Apple hikes battery-replacement fees

Time to bust out the screwdrivers!

Author

Leander Kahney
March 03, 2023

Apple is hiking prices for replacement batteries across iPhone, iPad and MacBook.

So, if your tired old battery is in need of replacement — it’s a consumable item, after all — you're going to pay $20 to $50 more than before.

For example, a replacement battery for MacBook Pro now costs $250, up from $199. See the top post for details.

Maybe it’s time to bust out a screwdriver! If you need a new battery, your best bet might be a DIY repair rather than Apple’s official program.

Also in today's newsletter:

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple now charges more for iPhone, iPad and MacBook battery replacements

Out-of-warranty repairs just got more expensive.

Apple’s excellent AirPods 2 drop to an amazing $99

That's a massive 35% discount from the earbuds’ $159 MSRP.

Apple can now test your Apple Watch Ultra's depth gauge and water seals

The new Depth and Water Seal Test can determine if your rugged smartwatch is ready for a dive.

A message from CdkeySales

CdkeySales March Madness Sale: Up to 90% off Windows 10 and Office

Use promo code CULT to save even more on software like Microsoft Windows and Office during CdkeySales.com's March Madness Sale.

This Apple Watch Ultra case expands your color options

Many people aren't thrilled that Apple Watch Ultra has orange as an accent color. The Elkson Quattro Max both protects the wearable and changes its color.

Lunar lies start to spin out of control on ‘Hello Tomorrow!’ [Apple TV+ recap]

The retro-futuristic show spirals toward infinity this week faster than ace salesman and born liar Jack Billings can possibly control.

A message from CharJenPro

You asked. They listened. CharJenPro is back with two height-adjustable magnetic stands for most iPads. The original is a top 100 bestseller with the highest rating on Amazon. Save 40% and get up to a $60 gift card by reserving your spot during preorders!

Enjoy some light, charming fun with ‘Kimono Cats’

Choose your cat and their feline friend, then wander through a Japanese "matsuri" festival playing minigames in the new Apple Arcade title.

Today in Apple history: Homebrew Computer Club meets for first time

On March 3, 1975, the Homebrew Computer Club, a hobbyist group that will go on to help spark the personal computing revolution, booted up in Menlo Park, California.

Maxed-out Mac Studio drives 'dream setup' Down Under [Setups]

Today's featured Mac Studio Ultra and M2 Max MacBook Pro setup, which hails from Australia, deserves high praise indeed.

Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

❝

It's not about pop culture, and it's not about fooling people, and it's not about convincing people that they want something they don't. We figure out what we want. And I think we're pretty good at having the right discipline to think through whether a lot of other people are going to want it, too. That's what we get paid to do. So you can't go out and ask people, you know, what the next big [thing is.] There's a great quote by Henry Ford, right? He said, "If I'd have asked my customers what they wanted, they would have told me 'a faster horse.'"

— Steve Jobs

Have you repaired your own Apple gear?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: Have you fallen victim to cybercime?

Best poll comments from readers tmidgley and babyduckpen:

Did you enjoy this issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Reply

or to participate.