Apple’s relationship with China looks stronger than it has in a while, and the company appears determined to keep that momentum going in one of the world’s most valuable consumer markets. One clear sign: Apple has introduced a limited-time battery replacement deal in China that dramatically lowers the cost for iPhone 13 owners looking to refresh an aging battery.
Apple has reportedly launched a special program in China that lets customers replace worn iPhone 13 batteries at a steep discount. The offer began on January 7 and runs through April 30, giving eligible users a solid window to take advantage of the reduced pricing.
During this period, battery replacements for the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max cost 399 yuan (about $57), compared with Apple’s usual 729 yuan (about $104) charge for the same service. For iPhone 13 users who have noticed faster battery drain, unexpected shutdowns, or a device that just doesn’t last as long as it used to, this type of discount makes a noticeable difference—especially since battery service is often the most cost-effective way to make an older iPhone feel more responsive and reliable again.
The timing is also notable because battery replacement pricing has been moving upward in some regions. In the US, for example, Apple increased the cost of replacing batteries for certain newer iPhone models in September 2024, lifting the price to $119 from $99 for some devices. Pricing can vary by model, but the broader trend makes China’s iPhone 13 battery deal stand out as particularly aggressive.
This push to deliver extra value to existing customers arrives as Apple’s popularity in China appears to be surging again. A recent claim shared by well-known tipster Ice Universe suggests Apple sold around 15.57 million units of the iPhone 17 lineup in China by December 31, 2025. That figure is said to be roughly 5.5 times higher than the next best-selling flagship series, the Xiaomi 17. Even more striking, the iPhone 17 family’s reported sales in China allegedly exceeded the combined sales total of other Chinese flagship smartphones.
Market research also points to Apple regaining meaningful share. A Counterpoint Research report indicated that iPhones accounted for about a quarter of all smartphones sold in China during October—an achievement Apple had reportedly reached only once before, back in 2022.
Taken together, the discounted iPhone 13 battery replacement program looks less like a simple service promotion and more like a strategic move: reward current iPhone users, improve day-to-day satisfaction, and reinforce goodwill in a market where Apple’s recent sales performance suggests it has a major opportunity to keep climbing.
