If memory shortages last, tech companies should offer cheap battery replacements
Apple has done it before, and it can do it again.
Due to inflated memory costs, global smartphone prices are up an estimated 20 percent since the start of the year, which phone makers are passing on to consumers. People are holding on to their devices for longer or turning to refurbished phones, but a major barrier remains because tech companies largely do not offer cheap battery replacements.
Apple charges $129 for out-of-warranty battery service on newer Pro models, and $89 for older base models like the iPhone 12. Apple has also priced iPhone Duo batteries at $229.
Manufacturer Battery Pricing
Samsung expects customers to pay between $99 and $129 for a new battery directly through the company. Both Apple and Samsung incentivize extended warranty plans with included battery replacements, but those require upfront enrollment. While iFixit offers DIY alternatives, most modern phones are not designed to be easily user-repairable.
Historically, Apple has charged far less. In 2018, the company temporarily reduced out-of-warranty battery swap prices to $29 during fallout from an iPhone throttling issue, which caused swaps to jump from 2 million to 11 million in a single year.
Then-CEO Tim Cook noted in 2019 that some customers took advantage of the reduced pricing instead of upgrading, contributing to a drop in revenue, though he primarily attributed the shortfall to an economic slowdown in China.
Rising Smartphone Prices
Phone prices have continued to climb. Apple raised the price of older iPhones by $100 alongside new releases, and Samsung hiked prices across its S-series and midrange FE line of phones.
Consumer Purchasing Power
Consumer purchasing power has declined as inflation outpaces wage growth, leaving typical workers with lower inflation-adjusted weekly wages compared to previous years.
Companies like Apple and Samsung have protected their profitability by raising prices above inflation, despite lithium-ion cells remaining relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
The Case for Affordable Replacements
If memory supply struggles to catch up with demand until 2030, device manufacturers should offer cheap, out-of-warranty battery replacements to support sustainability and consumer longevity.
