Standard or Cell Only: which to choose
Both replace a worn iPhone XS battery. The difference is what happens to the battery IC, the small board that tells iOS which battery is fitted, and that decides what the phone shows afterwards.
| Feature | Standard (this part) | Cell Only |
|---|
| What you get | Complete battery with its own new IC, adhesive pre-applied | Bare cell, no IC board, adhesive included |
| Your original battery IC | Replaced | Soldered onto the new cell |
| Parts and Service History | “Unknown” | Reads as your original battery |
| Battery Health | Shows a percentage from iOS 18 | Comes from the data stored on your original IC |
| Skill needed | A standard battery swap | Micro-soldering |
| Best for | A straightforward, lower-cost swap | Keeping the phone reading the battery it already had |
Choose Standard for a straightforward swap with no soldering, when an “Unknown” label in Settings does not matter. If the phone should keep reading its original battery, the Cell Only version keeps the original IC but needs micro-soldering.
About the iPhone XS replacement battery
This is a complete replacement battery for the iPhone XS: 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.
The iPhone XS was released in 2018. At 2658 mAh it is the smallest battery in the iPhone XS and XR line-up. The iPhone XS is opened from the screen side, so the display comes off before the battery can be reached.
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 XS Replacement Battery specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|
| Product type | Complete replacement battery with IC board and connector |
| Capacity | 2658 mAh |
| Rated voltage | 3.81 V |
| Charging cut-off voltage | 4.35 V |
| Energy | 10.13 Wh |
| Chemistry | Lithium-ion polymer |
| Compatible model | iPhone XS (A1920, A2097, A2098, A2099, A2100) |
| Battery adhesive | Pre-applied on the battery |
| 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.
Compatible iPhone XS model numbers
This battery fits iPhone XS models A1920, A2097, A2098, A2099 and A2100. 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 X uses a 2716 mAh battery, the iPhone XS Max uses a 3174 mAh battery and the iPhone XR uses a 2942 mAh battery. Check the model number in Settings > General > About, or use Apple’s guide to identifying your iPhone.
How to fit the iPhone XS replacement battery
For technicians and experienced repairers. Work on an ESD-safe bench, and never lever against a lithium battery: a punctured cell can catch fire.
- Prepare the bench. Precision screwdrivers, a heat mat or heat gun, a suction handle, plastic picks and fine tweezers.
- Open the phone from the screen. Heat and lift the display, then unplug the battery connector before touching anything else.
- Remove the old battery. Pull the adhesive tabs out slowly at a low angle, then lift the battery out without bending or puncturing it.
- Prepare the new battery. Peel the backing off the adhesive already applied to it.
- Fit the new battery. Line it up, press it into place, and reconnect it.
- Test and close. Check the phone boots and charges, then reseal it with fresh display adhesive.
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 battery, though Apple notes that health readings for a battery it cannot verify might not be accurate. The phone charges and runs normally. Apple explains both in its guides to Parts and Service History and genuine iPhone batteries.
If you would rather hand the job over, GA Tech NZ offers in-house iPhone XS battery replacement, and our repair tools range covers the bench kit.
Who this battery suits
Repair shops and technicians. A complete battery that fits as a straight swap, for everyday battery jobs without soldering.
Experienced DIY repairers. If you have opened an iPhone before and own the tools, it fits without soldering or pairing.
If Settings must keep showing the original battery. Choose the Cell Only version instead, which keeps the phone’s own IC.
First-time repairers. If you have not opened an iPhone before, our in-house fitting service is the safer route.
What is in the box
- 1 x iPhone XS replacement battery with the adhesive applied
Tools, and display 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
How is the Standard battery different from Cell Only?
Standard is a complete battery with its own new IC, fitted as a straight swap. Cell Only is a bare cell that keeps the phone’s original IC but needs 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?
From iOS 18, a percentage: 100% on a new battery. Apple notes that health readings for a battery it cannot verify might not be accurate.
Do I need to solder?
No. It is a complete battery, so it swaps in without soldering. Soldering is only needed for the Cell Only version.
Is the iPhone XS battery the same as the iPhone X battery?
No. The iPhone XS takes a 2658 mAh battery and the iPhone X a 2716 mAh battery, each shaped for its own phone, so the two are not interchangeable.
Is battery adhesive included?
Yes. The adhesive is already applied to the back of the battery: peel off the backing and fit it.
Which iPhone XS models does it fit?
Model numbers A1920, A2097, A2098, A2099 or A2100. Check yours in Settings, then General, then About.
Is this an Apple original battery?
No. It is an aftermarket battery, not an Apple part.
What warranty comes with it?
6 months against manufacturing defects. Physical damage, punctures and damage caused while fitting are not covered.
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