Your iPhone dies at 20 percent. Again. Or maybe your MacBook Air won't stay awake for a single flight without being tethered to a wall like a hospital patient. It's frustrating. You’ve probably peeked at that "Battery Health" setting and seen the dreaded "Service" warning. Now you're wondering: how much is a battery replacement at apple in 2026?
Honestly, the answer isn't a single number. It's a sliding scale of "surprisingly cheap" to "wait, I could buy a new device for that." Apple has a way of making these costs feel like a hidden tax on your loyalty. But if you know how the system works, you can usually avoid the most expensive traps.
The Real Cost of iPhone Battery Replacement
Let’s get the big one out of the way. If you’re rocking the latest tech, like the iPhone 17 Pro or the ultra-thin iPhone Air, you’re looking at a flat $119 for an out-of-warranty battery swap.
That’s the standard now.
It’s a bit of a jump from a few years ago when $69 was the norm. For older models—think iPhone 13 back to the iPhone X—you’re generally looking at **$89**. If you’ve managed to keep an iPhone 8 or something even older alive, the price usually drops to around $69.
Here is the breakdown of what you'll likely pay at the Genius Bar:
- iPhone 17 series & iPhone 16 Pro models: $119
- iPhone 14 and 15 series: $99
- iPhone X through iPhone 13: $89
- iPhone 8 and earlier (SE models included): $69
But here is the catch. These are "out-of-warranty" prices. If you have AppleCare+, that price tag disappears. It’s $0. There’s a specific rule, though: your battery health has to be below 80%. Apple technicians run a diagnostic, and if that number is 81%, they might actually refuse to replace it for free, even if you’re willing to pay. It’s a weirdly rigid policy that drives people crazy.
Why the iPad Battery Situation is Different
iPads are a different beast. Unlike the iPhone, where they literally just swap the battery inside your existing phone, Apple often just swaps the entire iPad. You give them your old one with the dead battery; they give you a refurbished unit that looks brand new.
Because of this, the "battery" service fee is higher. For most standard iPad models, iPad Air, and iPad Mini, you’re looking at $99 to $119.
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The Pro models? That’s where it gets pricey. A battery replacement for the newer iPad Pro models can climb up to $149 to $179 depending on the screen size and the year. It’s a lot of money for a battery, but considering you’re essentially getting a "fresh" device without scratches, some people find it worth the spend.
How Much Is a Battery Replacement at Apple for MacBooks?
MacBooks are where the sticker shock really hits. If you have a MacBook Air, an out-of-warranty battery replacement usually costs $159.
For the MacBook Pro? Expect to pay $249.
Why so much? It’s not just the battery cells. In modern MacBooks, the battery is often glued into the top case assembly. This means the technician isn't just swapping a battery; they are often replacing the entire middle section of the laptop, including the trackpad and the metal enclosure around the keyboard. It’s a labor-intensive job that takes a few hours, or sometimes requires mailing the laptop to a central repair hub.
The Apple Watch Factor
Apple Watches are surprisingly affordable to service, relatively speaking. Most models, including the Series 9, 10, and Ultra, cost about $99 for a battery replacement. Older versions might be around $79.
Again, like the iPad, Apple doesn't usually crack open your watch. They usually send you a replacement. If you have AppleCare+ for your watch, just like the iPhone, the cost is $0 once you dip below that 80% health threshold.
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Is Self-Service Repair Actually Worth It?
Apple launched a Self Service Repair program a while back. You can actually buy the genuine battery and the tools directly from them. For an iPhone 17, the battery part itself is about $99.
Wait. Think about that.
If the part is $99 and the professional service is $119, you’re only saving $20 to do it yourself. You have to deal with tiny screws, heat guns, and the very real risk of puncturing the battery or breaking the screen. Honestly, for $20, just let the pros do it. They give you a 90-day warranty on the repair. If you break it yourself, you’re on the hook for a $329 screen or a $700 "other damage" fee.
Misconceptions About "Third-Party" Shops
You’ll see kiosks at the mall offering battery swaps for $40. It’s tempting. But there is a massive "gotcha" here.
Since the iPhone 11, Apple has "serialized" their batteries. If a shop puts in a non-genuine battery—or even a genuine battery from another iPhone—your phone will show an "Unknown Part" message in settings. You lose the ability to see your Battery Health percentage.
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More importantly, some third-party batteries are just bad. They swell, they overheat, or they simply don't have the capacity they claim. If you’re going to keep the phone for another year, the extra $40 at the Apple Store is usually a better investment for your sanity.
Factors That Might Change Your Price
- Other Damage: If your screen is cracked, Apple will often refuse to replace the battery unless you also pay to fix the screen. They claim they can’t open the phone without the screen shattering further.
- Shipping Fees: If you don’t live near an Apple Store and have to mail it in, they sometimes tack on a $6.95 shipping fee.
- Taxes: None of the prices above include your local sales tax.
Actionable Steps to Save Money
Before you hand over your credit card, do these three things:
- Check for AppleCare+: You might have it and not even know. Go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone to check your coverage. If it’s there, your battery is free if it's failing.
- Run a Backup: Apple will wipe your device if they have to swap it (common with iPads and Watches). Back up to iCloud or a Mac before you go to the store.
- Check for Recalls: Sometimes Apple has "Service Programs" for specific batches of devices with faulty batteries. Search the Apple Service Programs page on their website to see if your serial number qualifies for a free replacement regardless of warranty.
The most important thing to remember is that a battery is a consumable. It’s supposed to die eventually. If your device is otherwise perfect, spending $100 to get another two or three years of life out of it is almost always cheaper than buying a new $1,000 phone.
To get started, head to the official Apple Support website and use their "Get an Estimate" tool. This will give you the exact price for your specific model in your local currency. You can then schedule a Genius Bar appointment or a mail-in repair directly from that page. Make sure you have your Apple ID password ready, as you'll need to turn off "Find My" before they can start any work.