iFixit, known for their product tear-down videos and provider of DIY repair tools is lowering the prices for their battery replacement kits. This is due to the recent move by Apple to provide a $50 discount for all off-warranty replacements. It is a “mea culpa” of sorts, after coming to light they indeed deliberately slow down older phones through iOS updates. Apple’s original price is set at$79 USD but is now available for only $29 USD. iFixit’s prices are now $29 USD as well, however there are some advantages and disadvantages to both Apple’s and iFixit’s offers.
Apple vs iFixit Battery Replacement
Apple’s battery replacement offer is a very good price considering their price history. Even their replacement 3.5mm earphones for iPods cost more. However, Apple is only going to be offering this for a year. More details surrounding the terms will be out next month. However, Apple states that this offer will run from January to December 2018. The battery replacement option is also only available for iPhone 6 and newer phones, but labor is included in the cost.
iFixit’s battery replacement offer unfortunately does not include labor. However, it does include everything necessary to disassemble and replace the part. Plus, there are tutorials and guides available through iFixit’s website. The advantage here is the privacy and the fact that they support more models than Apple. In fact, iFixit is cheaper as well. They even offer replacement parts for iPhones as far back as the 3G. The battery replacement is cheaper the older the model is too. So only the iPhone 7 is $29 while the iPhone 6 series battery replacements start at $19 USD.
