If you're thinking of upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro, be prepared for higher battery replacement costs. Apple has raised the price of replacing the battery for this model by 20% compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro.
According to Apple's official Get an Estimate tool, the cost to replace the battery for the iPhone 16 Pro now stands at S$176. This significantly increased from the S$146.34 required for the iPhone 15 Pro's battery replacement. This price hike may come as an unwelcome surprise for iPhone users, especially given that Apple had previously increased battery replacement fees just over a year ago.
No change for iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
If you're using the standard iPhone 16 or the larger iPhone 16 Plus, you'll be relieved that the battery replacement fees for these models remain unchanged. Apple has kept the price at S$146.34, the same as for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. While the Pro model has notably increased, at least for now, regular iPhone users won't experience this hike.
This means that for those who don't need the advanced features of the Pro series, sticking with the standard iPhone models will not only save you money upfront but also spare you from future battery replacement costs.
AppleCare+ still covers battery replacements
If you have AppleCare+ for your iPhone 16 Pro, you won't have to worry about the battery replacement cost during the two-year warranty period. Battery replacements remain free of charge for AppleCare+ users, which might be worth considering if you're prone to heavy usage or plan to keep the phone long-term.
The price for AppleCare+ remains the same as last year, with coverage for the iPhone 16 Pro priced at US$319—identical to what you'd pay for the iPhone 15 Pro. This is good news for those looking to save on potential repair and replacement costs.
Reasons behind the price hike
Apple has raised the battery replacement fee for the iPhone 16 Pro for several possible reasons. Reports suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro models come with larger batteries, which might require more expensive materials or more advanced technology to replace. Additionally, Apple has purportedly introduced a new metal casing and connector designed to improve the phone's thermal efficiency. These changes may have contributed to the increased cost.
This is the second price hike for battery replacements in the last two years. In March 2023, Apple increased the cost of replacing the batteries for various devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. With this latest rise in price, it's clear that iPhone users will need to account for higher maintenance costs if they opt for the latest Pro models.
For those concerned about the rising costs of phone repairs and replacements, AppleCare+ remains a viable option. However, for users without the additional warranty, the new battery replacement fee is something to consider when deciding whether to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro.
