We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
Up Next:
Apple has once again increased the cost of out-of-warranty battery replacements for its latest flagship iPhones. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will now cost you $119 to get a new battery if you're not covered by AppleCare+. This is a $20 jump from the previous $99 price for the iPhone 15 Pro models.
While the price hike is certainly noticeable, it's worth noting that AppleCare+ subscribers can still get their batteries replaced for free, as long as the battery's health has dropped below 80% of its original capacity. That said, we could speculate that the increase in cost for the iPhone 16 Pro models might be attributed to a couple of factors.
Pre-order iPhone 16 Pro Max at Amazon with Boost Mobile
Go Pro Max this fall with style and choose the supreme iPhone 16 Pro Max. The latest ultra-premium iOS smartphone is available for pre-order at Amazon with Boost Mobile. The device sells for under $1 with Boost Mobile, plan and activation required ($70.55/mo).
Pre-order iPhone 16 Pro at Amazon with Boost Mobile
The latest AI-enhanced iPhone 16 Pro is available for pre-order at Amazon with Boost Mobile. The smartphone arrives for less than $1, provided that you pick a wireless service plan by Boost Mobile ($65/mo) and activate your device.
Pre-order the iPhone 16 and experience Apple Intelligence and get things done effortlessly. The smartphone is available for pre-order at Amazon with Boost Mobile for 100% off. You have to pick a Boost Mobile wireless plan ($65/mo). The deal requires activation.
First, there's the rumored use of a metal shell on their batteries, designed to enhance thermal management and potentially improve overall battery longevity. Second, and perhaps more significantly, Apple has redesigned the internals of the iPhone 16 series to make the batteries easier to access and replace. This change aligns with a new European Union law requiring smartphone manufacturers to make batteries user-replaceable with common tools by June 2025. So, while the higher price tag might sting a bit, it could also reflect the added complexity of these new battery designs and the company's efforts to comply with upcoming regulations.
iPhone redesigned the iPhone 16 battery as well as changed its size for the iPhone 16. | Image credit — Apple
This isn't the first time Apple has raised battery replacement costs. With the release of the iPhone 14 series, the price jumped from $69 to $99. Additionally, the cost for older iPhone models also increased from $69 to $89. Below are the current costs for a battery replacement on various iPhone models:
The nearly twofold increase in battery replacement costs in recent years is certainly something to consider. It seems Apple is increasingly incentivizing users to opt for AppleCare+, which offers free battery replacements under certain conditions.
From my perspective, this trend towards pricier repairs would make me think twice about upgrading to the latest iPhone without also investing in AppleCare+. It's a reminder that while the upfront cost of a new phone might be high, the long-term costs associated with maintenance and repairs are also worth factoring in. It will be interesting to see how these rising repair costs influence consumer behavior and whether it encourages people to hold onto their devices for longer periods.
Can’t get enough of mobile tech?
Check out our subscription plans and get unlimited access to exclusive premium content, exciting new features and ad-free browsing. See the latest subscriber-only articles
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and official member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: