Apple offers battery replacements for iPhones when the battery capacity falls below 80%. This policy allows customers to extend the lifespan of their iPhones by replacing aging batteries that may be affecting performance or battery life.
What is the 80% battery capacity requirement?
Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time as they go through charge cycles. As the battery chemistry wears down, the battery’s maximum capacity decreases. Apple defines a battery as needing to be serviced when its capacity falls below 80% of its original specification.
For example, if an iPhone model has a new battery capacity of 2000 mAh, Apple would recommend a battery replacement once its maximum capacity degrades to less than 1600 mAh (80% of 2000 mAh).
How does Apple determine battery capacity?
Apple uses diagnostics tools and algorithms to measure the actual capacity and peak performance of an iPhone’s battery. Customers can also use Apple’s Battery Health feature to check on their battery’s status.
Battery Health will report the battery’s maximum capacity as a percentage of its original capacity. So if Battery Health shows the battery is at 79% capacity, it’s a sign the battery has degraded past the 80% threshold and may need to be replaced.
Why does Apple use 80% as the replacement threshold?
There are a few reasons why Apple chose 80% as its battery replacement threshold:
- At 80% capacity, the battery may not provide sufficient runtime for some users before needing to be recharged.
- The battery capacity loss can lead to unexpected shutdowns as it struggles to meet peak power demands.
- Degraded batteries may cause older iPhones to throttle CPU performance to prevent crashes and shutdowns.
- Replacing the battery restores the iPhone’s original battery lifespan and performance capabilities.
While batteries can continue working below 80% capacity, Apple chose that level to proactively service batteries before they impact daily usage and cause customer frustration.
Does Apple allow exceptions to the 80% policy?
Apple Genius Bar technicians do have some discretion to make exceptions to the 80% battery capacity policy. Some situations where Apple may replace a battery above 80% capacity include:
- The iPhone is shutting down unexpectedly even though Battery Health shows over 80% capacity.
- The battery drains abnormally fast, requiring multiple daily charges.
- Performance is throttled with Battery Health at 80-84% capacity.
- The Genius Bar technician diagnoses an issue with the battery after testing.
It comes down to the technician evaluating the iPhone’s issues and determining if a new battery is likely to solve those problems. They have more flexibility for borderline situations where the battery metrics meet the limits but the observed issues point to a failing battery.
What about third-party battery replacements?
Third-party repair shops and services may offer iPhone battery replacements at lower capacities than 80%, which can be a cheaper alternative for out-of-warranty iPhones. However, getting the battery replaced by a non-authorized service risks the following:
- Poorer quality, off-brand batteries that may not last as long or perform as well.
- Battery health measurements may not be accurate after a third-party installation.
- Potential damage that could void the iPhone’s water resistance rating.
- Lack of warranty or guarantee on the battery or installation.
Apple only tracks battery health metrics and covers the replacement when using a certified Apple service provider.
How much does an iPhone battery replacement cost?
The cost to replace an iPhone battery depends on the model and whether you have AppleCare+ coverage:
| iPhone Model | Out-of-Warranty Cost | With AppleCare+ Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14/14 Plus | $99 | $0 |
| iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max | $99 | $0 |
| iPhone 13/13 mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max | $69 | $0 |
| iPhone 12/12 mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max | $69 | $0 |
| iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max | $49 | $0 |
| iPhone XS/XS Max | $69 | $0 |
| iPhone XR | $49 | $0 |
| iPhone X | $69 | $0 |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | $49 | $0 |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | $49 | $0 |
| iPhone 6/6 Plus | $49 | $0 |
As shown, battery replacements are cheaper if you pay the premium for AppleCare+ when you first buy your iPhone. AppleCare+ extends the iPhone’s warranty coverage and provides up to two accidental damage repairs for a lower service fee.
Are there any free battery replacements?
Apple previously offered discounted $29 battery replacements for iPhone 6 and newer models as part of a power management controversy. However, that program ended on December 31, 2018.
Currently, the only way to get a free iPhone battery replacement is if the phone is still under its 1-year limited warranty period. The warranty covers defects with the original battery, though Apple may still run diagnostics to confirm the battery is eligible for replacement.
How can I get the most life from my iPhone battery?
To maximize your iPhone’s battery lifespan and delay needing a replacement, consider these battery best practices:
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to high temperatures, as heat accelerates battery aging. Don’t leave it in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
- Don’t completely discharge the battery before recharging. Charge it more frequently before it drops below 20%.
- Avoid frequently fully charging to 100%. Try to keep the charge between 20-80% as often as possible.
- Disable unnecessary background app refresh to limit battery drain from background processes.
- Reduce screen brightness since the display is one of the largest battery drains.
- When possible, charge wirelessly rather than via Lightning cable. Wired fast charging generates more heat which ages the battery faster.
- Avoid using third-party chargers and cables, which may not properly regulate charging voltage/amperage.
- Update to the latest iOS software, which includes battery preservation improvements.
While lithium-ion batteries inevitably degrade over time, following best practices allows you to delay needing a replacement battery for your iPhone.
Conclusion
Apple’s 80% battery capacity recommendation balances useful lifespan with maintaining optimal iPhone performance. While you can push your iPhone’s battery further than 80%, at that point you risk unexpected shutdowns, throttling, and generally subpar battery life. Getting your battery replaced through Apple or an authorized service provider ensures you get a genuine Apple battery with accurate health measurements.
Following battery best practices allows you to extend the time before needing a replacement. But lithium-ion batteries will always degrade with age and use. By having the battery serviced when it approaches 80% capacity, you can restore your iPhone to provide maximum runtime for the next couple of years until the battery once again needs to be replaced.