iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 mini battery replacement

[Zapdoc]

Battery health now at 77% on iP 13 mini - has had AppleCare form new

Are Apple Genius Bar likely to replace free of any charges the battery under AppleCare and more I'm portably can it be done same day as I live 2 hrs away form store and need my phone access for calls txts etc

 

[DaveS86]

If it’s got AC then they will do it gratis. They can normally do it same day unless they break something during the process.

 

[1rottenapple]

No Apple care and they replaced mine in an hour or so. Wasn’t worth it though lol.

 

[skrungemaster]

No Apple care and they replaced mine in an hour or so. Wasn’t worth it though lol.

Why not?

 

[1rottenapple]

Why not?

It was still crap. Useless to trust as your device when traveling overseas. Battery still drops quickly. I changed that battery through Apple before my trip to Taiwan and after a few days I knew I couldn’t trust it for travel so I got an air. It was a good phone for 4 years but the battery changed didn’t do much for me.

 

[Macdctr]

It was still crap. Useless to trust as your device when traveling overseas. Battery still drops quickly. I changed that battery through Apple before my trip to Taiwan and after a few days I knew I couldn’t trust it for travel so I got an air. It was a good phone for 4 years but the battery changed didn’t do much for me.

This is why I researched and learned how to do the battery replacement service myself using the same Apple certified tools the people at the Genius Bar are using. I then found a good high capacity diagnostic compatible battery, a SUNWODA brand, with 2633mAh giving my 13 mini 110% battery health and lasting me the entire day on one charge. At least doing this service myself, I know what is going into my device and I have longer battery life in the process.

 

[1rottenapple]

This is why I researched and learned how to do the battery replacement service myself using the same Apple certified tools the people at the Genius Bar are using. I then found a good high capacity diagnostic compatible battery, a SUNWODA brand, with 2633mAh giving my 13 mini 110% battery health and lasting me the entire day on one charge. At least doing this service myself, I know what is going into my device and I have longer battery life in the process.

ok, I'm all for DIY as I do anything on my cars DIY but those batteries are fake as hell and there's nothing top stop those small chinese sellers from stating over inflated battery capacity claims.

 

[Macdctr]

ok, I'm all for DIY as I do anything on my cars DIY but those batteries are fake as hell and there's nothing top stop those small chinese sellers from stating over inflated battery capacity claims.

I have a 13 mini I recently had Apple replace the battery in it and another where I installed that high capacity diagnostic compatible battery in. I’m comparing both over long term to see how well the aftermarket SUNWODA battery will perform over time by collecting actual data between both devices. Only time will tell but for now the 13 mini with the aftermarket battery has been performing very well.

I’m posting this based on what I am seeing over time. I do agree some are simply over rated crap made in China being sold. There’s no way you can have a 15,000 mAh battery, or 22,800 mAh battery in this example below, inside a 13 mini.

Here is an example of one of those fake batteries being sold for the 13 mini I found for sale on Amazon.

 

[Macdctr]

The battery I had Apple perform my battery replacement service on last December, my Pink 512GB 13 mini, is a SUNWODA 2443 mAh battery. A genuine Apple replacement battery which provided my 13 mini with 102% battery health over the 2392 mAh design capacity for this device.

The battery I purchased is a more realistic 2654 mAh SUNWODA battery. Same battery manufacturer as the genuine Apple battery providing 110% battery health which, to me, is more believable than that 22,800 mAh battery example I posted above. Also since I am doing my battery service, I know the work being done to my device and how that work is being performed every step of this process including the parts used.

By having Apple perform this service, I don’t know how this work is being done, what is being introduced into my device . . . finger prints or unwanted dust particles and quality of work. In this case I have to ”trust” the tech, who I don’t know, to do the quality work.

I choose to DIY in this case which is why I learned how to do this work and got the necessary tools ensuring the work I do is equally at Apple’s standards of work.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

An active AC+ means you won’t pay for the battery and I would suggest you make an actual appointment for it, perhaps calling the store before setting off to ensure they have the battery in stock.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

It was still crap. Useless to trust as your device when traveling overseas. Battery still drops quickly. I changed that battery through Apple before my trip to Taiwan and after a few days I knew I couldn’t trust it for travel so I got an air. It was a good phone for 4 years but the battery changed didn’t do much for me.

I fear the same for mine that might need a new battery real soon, and at € 99 nowadays, this ain’t cheap.

I recall getting a new battery from Apple for my OG SE and it became less than usable after much less time than the originally fitted one. I attribute this to the processor just overly taxed with too many iterations of iOS versions.

The 13 Mini was released with iOS 15 and after I returned a problematic unit, repurchased a month later, it was forced to iOS 16. I really should have stayed on iOS 17 but no…curiosity got the better of me and I’m still on iOS 18.

Now if I update to iOS 26 and have a new battery installed, I’ve a gut feeling that the same will occur as my SE experience prior. Much of that is perhaps also a factor that the 13 Mini only has 4GB RAM available to run the latest iOS. It will do it but the new battery might not last that long.

These are just my concerns based on experience with my previous IPhone and its battery decline.

 

[Macdctr]

iOS26 was terrible on my 13 mini and my device had noticeable lagging. When iOS27 Developer Beta 1 was available this week I updated to the new iOS and my 13 mini showed big improvements in performance since the update. My 13 mini is much more responsive under iOS27.

Just my personal observations between the two operating systems. Still evaluating battery performance.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

@Macdctr Yeah well, many personal experiences/ observations show patterns, so appreciate your feedback.

It would appear that Apple is taking a break from not optimising things with iOS 27…finally. It’s why I also wasn’t jumping in the air to install macOS 26 but macOS 27 (touted as a new Snow Leopard) also looks promising.

 

[1rottenapple]

iOS26 was terrible on my 13 mini and my device had noticeable lagging. When iOS27 Developer Beta 1 was available this week I updated to the new iOS and my 13 mini showed big improvements in performance since the update. My 13 mini is much more responsive under iOS27.

Just my personal observations between the two operating systems. Still evaluating battery performance.

I agree OS26 ruined it, it killed the battery. Performance wise it was fast I don't notice a difference but battery was just terrible.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I guess I’m left with two sensible options here:

1. Upgrade to iOS 26 and get the battery replaced. Then in 3 months update to iOS 27. Risk of battery degradation in that time.

2. Stay on iOS 18, wait 3 months for iOS 27 and then replace the battery.

Thoughts? I’m veering toward option 2 as I charge to-from work with tethered CarPlay and can also top up at work.

 

[Macdctr]

Right now based on my experiences using iOS26 on my 13 mini, I would recommend going with option 2. I did not like how iOS26 was causing lagging performance and I was charging my battery more often. I’m on iOS27 Developer Beta 1 on my 13 mini and my device feels like a brand new 13 mini again.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Right now based on my experiences using iOS26 on my 13 mini, I would recommend going with option 2. I did not like how iOS26 was causing lagging performance and I was charging my battery more often. I’m on iOS27 Developer Beta 1 on my 13 mini and my device feels like a brand new 13 mini again.

Yes option 2. makes so much more sense.

I’d be real interesting to hear about your experience also with subsequent betas, if things remain stable, improvements etc. If you have the time off course but I’m sure many 13 Mini owners would follow this.

 

[Macdctr]

Yes option 2. makes so much more sense.

I’d be real interesting to hear about your experience also with subsequent betas, if things remain stable, improvements etc. If you have the time off course but I’m sure many 13 Mini owners would follow this.

I’m retired and time is all I have 😊

So far since updating my 13 mini to iOS27, my green one, I decided to update my midnight 256GB 13 mini to the new iOS. The midnight 13 mini I have I use while cycling so when I’m ready to cycle, I just transfer my physical SIM card from my green 13 mini to my midnight one and vice versa.

I took my green 13 mini off the charger at 9am this morning, placed it into low power mode, turned off bluetooth because I don’t need this while using my 13 mini, and kept WiFi on. It is almost 12:30 and my charge level is still at 100% charge. Not bad. I use my 13 mini to monitor alerts from my home security camera setup and control my inground sprinkler system while using my 15 Pro for normal cell phone usage.

So far after a few days the new iOS has been a refresh in usage. My mini seems to boot up faster, comes up from sleep as soon as I pick it up and swipes into either my home screen or my home security app that is typically up when my phone goes to sleep. Either way it is faster than it was running iOS26. No glitches or delays noted so far.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I’m retired and time is all I have 😊

So far since updating my 13 mini to iOS27, my green one, I decided to update my midnight 256GB 13 mini to the new iOS. The midnight 13 mini I have I use while cycling so when I’m ready to cycle, I just transfer my physical SIM card from my green 13 mini to my midnight one and vice versa.

I took my green 13 mini off the charger at 9am this morning, placed it into low power mode, turned off bluetooth because I don’t need this while using my 13 mini, and kept WiFi on. It is almost 12:30 and my charge level is still at 100% charge. Not bad. I use my 13 mini to monitor alerts from my home security camera setup and control my inground sprinkler system while using my 15 Pro for normal cell phone usage.

So far after a few days the new iOS has been a refresh in usage. My mini seems to boot up faster, comes up from sleep as soon as I pick it up and swipes into either my home screen or my home security app that is typically up when my phone goes to sleep. Either way it is faster than it was running iOS26. No glitches or delays noted so far.

Ohhh you got two Minis. I reckon you
Could sell one of them for an awesome price if need be as they are quite sought after now.

Green and midnight. Being rather conservative (boring) I went to the Apple store all these years ago to buy the midnight colour, thinking safe bet
with no regrets, bigger market if I was to sell. So none of this happened except for two things:

1. flirted with the iPP 13 (likely fomo) but after having a small and light OG SE for 6 yrs…no way.

2. Was conservative if you recall, until I saw the blue. Never had a chance to unsee it and was smitten with the colour and love it to this day. To me the rumoured iP 18 blue loos a tad similar?

You’ve solidified my decision to skip iOS 26 entirely and wait for the next iteration. I mean, I always had a hesitation to update and stayed with iOS 18. because of it. Thank you for your feedback of experience with the iOS 27 beta.

 

[Macdctr]

Ohhh you got two Minis. I reckon you
Could sell one of them for an awesome price if need be as they are quite sought after now.

Green and midnight. Being rather conservative (boring) I went to the Apple store all these years ago to buy the midnight colour, thinking safe bet
with no regrets, bigger market if I was to sell. So none of this happened except for two things:

1. flirted with the iPP 13 (likely fomo) but after having a small and light OG SE for 6 yrs…no way.

2. Was conservative if you recall, until I saw the blue. Never had a chance to unsee it and was smitten with the colour and love it to this day. To me the rumoured iP 18 blue loos a tad similar?

You’ve solidified my decision to skip iOS 26 entirely and wait for the next iteration. I mean, I always had a hesitation to update and stayed with iOS 18. because of it. Thank you for your feedback of experience with the iOS 27 beta.

I sent you a message 👍🏽 Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions😊

Since installing iOS27 on my mini, I took out my Alpine Green 13 Pro and installed iOS27 on it as well. I have been enjoying the improved performance on these solid iPhones👍🏽

 

[1rottenapple]

I’m retired and time is all I have 😊

So far since updating my 13 mini to iOS27, my green one, I decided to update my midnight 256GB 13 mini to the new iOS. The midnight 13 mini I have I use while cycling so when I’m ready to cycle, I just transfer my physical SIM card from my green 13 mini to my midnight one and vice versa.

I took my green 13 mini off the charger at 9am this morning, placed it into low power mode, turned off bluetooth because I don’t need this while using my 13 mini, and kept WiFi on. It is almost 12:30 and my charge level is still at 100% charge. Not bad. I use my 13 mini to monitor alerts from my home security camera setup and control my inground sprinkler system while using my 15 Pro for normal cell phone usage.

So far after a few days the new iOS has been a refresh in usage. My mini seems to boot up faster, comes up from sleep as soon as I pick it up and swipes into either my home screen or my home security app that is typically up when my phone goes to sleep. Either way it is faster than it was running iOS26. No glitches or delays noted so far.

interesting! I hope this holds OS 26 has been a disaster.

I wonder how the phone number swapping I read about works with OS27. If it works as I am hoping it does, I would love to have two phones I can swap readily. I can use my 13 mini and 17 air willingly.

 

[1rottenapple]

I sent you a message 👍🏽 Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions😊

Since installing iOS27 on my mini, I took out my Alpine Green 13 Pro and installed iOS27 on it as well. I have been enjoying the improved performance on these solid iPhones👍🏽

Have you tried the number number swapping yet?

 

[Macdctr]

Have you tried the number number swapping yet?

I swap eSIMs between my 17 Pro and my 15 Pro and have no issues doing this under iOS26 or iOS27. I would surmise based on my experience swapping eSIMS that there should not be an issue with the 13 mini as it has one eSIM and one physical SIM.

On my 12 and 13 series iPhones I have a Visible physical SIM card to swap between those devices so I don't transfer eSIMs on those devices although I don't expect to have any issues doing this.

 

[1rottenapple]

I swap eSIMs between my 17 Pro and my 15 Pro and have no issues doing this under iOS26 or iOS27. I would surmise based on my experience swapping eSIMS that there should not be an issue with the 13 mini as it has one eSIM and one physical SIM.

On my 12 and 13 series iPhones I have a Visible physical SIM card to swap between those devices so I don't transfer eSIMs on those devices although I don't expect to have any issues doing this.

No it's not specifically swapping sims. OS 27 has this feature you can have one number in 2 devices. A mac podcast is theorizing Apple is placing this feature because they foresee people using a fold and an iPhone. Here's what the feature is:

Phone Number Sharing in iOS 27 Beta​

Overview of the Feature​

iOS 27 introduces a new capability that allows users to share a single phone number between two iPhones. This feature enables seamless switching between devices, which can be particularly useful for users who own both a standard iPhone and a foldable model.

Key Details​

• Functionality: Users can set up two iPhones to operate with the same phone number, allowing them to switch between devices as needed.
• Carrier Support: This feature may require support from mobile carriers to function properly, so availability could vary based on the user's service provider.

Benefits​

• Convenience: Users can easily switch between devices without needing to manage multiple phone numbers.
• Flexibility: Ideal for those who want to use different iPhone models for different purposes, such as work and personal use.

This feature is part of the broader enhancements in iOS 27, which aims to improve user experience and functionality across Apple devices.

--------

It's basically akin to what the iPhone does with an apple watch cellular plan. This is pretty huge IMHO for us who still have a 13 mini laying around.

 

[Macdctr]

No it's not specifically swapping sims. OS 27 has this feature you can have one number in 2 devices. A mac podcast is theorizing Apple is placing this feature because they foresee people using a fold and an iPhone. Here's what the feature is:

Phone Number Sharing in iOS 27 Beta​

Overview of the Feature​

iOS 27 introduces a new capability that allows users to share a single phone number between two iPhones. This feature enables seamless switching between devices, which can be particularly useful for users who own both a standard iPhone and a foldable model.

Key Details​

• Functionality: Users can set up two iPhones to operate with the same phone number, allowing them to switch between devices as needed.
• Carrier Support: This feature may require support from mobile carriers to function properly, so availability could vary based on the user's service provider.

Benefits​

• Convenience: Users can easily switch between devices without needing to manage multiple phone numbers.
• Flexibility: Ideal for those who want to use different iPhone models for different purposes, such as work and personal use.

This feature is part of the broader enhancements in iOS 27, which aims to improve user experience and functionality across Apple devices.

--------

It's basically akin to what the iPhone does with an apple watch cellular plan. This is pretty huge IMHO for us who still have a 13 mini laying around.

That's interesting! I have not tried doing this. Not sure if I want to have two numbers on one device. I was not aware of this capability.