Yes, AppleCare+ does cover iPhone battery replacement, but only under specific conditions. If your battery health has declined significantly due to normal use, Apple will replace it at no additional cost during the AppleCare+ coverage period. However, there are important limitations and conditions to be aware of, including the definition of “battery degradation,” service eligibility, and what counts as accidental damage.
In this article, we’ll explain when AppleCare+ covers iPhone battery replacement, how to check if you’re eligible, how much it costs without AppleCare+, and how to request service.
📦 What Is AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is Apple’s extended warranty and support plan. It adds two or more years of coverage (depending on region and plan) to your iPhone purchase and includes:
- Coverage for hardware failures
- Battery service if capacity drops below a threshold
- Accidental damage coverage (for a service fee)
- 24/7 Apple Support
There’s also AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, which includes extra protection if your iPhone is stolen.
✅ Does AppleCare+ Cover Battery Replacement?
Yes—AppleCare+ includes free battery replacement if your battery health has declined to less than 80% of its original capacity during the coverage period.
Apple’s official policy:
“If your battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity and your device is covered by AppleCare+, you are eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost.”
This applies to all iPhones covered under AppleCare+, including:
- iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 series
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen)
- Older models still under AppleCare+
🔋 How to Check Battery Health and Eligibility
To determine if you qualify for free battery replacement under AppleCare+:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
- Look for “Maximum Capacity”
- If it shows 80% or less, your battery is considered degraded.
- If it’s above 80%, Apple will not replace it under AppleCare+ unless there’s a hardware issue.
Apple may also run diagnostic tests in-store or online to verify actual capacity and performance.
🛠 What If Battery Health Is Above 80%?
If your battery health is above 80%, Apple generally won’t replace it for free under AppleCare+ unless:
- There’s a defect (e.g., charging issues, battery errors)
- It’s part of a recall or battery service program
- Your device overheats or shuts down unexpectedly despite high battery capacity
Otherwise, you can request a battery replacement, but you’ll likely have to pay an out-of-warranty fee.
💵 How Much Does Battery Replacement Cost Without AppleCare+?
If your iPhone isn’t covered by AppleCare+ or the issue doesn’t qualify, here are typical costs in India and other regions:
| iPhone Model | Battery Replacement Cost (INR) |
| iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11 Series | ₹9,500 – ₹10,000 |
| iPhone SE, 8, 7, 6s, etc. | ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 |
| iPhone X, XS, XR | ₹9,000 – ₹9,900 |
Prices may vary based on location and taxes. Always check the https://support.apple.com/en-in/iphone/repair/service for the latest rates.
📆 How Long Does AppleCare+ Cover Battery?
AppleCare+ typically extends coverage for 2 years from the purchase date (or monthly/annual renewal options in some countries).
You must request service while your plan is active to qualify for a free battery replacement.
After AppleCare+ expires, all battery replacements are subject to standard out-of-warranty fees.
📲 How to Get a Battery Replacement with AppleCare+
Option 1: Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider
- Schedule an appointment through the Apple Support app or https://getsupport.apple.com/
- They will check battery health and inspect for physical damage
- If approved, the battery will be replaced for free
Option 2: Mail-in Service
- Available in select regions
- Apple ships you a box to send in your iPhone
- Typically takes 3–5 business days
Option 3: Express Replacement Service
- For AppleCare+ users
- Apple sends you a new iPhone and you return the old one
- Useful if you can’t be without a phone during repair
⚠️ What’s Not Covered by AppleCare+ Battery Service
AppleCare+ covers battery wear from normal use, but not:
- Damage from unauthorized modifications or third-party repairs
- Battery swelling due to impact or exposure to liquid
- Issues caused by third-party charging accessories
- Devices not registered under AppleCare+
If Apple detects damage not related to natural battery wear, you may be charged an accidental damage service fee, even under AppleCare+.
🧠 Helpful Tips to Extend Battery Health
Even if you’re covered under AppleCare+, it’s smart to keep your battery healthy:
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging (Settings > Battery > Battery Health)
- Avoid charging your iPhone to 100% constantly
- Keep battery between 20%–80% whenever possible
- Don’t let your phone overheat while charging
- Use Apple or MFi-certified chargers and cables
✅ Summary: AppleCare+ Battery Replacement Coverage
AppleCare+ does cover battery replacement for your iPhone if battery capacity drops below 80% during the coverage period. There’s no extra cost for this service as long as there’s no unrelated physical or accidental damage.
Quick Reference Table:
| Feature | Covered Under AppleCare+ |
| Battery below 80% capacity | ✅ Yes, free replacement |
| Unexpected shutdown due to battery | ✅ If linked to battery |
| Battery swelling from wear | ✅ If no accidental cause |
| Battery above 80%, no issues | ❌ Not covered |
| Accidental damage to battery | ❌ Subject to service fee |
Meta Description:
Does AppleCare+ cover iPhone battery replacement? Yes, if battery health drops below 80%. Learn what’s covered, how to check eligibility, and how to get a free replacement.
