Apple's New Year's Resolution Is To Charge More For Battery Replacements

Apple will be upping the cost of out-of-warranty battery replacements later this year for all models older than the iPhone 14. The company's announcement was quietly posted to a support page and pointed out on the r/Apple subreddit.

New York recently became the first US state to enact a law protecting consumer rights to repair their own devices. While the law included some late changes that favored OEMs, it is still a step in the right direction. However, most will still look to have someone else repair their smartphones if something were to ever go awry with it, such as a dying or faulty battery. If you happen to own an iPhone older than an iPhone 14 model, it is going to cost you a little more to replace if your device is out-of-warranty.

Beginning on March 1, 2023, Apple will increase the price of out-of-warranty battery replacements by $20 for all iPhone 13 models and older. As of right now, the company charges $69 for a battery replacement on most iPhone models.

The company is also considering lowering the differentiation between the Pro and standard models in terms of features in the iPhone 15 family of smartphones. Some of the additions that may make it to the non-Pro versions are the Dynamic Island cutout, a higher refresh rate, and the iPhone 14 Pro's 49MP front camera. This is due to lower-than-expected sales for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.

If you happen to have AppleCare or AppleCare+, your battery replacements will be fully covered. AppleCare+ must have been purchased at the time you bought your device, or within 60 days after your iPhone purchase.

Apple is also increasing the cost of out-of-warranty battery replacement for Mac and the iPad. If you need to have the battery replaced in a MacBook Air, it will cost you $30 more, while a MacBook Pro battery replacement is increasing by $50. Newer iPad models will see an increase of $20. These price changes will also go into effect on March 1, 2023.