Battery health is one of the first things any buyer checks when evaluating an iPhone. Low battery health reduces value — and knowing your number before you walk in means no surprises when you get your offer.
How to Check Battery Health (30 Seconds)
- Open Settings
- Tap Battery
- Tap Battery Health & Charging
- Look at the Maximum Capacity percentage
100% = brand new. Most phones decline about 1-2% per month of regular use.
How Battery Health Affects Your Sale Price
| Battery Health | Impact on Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100% | No deduction | Full price offered |
| 80–89% | Minor deduction | Typically $10–$20 off |
| 70–79% | Moderate deduction | Typically $25–$50 off |
| Below 70% | Significant deduction | $50–$100+ off depending on model |
| "Service Recommended" | Treated as fair condition | Battery needs replacement |
Should You Replace the Battery Before Selling?
Apple's battery replacement costs $99 for most current models. Whether that's worth it depends on the math:
- iPhone 15 Pro: battery at 75% → ~$40 deduction. Replacement costs $99. Not worth it.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: battery at 75% → ~$80 deduction. Replacement costs $99. Borderline — probably not worth it.
- Third-party replacements cost less ($40–$60) but can flag "non-genuine battery" warnings in iOS, which some buyers use to negotiate further.
💡 Honest take: battery replacement is almost never financially worth it before selling. Bring the phone in and let us give you the actual number — then decide.
What If Battery Health Shows "Unknown"?
This usually means the battery was replaced by a third party and isn't communicating with iOS properly. It's treated as a minor negative — not a dealbreaker, but it does affect value slightly.
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