What iOS shows after the swap
After the swap, Parts and Service History (Settings > General > About) lists the battery as “Unknown”, because iOS cannot verify an aftermarket battery. Battery Health still shows a percentage, 100% on a new cell, though Apple notes that health readings for a battery it cannot verify might not be accurate. Charging, fast charging and MagSafe all work normally. Apple explains both in its guides to Parts and Service History and genuine iPhone batteries.
About the iPhone 16 replacement battery
This is a complete replacement battery for the iPhone 16: a new lithium-ion polymer cell with its own IC board and connector, with the adhesive already applied. It fits as a straight swap, with no soldering and no pairing step.
The iPhone 16 was released in 2024 and carries a 3561 mAh cell, the smallest in the iPhone 16 line-up. Two details make it one of the easier iPhones to work on. The back glass is designed to be removed, so the battery can be reached without taking the display off and risking the Face ID assembly. And Apple fitted the battery with electrically released adhesive, so the old cell lifts out under a low-voltage supply instead of being levered free.
Important information
- This is an aftermarket replacement battery, not an Apple original part.
- GA Tech NZ is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Apple Inc.
- Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., used here only to identify the device this part fits.
- Parts and Service History lists this battery as “Unknown”. Battery Health shows a percentage, though Apple notes readings for a battery it cannot verify might not be accurate.
iPhone 16 Replacement Battery specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|
| Product type | Complete replacement battery with IC board and connector |
| Capacity | 3561 mAh |
| Rated voltage | 3.886 V |
| Charging cut-off voltage | 4.50 V |
| Energy | 13.839 Wh |
| Chemistry | Lithium-ion polymer |
| Compatible model | iPhone 16 (A3081, A3286, A3287, A3288) |
| Battery adhesive | Pre-applied on the battery |
| Original adhesive removal | Electrical release, 9 V for about 90 seconds |
| Warranty | 6 months against manufacturing defects |
| Dispatch | Same day on weekday orders before 2pm, NZ stock |
Capacity, voltage and energy figures are the supplier’s specifications for this battery.
When the battery is the actual problem
A phone that shuts down with charge still showing, throttles under load, or will not last an afternoon it used to manage is describing a worn cell rather than a software fault. Capacity falls with every charge cycle: Apple designs iPhone batteries to keep 80% of their original capacity after 500 to 1,000 complete cycles depending on the model, and on a phone used daily the drop usually becomes obvious somewhere around the two year mark. Settings > Battery shows where yours is.
A swollen cell is a different matter. If the screen or back glass is lifting at an edge, stop charging the phone and have the battery replaced promptly, because the pressure can crack the display.
Compatible iPhone 16 model numbers
This battery fits iPhone 16 models A3081, A3286, A3287 and A3288. They are the same phone sold in different regions, so one battery covers all of them.
It does not fit other iPhone models. The iPhone 16 Plus uses a 4674 mAh cell, the iPhone 16 Pro a 3582 mAh cell, and the iPhone 16e a 4005 mAh cell, each shaped for its own phone. Check the model number in Settings > General > About, or use Apple’s guide to identifying your iPhone. Other iPhone models, and the versions available for them, are listed under iPhone replacement batteries.
How to fit the iPhone 16 replacement battery
For technicians and experienced repairers. Work on an ESD-safe bench, and never lever against a lithium cell: a puncture can start a fire that is difficult to put out.
- Prepare the bench. Precision screwdrivers, a heat mat or heat gun, a suction handle, plastic picks and fine tweezers, plus a 9 V battery or bench power supply.
- Open the phone from the back. Warm the back glass, lift it clear, then unplug the battery connector before touching anything else.
- Release the old battery. Connect 9 V between the battery’s release tab and a ground point for about 90 seconds. The adhesive lets go and the cell lifts out without prying.
- Prepare the new battery. Peel the backing off the adhesive already applied to it.
- Fit the new battery. Line it up with the chassis cutout, press it down evenly, and reconnect it.
- Test, then close. Check the phone boots, charges and reports a percentage in Battery Health, then reseal with fresh back glass adhesive.
A trained technician completes the job in 20 to 30 minutes. If you would rather hand it over, GA Tech NZ offers in-house iPhone 16 battery replacement, with prices per model on our iPhone repair prices page. Bench kit is in our repair tools range.
Who this battery suits
Repair shops and technicians. A complete battery that drops in as a straight swap, for everyday battery jobs with no soldering and no pairing.
Experienced DIY repairers. If you have opened an iPhone before and own the tools, including a 9 V supply for the adhesive release, this fits without specialist equipment.
First-time repairers. If you have not opened an iPhone before, our in-house fitting is the safer route. The back glass and the battery connector are both easy to damage.
What is in the box
- 1 x iPhone 16 replacement battery with the adhesive applied
Tools, and back glass adhesive for resealing the phone, are not supplied.
Warranty and returns
Supplied with a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects in the battery. It does not cover physical damage, punctures, or damage caused while fitting.
Change-of-mind returns are accepted on unopened parts in new, unused condition within 7 days of delivery, in line with our terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a complete battery?
Yes. It is a complete battery with its own IC board and connector, so it fits as a straight swap with no soldering.
Will iOS show the battery as Unknown?
Yes. Parts and Service History lists it as “Unknown”, because iOS cannot verify an aftermarket battery. The phone charges and runs normally.
What will Battery Health show?
A percentage, 100% on a new cell. Apple notes that health readings for a battery it cannot verify might not be accurate.
How does the original battery come out?
Apple fitted the iPhone 16 with electrically released adhesive. Connecting 9 V to the battery’s release tab for about 90 seconds lets the adhesive go, so the old cell lifts out without prying.
Do I need to solder?
No. It is a complete battery with its own IC board, so it swaps in without soldering and without a pairing step in Settings.
Is battery adhesive included?
Yes. The adhesive is already applied to the back of the battery: peel off the backing and fit it. Back glass adhesive for resealing the phone is sold separately.
Is the iPhone 16 battery the same as the iPhone 16 Pro battery?
No. The iPhone 16 takes a 3561 mAh cell and the iPhone 16 Pro a 3582 mAh cell, each shaped for its own chassis, so the two are not interchangeable.
Which iPhone 16 models does it fit?
Model numbers A3081, A3286, A3287 and A3288. Check yours in Settings, then General, then About.
Is this an Apple original battery?
No. It is an aftermarket battery, not an Apple part, and GA Tech NZ is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
How long will it last?
With daily use, expect good capacity for around two years before it starts to fade, much like the original cell.
What warranty comes with it?
6 months against manufacturing defects. Physical damage, punctures and damage caused while fitting are not covered.
Can GA Tech fit it for me?
Yes. Our Queenstown workshop replaces iPhone batteries in-house, and the price for each model is on our iPhone repair prices page.
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