The latest iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max might not come with a higher price tag compared to last year’s models, but there’s one area where Apple has increased the cost: battery replacements. And it’s not a small change either—users are in for a surprise when they realize how much more it’s going to cost to swap out a worn-out battery.
A Pricey Battery Swap
MacRumors was among the first to notice this uptick in the cost of battery replacements for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max in the U.S. And the increase isn’t limited to just those stateside; customers in France are also seeing a similar jump in pricing.
Just last year, Apple hiked battery replacement fees for the iPhone 14, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and older iPhones. Now, the iPhone 16 Pro lineup is feeling the squeeze, with the cost to replace the battery rising by roughly 20% in the U.S. and about 24% in France.
To put it in perspective, replacing the battery on an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max costs around €109. For the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, the cost jumps to €135—an extra €26 that many users might not have been expecting.
What’s Covered and What’s Not
Of course, if your battery is defective, Apple’s standard one-year warranty has you covered. But if you’ve been using your device for a while, and your battery has simply worn out from normal use, you’ll be paying that new, higher price.
For those enrolled in AppleCare+, the news isn’t all bad. If your iPhone 16 Pro’s battery dips below 80% of its original capacity, you can get a replacement at no additional cost. And if you’ve got the regular iPhone 16 or 16 Plus, the battery replacement fee remains the same at €109.
Why the Higher Price?
With Apple making strides towards sustainability and focusing on repairability, this price hike might seem a bit counterintuitive. As of now, Apple hasn’t provided any specific reasons for the increase, but we can make some educated guesses.
For starters, the iPhone 16 models come with larger batteries, designed to handle more power and improve heat dissipation. Additionally, the Pro models now feature a protective metal casing around the battery, which could explain the steeper cost. These design changes might be beneficial for performance, but they also come at a literal cost to consumers.
What’s the Takeaway?
If you’re planning to hold onto your iPhone 16 Pro for a while, it might be worth keeping these replacement costs in mind. While Apple’s devices are known for their longevity, battery health inevitably declines over time, and now, replacing that battery is going to take a bigger bite out of your wallet.
With these changes, it’s clear that while Apple is improving the hardware, those improvements come with a price. Whether it’s worth it will depend on how much value you place on the enhanced performance and features of the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. For now, though, it’s safe to say that the cost of maintaining your device just got a little steeper.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.