Rising Hardware Costs Fuel Push for Affordable Battery Repair

Global smartphone prices have risen by an estimated 20% since the start of the year, as Engadget first reported, as manufacturers pass "sharply inflated" memory costs on to consumers. In response, users are increasingly turning to refurbished devices or holding onto current hardware longer.

However, Engadget reports that a primary obstacle to device longevity is the lack of affordable battery replacements. Apple currently charges $129 for out-of-warranty battery service on its newest Pro models and $229 for iPhone Duo batteries. Samsung's out-of-warranty costs are not prominently listed on its website, though Engadget notes online reports suggest prices between $99 and $129. While both companies offer battery replacements through extended warranty plans—AppleCare and Samsung Care+—these require enrollment shortly after purchase.

Historically, lower costs have proven to increase repair volume. Engadget notes that in 2018, Apple reduced battery swap prices to $29 in the U.S. following a throttling controversy, causing annual swaps to jump from an average of 1 to 2 million to 11 million. At the time, CEO Tim Cook noted that some customers chose these replacements over upgrading, contributing to a 15% drop in iPhone revenue in one quarter, though Cook also cited a trade war and economic slowdown in China.

Despite the current memory crunch, Engadget highlights that the cost of lithium-ion cells has decreased. This comes as companies raise prices above inflation; for instance, Apple increased the price of the iPhone 17 by $100, a 12.5% jump. Samsung also hiked prices by $100 for most S26 models and increased the launch price of the S26 FE over previous FE models.