Apple Increases Battery Replacement Cost for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Amid Battery Upgrades

Apple has significantly improved the battery performance of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with the Pro Max now boasting a remarkable 33 hours of video playback time. This is an increase of four hours compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, making it a noticeable upgrade for users who value extended battery life. However, along with these advancements, Apple has raised the cost of battery replacements for the new Pro models, with the price now set at $119.99 for out-of-warranty services.

Higher Capacity, Higher Replacement Costs

The improved runtime of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max can be attributed to larger batteries and more efficient design, which Apple likely sees as a selling point for its premium models. However, this also translates to a steeper price for those needing battery replacements after the warranty period. Apple’s official repair and service page confirms that the company will now charge $119.99 for battery replacements on these new models, marking a 20% increase from the $99.99 price tag for previous iPhones.

This price hike only affects the Pro variants, as users of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will continue to pay $99.99 for battery replacements, maintaining the same cost as last year’s models. Despite the increase, AppleCare+ subscribers can still get battery replacements free of charge, provided the battery health has degraded to below 80% of its original capacity.

Reasons for the Price Hike

While Apple has not provided an official reason for the price increase, several factors could explain the decision. Reports suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature an internal redesign that improves heat dissipation, which might contribute to higher production and repair costs. Earlier leaks showed that prototype batteries for the iPhone 16 Pro models were enclosed in metal casings, potentially to enhance heat transfer. This change, along with the larger overall battery capacities compared to the previous generation, likely played a role in the cost increase.

The redesigned battery is also rumored to include multiple protection layers, adding durability and possibly justifying the higher replacement fee. These advancements might make the batteries more complex and costly to produce, which in turn affects the replacement costs that consumers face.

AppleCare+ and Battery Health Threshold

For customers concerned about battery degradation over time, AppleCare+ remains a valuable service. As with previous models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max can have their batteries replaced free of charge under AppleCare+, as long as the battery health has fallen below 80%. This threshold ensures that users who experience significant battery wear and tear can get replacements without incurring additional expenses.

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max come with notable battery life improvements, offering users longer usage times and enhanced thermal management. However, these advancements come at a cost, with battery replacement prices rising to $119.99 for out-of-warranty repairs. While the higher replacement fee may be unwelcome news for some, the enhanced performance and extended runtime of the new iPhones could make it a worthwhile trade-off for others. For users looking to maximize the lifespan of their devices without additional costs, AppleCare+ remains a beneficial option.

Source: Wccftech