With memory costs still high, analysts say phones will stay pricier and buyers should push for cheaper battery swaps,
Memory shortages are pushing phone prices up. Cheaper battery replacements could help you keep your current device longer, instead of upgrading. Apple and Samsung list out-of-warranty swap prices in the hundreds of dollars range, though DIY options exist. If shortages persist, we could see more affordable service and third-party options to extend device life.
What this means for you: a cheaper way to keep your phone running, without paying full price for a new device. Next steps: compare swap options from the manufacturer and reputable shops, and check whether your current plan or extended warranty covers it.
The memory crunch isn’t going away anytime soon, and it’s nudging phone prices higher. Analysts say one practical fix could be cheaper, out-of-warranty battery replacements that give you more miles out of the device you already own.
Right now, the ride isn’t evenly shared. Apple charges $129 for a newer Pro model’s out-of-warranty battery service, $10 more than older Pro models. An older base model like the iPhone 12 would cost about $89 for a swap. Meanwhile, some models in Apple’s lineup have battery swaps priced at about $229 when sold as iPhone Duo batteries. Samsung’s pricing isn’t as clearly laid out on the public site, but reports say you can expect roughly $99 to $129 for a battery swap if you go directly through the company. Companies also push extended warranty plans, which include battery replacements, as a perk of signing up early after purchase.
Why does this matter to you? If you’re holding onto a phone longer because new devices are pricier, cheaper swaps could cut your total cost of ownership. DIY options exist, but many newer phones aren’t designed to be user-replaceable, so a professional swap remains the safer route for most people. Proponents argue that offering cheaper swaps would help curb e-waste and lower the pressure on families trying to stretch dollars between device upgrades.
Battery replacements aren’t a new idea, but the memory shortage makes them more relevant now. If memory costs stay elevated, expect more attention on affordable service options and perhaps broader choices beyond the big two brands. Some manufacturers and third-party repair shops are likely to respond with competitive pricing as demand for longer-lasting devices grows.
Prices vary by model and whether you buy directly from the maker or go through a third party. Apple’s most recent Pro models are listed around $129 for an out-of-warranty swap, with older Pro models running slightly higher than older base models, which can be around $89. A newer, higher-priced battery kit for the iPhone Duo is listed at $229. Samsung’s costs aren’t posted in one place for every model, but typical ranges people report fall between $99 and $129 when handled directly through the company.
Out-of-warranty battery swaps aren’t free, and the price gap between Apple, Samsung and third-party options can be significant. DIY guides exist, but modern phones are not generally designed for simple home battery swaps. If you want the safest option, you’ll likely need to budget for a paid service or an extended warranty that covers battery replacements.
If memory shortages persist, the cost of a full device upgrade could rise more quickly than the price of a battery swap. A cheap swap could be a practical middle ground, letting you keep your current phone longer while you wait for prices to stabilize or for memory supplies to improve.
Expect more pricing clarity from brands and potentially more affordable third-party options as the demand for longer device lifespans grows. If you’re shopping now, look for service options that include battery replacement as a line item or as part of an affordable care plan.
Not usually, but some plans or promotions might offer discounted swaps. Currently, most out-of-warranty replacements carry a fee.
Only if you’re confident with the risks. Modern phones are not designed for easy user repairs, and a failed swap can damage the device or void warranties.
You're reading the quick version.
Read next
Bee debuts two pocketable AI devices, prices start at $75
Amazon’s Bee line adds a wrist-worn helper and a tiny phone-attached gadget to turn conversations into notes and tasks.
Elon Musk’s Grok Bot, the AI agent from SpaceXSI, can sign into sites and place orders. SpaceX promises to fix mistakes or leaked card data, but details are murky.
Microsoft’s premium Windows laptop pairs Nvidia’s RTX Spark chips with local AI tools, but real-world use shows a rough AI road ahead and a big bill.
AI-created models posing as stand-up comedians flood social feeds, lifting jokes and profiting off fans and hosts alike.
The Daily Brief
Every morning, the news that matters from AI, phones, apps and the people shaping tech. Explained in plain English. Free.
One email a day. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy
