You’re staring at that little number in your Settings app. 84%. 82%. Maybe you’ve finally hit the dreaded 79%. It feels like your iPhone is dying faster every day, and honestly, it probably is. But the question of when will apple replace battery for you—especially for free—isn't as straightforward as just walking into a store and asking nicely.
Apple is notoriously stingy about this. They have a very specific set of rules, and if you don’t meet them, you’re either opening your wallet or living with a phone that’s permanently tethered to a wall outlet.
The Magic Number: Why 80% is the Threshold
Let’s get the big one out of the way. If you have AppleCare+ or you’re still under your standard one-year limited warranty, Apple will generally only replace your battery for free if the maximum capacity has dropped below 80%.
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Why 80? Well, according to Apple’s engineering standards, a "normal" battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after a certain number of charge cycles. For the iPhone 14 and older, that’s about 500 cycles. If you’ve got an iPhone 15 or one of the newer iPhone 16 or 17 models, they’ve actually doubled that to 1,000 cycles.
Basically, if you’re at 81%, you’re "healthy" in Apple’s eyes. Even if you feel like the phone is sluggish or dying by 3 PM, the Genius Bar will likely run a diagnostic and tell you it’s performing within normal parameters.
It’s frustrating. I’ve seen people at 81% whose phones were visibly struggling, but because the software didn’t flag it, they were told to wait. On the flip side, if your phone starts doing "unexpected shutdowns" even at a higher percentage, that’s a hardware defect. In that case, when will apple replace battery becomes a "right now" situation, regardless of the percentage, because the battery is technically failing, not just wearing down.
What it Costs if You’re Paying Out of Pocket
If you aren’t covered by AppleCare+ or you’re well past your first year of ownership, you’re looking at a fee. And those fees have crept up.
In 2026, the pricing is fairly standardized but it isn't cheap. For the latest flagship models like the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, or the ultra-thin iPhone Air, a battery replacement costs $119.
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Here is a quick look at what you’re likely to pay depending on what you’re carrying:
- iPhone 16 and 17 lineups: $119
- iPhone 13, 14, and 15 models: Around $99
- Older models with Home buttons (iPhone SE, iPhone 8): Usually $69
- MacBook Air: Roughly $159
- MacBook Pro: A steeper $249
- iPad models: Usually around $119, though iPad battery service often results in a whole-unit replacement rather than a simple battery swap.
If you’re in China right now, you might actually be in luck. There were reports earlier in 2026 about a specific service program for the iPhone 13 family where they cut the battery replacement price nearly in half—down to 399 yuan (about $57)—until April 2026. Everywhere else? You’re paying the full "Apple Tax."
When to Pull the Trigger on a Replacement
Don't just watch the percentage. Watch the behavior.
I’ve had friends keep an iPhone until it hit 72% battery health. At that point, the phone was practically a desktop computer because it had to be plugged in constantly. But more importantly, the phone was slow.
When your battery health degrades, iOS applies "performance management." This is a fancy way of saying they throttle your CPU so the phone doesn't pull too much power and crash. If your apps are stuttering or the keyboard takes three seconds to pop up, it’s time.
Signs you shouldn't wait for 80%:
- Sudden Shutdowns: If your phone dies at 20% and then jumps back to 15% when you plug it in.
- Heat: If the back of the phone feels like a hot plate during a simple FaceTime call.
- Bulging: This is a safety issue. If you see the screen lifting or a gap in the frame, stop using it immediately. That’s a swollen battery, and Apple will almost always replace those because they’re a fire hazard.
The Self-Service Repair Option
If you're tech-savvy, you can do it yourself through Apple’s Self Service Repair program. They’ll ship you the genuine battery and the tools. But honestly? It’s kind of a headache.
You have to rent a huge, heavy toolkit (which requires a massive deposit on your credit card), and the cost of the parts alone is usually only $20 or $30 cheaper than just having Apple do it for you. Plus, if you mess up the adhesive or nick a ribbon cable, you’re on the hook for a much more expensive repair.
Unless you just really enjoy taking things apart, it’s usually better to let the pros handle the heat guns and the tiny screws.
Actionable Steps: What You Should Do Now
If your phone is feeling "off," don't just guess. Here is the move:
- Check the Number: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it says "Service Recommended," you’re officially eligible for a replacement.
- Run a Remote Diagnostic: You don't have to drive to the mall. You can chat with Apple Support through the "Apple Support" app. They can run a remote diagnostic on your battery while you’re sitting on your couch and tell you exactly what the health is and if it’s failing their internal tests.
- Backup Everything: Before you take it in, back up to iCloud. Apple usually wipes the device or, in some cases with iPads and Watches, swaps it for a refurbished unit.
- Verify AppleCare+: If you’re paying $15 a month for AppleCare+, make sure you use it before you cancel the plan. The battery replacement is "free" (included), so get your money’s worth if you’re under 80%.
Ultimately, a battery replacement is the cheapest way to make an old phone feel brand new. It's way better than spending $1,000 on a new iPhone just because your current one can't hold a charge. If you're at 82% and struggling, maybe wait another month or two until you hit that 79% sweet spot for the freebie. If you're out of warranty, just pay the $99 or $119. Your sanity is worth more than a hundred bucks.