Key Points:
- iPhone 16 Pro battery replacement cost rises to $119 due to advanced battery casing.
- Non-Pro iPhone 16 models outsell Pro versions during opening weekend.
- Apple starts shipping iPhone 16, offering tracking via UPS for pre-orders.
Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 series, but there’s a significant change to note—battery replacement prices for the iPhone 16 Pro have increased to $119. This spike in cost is possibly due to a new metal casing surrounding the batteries in the Pro models, designed to enhance thermal management. Interestingly, this advanced battery casing is exclusive to the Pro versions and not available on the entry-level models.
Battery Replacement Costs for iPhone Models
In previous iPhone generations, battery replacement fees were lower. For instance, Apple raised the cost from $69 to $99 when the iPhone 14 launched, and similar increases followed for older models. Below is the current breakdown of battery replacement fees across different iPhone models:
- iPhone 16 Pro: $119
- iPhone 16: $99
- iPhone 15/14/13/12/11 Pro: $99
- iPhone SE and older models: $69
This price hike has led some to speculate that Apple may be encouraging more customers to opt for AppleCare+.
Track Your iPhone 16 Pre-order
If you’ve pre-ordered the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, or Pro models, Apple has begun shipping these orders. While Apple’s website may still show your phone is “preparing to ship,” you can get more detailed tracking information through UPS. By signing up for the free version of the UPS My Choice program, you can monitor your shipment as it makes its way to your home. Just keep checking, as some shipments may not have been transferred to UPS yet.
iPhone 16 Sales Figures: Non-Pro Models Outperforming Pro Series
Noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that demand for the iPhone 16 Pro models has been lower than expected, with opening weekend pre-orders totaling 37 million units—12.7% lower than last year’s iPhone 15 launch. Here’s how sales compare:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Sales are down 16% from last year.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Sales are down 27%.
- iPhone 16 Plus: Sales are up by 48%.
- iPhone 16: Sales are up by 10%.
The non-Pro models, especially the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, show stronger demand than their Pro counterparts. This trend indicates a shift in customer preference toward the more affordable options.
Production and Future Plans
Thanks to improved production capabilities for the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s Tetraprism periscope camera, Apple has increased production by 106% year-over-year. Apple manufactured 6 million iPhone 16 Pro Max units before the official launch.
Kuo speculates that the lower demand for the iPhone 16 Pro series may be due to the delay in Apple Intelligence features, which won’t be available until later iOS updates (18.1 in October, 18.2 in December). Additionally, competition in the Chinese market could also be affecting overall iPhone demand.
For those eager to experience Apple Intelligence sooner, the iOS 18.1 beta can be installed once they receive their iPhone 16 model, although it’s advised to back up the device before doing so.
Apple shipped millions of units before pre-orders began, with 4.2 million iPhone 16 units and 6 million iPhone 16 Pro Max units. The lower demand for the Pro models has led to faster delivery times compared to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro orders.
