Most of us know that smartphonebatteries degrade as we recharge them, and there’s no exception when it comesto 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.
– 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, but last year it
was revealed that versions of iOS from 10.2.1 onward reduce the peak
performance of older iPhone models with degraded batteries to prevent
unexpected shutdowns. Apple says these shutdowns would be caused by older
iPhones drawing more power than the battery can provide in a single instance.
The decrease in peak performance should initially only be noticeable when using
particularly demanding apps.
was revealed that versions of iOS from 10.2.1 onward reduce the peak
performance of older iPhone models with degraded batteries to prevent
unexpected shutdowns. Apple says these shutdowns would be caused by older
iPhones drawing more power than the battery can provide in a single instance.
The decrease in peak performance should initially only be noticeable when using
particularly demanding apps.
iPhones use lithium-ion batteries (as with all smartphones),
which 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.
which 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.
performance to “normal”. In addition, a fresh battery will mean your
iPhone will last longer before going flat.
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:
iOS 11.3 or newer), you can do so by following these steps:
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.
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.
How much will an iPhone battery replacement cost me?
If your iPhone is still under warranty, covered by consumerlaw, or you AppleCare+, Apple will replace your battery for
free if of charge.
free if of charge.
If you’re not covered by any of the aforementioned, what you’ll
pay will depend on which iPhone have you have. An out of warranty battery
replacement for the iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR will set
you back $105.
pay will depend on which iPhone have you have. An out of warranty battery
replacement for the iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR will set
you back $105.
Out of battery replacement for all other eligible models –
including the iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus,
iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus – is $75.
including the iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus,
iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus – is $75.
Apple will add on a $19.95 shipping fee if you’re sending in
your iPhone by post.
your iPhone by post.
Where can I get my iPhone battery replaced?
You get your iPhone battery replaced either in-store or bymailing 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.
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 about a week.
you can use to ship your iPhone to an Apple Repair Centre. Apple estimates that
you’ll typically get your iPhone back in about a week.
What 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 2014 iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
as old as the 2014 iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Apple will typically only replace your battery if it retains
less than 80% of its original capacity.
less than 80% of its original capacity.
Who should replace their iPhone battery?
If your iPhone is around two years old and you’d prefer to holdonto it rather than buying a new one, replacing the battery is a pretty goodidea. Even if you haven’t noticed any performance impacts, a fresh battery will
extend the life of your iPhone and give you a bit more juice to get through the
day.
extend the life of your iPhone and give you a bit more juice to get through the
day.