Apple Increases iPhone 16 Pro Battery Replacement Cost

It’s no secret that iPhone batteries can be expensive to replace, especially if your device is no longer covered by AppleCare+. Just recently, Apple announced a price hike for out-of-warranty battery replacements, and it’s not good news for iPhone enthusiasts on a budget.

The New Battery Replacement Cost

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will now cost a whopping $119 to replace the battery if you’re not covered by AppleCare+. This price increase is a $20 jump from the previous cost of $99 for iPhone 15 Pro models.

Why the Price Hike?

So, why has Apple increased the cost of battery replacements? There are a couple of factors to consider. Firstly, Apple has redesigned the iPhone 16 series with a new metal shell on their batteries, which is designed to enhance thermal management and improve overall battery longevity. Secondly, the company has redesigned the internals of the iPhone 16 series to make the batteries easier to access and replace, aligning with a new European Union law requiring smartphone manufacturers to make batteries user-replaceable with common tools by June 2025.

Easier Battery Replacement, But at a Cost

It’s worth noting that these changes could make battery replacements more convenient for users. However, the increased complexity of these new battery designs and Apple’s efforts to comply with upcoming regulations likely contribute to the higher cost.

A Look at Battery Replacement Costs Across iPhone Models

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. Here’s a breakdown of the current costs for a battery replacement on various iPhone models:

• iPhone 16 Pro: $119
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $119
• iPhone 15 Pro: $99
• iPhone 14: $99
• Older iPhone models: $89

The Long-term Costs of iPhone Ownership

This nearly twofold increase in battery replacement costs over the years is certainly something to consider. It’s clear that Apple is 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. Only time will tell how these rising repair costs influence consumer behavior and whether it encourages people to hold onto their devices for longer periods.