battery with a new one, providing your iPhone with an extended lifespan. On the other hand, you could replace your used phone with an upgraded device, which can be a great option if your iPhone has other problems (like a cracked screen or overheating issues) in addition to its old battery.

In addition, there are several other elements that can affect the pricing dynamics of an iPhone battery replacement. Which model do you have? How will you have the repairs done? Will you opt for first-party components or third-party parts? And, overall, which is the most cost-effective route for you?

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an iPhone Battery?

There are three crucial components when it comes to the cost of replacing an iPhone battery: which type of iPhone you own, whether it has any other issues, and how you choose to have it repaired. Costs can vary so widely based on these elements that they can affect whether or not your phone is worth repairing at all. Let’s walk through them one by one and consider how each factor plays into your specific circumstances.

Does Your iPhone Have Any Other Damage?

If your iPhone is old enough to need a new battery, there’s a good chance that it also has some other issues. From a cracked screen to a worn-out processor, a lot can go wrong with an iPhone that’s been in heavy use for several years.

If this is the case with your device, simply replacing the battery is no guarantee that your iPhone will return to its former glory. In fact, restoring battery health can make other issues more obvious in some situations. For example, if your phone is overheating and you think it’s due to a malfunctioning battery, replacing the battery only for the device to keep overheating means something else is wrong.

In short, make sure to consider your iPhone’s holistic condition before replacing the battery. The more that’s wrong with your phone, the less likely it is that repairing it is a cost-effective option.

What Kind of iPhone Do You Have?

Your iPhone model is a crucial factor, as newer models use more powerful batteries that are often more expensive to fix. For example, we reviewed Apple’s online iPhone Repair and Service page to get some quotes for new batteries. Here’s what we found for various iPhone models (keep in mind that these are Apple’s in-house prices for battery replacement without AppleCare+):

• iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max: $119

• iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 15 Series (all models), 14 Series (all models): $99

• iPhone 13 Series (all models), 12 Series (all models), 11 Series (all models), X Series (all models): $89

• iPhone 8 Series (all models), 7 Series (all models), 6 Series (all models), SE Series (all models): $69

While there is clearly some variance based on what kind of iPhone you have, your chosen repair method could have an even bigger effect on overall pricing.

Where Are You Getting It Fixed?

How much it costs to replace an iPhone battery can also vary significantly based on whether you get the work done by Apple itself or at a third-party repair shop. Or you can try to do your own repairs, but this option is often much more hassle than it’s worth.

Apple iPhone Repair and Service

Before we get too much further into the brass tacks, we should mention that AppleCare+ covers battery replacement services at no additional cost beyond your monthly service fee. The only catch is that your battery must retail “less than 80% of its original capacity” to qualify for free replacement, according to the fine print on Apple’s website.

Don’t have AppleCare+? Don’t worry! As we outlined above, you can still have your battery replaced by Apple’s in-house experts for between $69 and $119, depending on your exact model of iPhone.

If you choose Apple’s first-party repair services, you can make an in-person appointment at an Apple Store or with an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If this isn’t convenient for you, you can also mail your iPhone directly to Apple, and they’ll return it to you when they’ve replaced your battery.

Obviously, the mail-in option takes much longer than dropping it off in person, but the latter isn’t always convenient, especially if you live in a rural area or a region that’s underserved by Apple’s first-party services. That said, your costs will stay the same either way.

Independent Repair Shops

If you don’t have AppleCare+, you can usually save some money if you use a reputable third-party electronics repair shop instead of Apple’s in-house repair services. This could also be a convenience advantage for some of you, especially if you live near an independent repair service.

However, we’ll note that one of the reasons this route can be less expensive is that these shops often use generic, third-party replacement parts instead of genuine Apple components. Not only do these third-party batteries often wear out faster due to normal use than first-party Apple parts, but they can also void your warranty and decrease your device’s resale value.

Apple’s warranty only covers devices that include first-party parts, and the use of generic replacement parts isn’t allowed. Furthermore, most people would rather buy a certified refurbished iPhone than one that has been Frankensteined together using an array of parts from different brands.

The DIY Method

“I’m a tech-savvy individual, and I have all the tools needed. Why shouldn’t I fix my own iPhone?” While this might sound like a good idea, it usually isn’t! You can get a battery replacement kit to repair your own device, and these can cost as little as $20-30.

However, even if everything goes right, the point from the previous section about using third-party parts still stands. In short, your phone will be worth less if it includes anything other than genuine Apple components. Furthermore, even the act of opening your own phone can void the warranty in many cases. That said, Apple does offer users the option to buy genuine Apple parts to repair their own devices, but this is only available if the warranty has already expired.

Either way, there are quite a few steps involved with replacing your own iPhone battery, and making any mistakes could ruin your device. Misplace one tiny screw or bracket, and you might not even be able to put your iPhone back together again. In general, the DIY option often isn’t worth the risks involved.

Where Should I Sell My iPhone if the Battery Can’t Be Replaced?

If your iPhone is beyond repair or you’ve simply decided it’s time for an upgrade, you’ll want to sell your old device. But where is the best place to do so?

Apple doesn’t buy used devices that aren’t fully functional. Furthermore, selling your iPhone to a pawn shop or on eBay frequently requires negotiations and legwork, and you’ll often have to settle for a lower rate than you’d like to.

If you want to maximize your financial return and minimize your hassles, sell your device at your nearest ecoATM kiosk and walk away with cash in hand. Here’s how it works.

Selling Your Used iPhone With ecoATM

The first step is getting a pricing quote for your iPhone. You can either do this using our online “Price Your Device” tool or by visiting an ecoATM kiosk for an evaluation. Once we have some basic details about your iPhone — such as its model, physical condition, functionality, etc. — we’ll provide you with a quote.

If you think the price we quote is a good value for your phone, you can continue with the process. It’s important to wipe your personal data from the device before selling it, as this both protects your privacy and helps us prepare the phone for resale. You should back up any important information, including photos, videos, app data, and more. Then, log out of your accounts, charge your phone, and restore the device to its original factory settings.

At this point, your iPhone is ready to sell at an ecoATM kiosk. Use the locator tool on our website to find out where to take your smartphone — with over 6,000 kiosks in retail centers across the country, you’ll probably find one near you. Connect your iPhone to the kiosk and allow it to perform some diagnostic checks.

Then, all you need to do is accept our monetary offer — if you do, you can leave your device behind and walk away with instant cash in your pocket. Or, if you prefer, you can choose a Venmo or PayPal payment instead of cash.

Environmental Responsibility and ecoATM: Working Hand in Hand for a Greener Tomorrow

In addition to providing instant cash for your old electronics, ecoATM has another big advantage: our environmental responsibility. We’re so committed to the environment that we’ll recycle your used iPhone for free, even if we can’t resell it to a new buyer.

That’s how we’ve managed to help recycle over 50 million smartphones and tablets to date. When you recycle a device instead of throwing it in the trash, you take a two-pronged approach to saving the planet.

First, you’ll keep the device out of the landfill, where it can leach harsh, toxic chemicals into the air, water, and soil. Additionally, when ecoATM resells refurbished electronics, we help reduce the overmanufacturing of new devices, which decreases the need for mining the raw materials used to create smartphones and tablets.

Overall, selling your device with ecoATM helps the environment and your wallet at the same time. If that sounds like a good combination to you, visit our website today and provide a few details about your iPhone. We’ll tell you how much it’s worth and help you find a new buyer for it.

And keep in mind that even if we can’t resell your iPhone, we’ll still accept it for recycling purposes and contribute to a waste-free planet!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my battery needs replacing?

It’s quite simple to check your iPhone’s battery life and figure out if you need a replacement. If you’ve noticed power loss or you’re having issues with the device holding a charge, visit the Settings app, then choose “Battery.” From there, tap “Battery Health and Charging.” On the following screen, your iPhone will display information about the battery’s current capacity, peak performance capabilities, and whether your battery needs attention or not. Generally speaking, if your battery health is less than 80%, it’s a good idea to have it replaced.

How long does an iPhone battery typically last?

According to Apple’s official documentation, the expected lifespan of your battery varies considerably based on which iPhone model you own. For the iPhone 15 Series and later, Apple’s batteries should “retain 80% of their original capacity at 1,000 complete charge cycles.” However, for the iPhone 14 Series and earlier, you should only expect your battery to reach 80% of its original capacity for 500 charge cycles.

What do third-party experts say about this? While your results could vary significantly based on your usage patterns and other variables, most experts say that an iPhone battery should last for at least two years. Some iPhone batteries can remain in good health for three years or longer, especially if you have a newer model and take good care of your smartphone.

Can I sell my phone if the battery doesn’t work?

This all depends on where you choose to sell it. If you want to sell your device directly to Apple, it will need to be in good working condition, as Apple doesn’t offer to buy damaged or broken devices. That said, if you bring it to an ecoATM kiosk, we’ll evaluate its condition and make you a cash offer. If your iPhone doesn’t have any other damage, there’s a good chance we’ll still be able to offer you cash for your used device.

Is it cheaper to replace my battery or buy a new iPhone?

It’s often more cost-effective to get a new battery than it is to get a new phone. However, if you sell your old phone to ecoATM for cash, you can use that money toward an upgraded device. Furthermore, our sister company Gazelle sells refurbished iPhones at deep discounts compared to retail price, making your next device much more affordable.