With the iPhone 14, Apple has raised the prices for all models. But not only that – a repair is now significantly more expensive.
For years, replacing the battery on iPhones was relatively cheap. After the Batterygate controversy, Apple temporarily lowered the price for some iPhone models to 29 euros in 2018. The price is now 74.99 euros for all models from iPhone X to iPhone 13. For the iPhone SE series and iPhone 6 to iPhone 8, 55 euros are due. Compared to other smartphone manufacturers, Apple has so far been offering a new battery at a very reasonable price – this is now changing with the introduction of the iPhone 14.
59 percent price increase for the repair
Not only have all models become more expensive across the board – the cheapest iPhone 14 in Germany has increased from 899 euros to 999 euros and the 14 Pro Max from 1249 euros to 1449 euros. Apple has also made replacing the built-in battery significantly more expensive. In Germany, instead of 74.99 euros, 119 euros are now due. This price applies to the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus as well as the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. That is just under 45 euros or almost 59 percent more.
Also read: iPhone 14 is here – and I’m glad I have an iPhone 13
Is the battery in the iPhone 14 more expensive?
It’s unclear why replacing the battery on the iPhone 14 is suddenly so much more expensive. From the outside, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are practically identical. In addition, since the iPhone 5, Apple’s smartphones have been designed so that frequently replaced components such as the display, battery, Lightning port and camera are quickly and easily accessible. It is unlikely that this should be different with the iPhone 14.
According to Apple, the iPhone 14 Plus has the longest battery life in an iPhone. However, the company does not release precise information about the battery capacity. However, based on the specifications from the Chemtrec Hazardous Materials Database, the capacity has hardly increased:
- iPhone 14: 12.68 watt hours (iPhone 13: 12.41 watt hours)
- iPhone 14 Plus: 16.68 watt-hours (-)
- iPhone 14 Pro: 12.38 watt hours (iPhone 13 Pro: 11.97 watt hours)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 16.68 watt hours (iPhone 13 Pro Max: 16.75 watt hours)
Accordingly, the capacity of the batteries in the iPhone 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max is even lower than that of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. So Apple can’t justify the new price with higher production costs for the batteries themselves. Apple has not yet responded to a TECHBOOK request.
Costs only partially covered by the guarantee
Both within the one-year Apple warranty and under AppleCare Plus, Apple offers battery replacement at no additional cost. However, this only applies if the capacity less than 80 percent after 500 charges amounts to. If the value is not lower, 119 euros will be charged for the exchange.