Risk of screen damage during iPhone 13 battery replacement due to swelling

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Level 1

4 points

Risk of screen damage during iPhone 13 battery replacement due to swelling

I have an iPhone 13 that I’ve taken really good care of — never dropped, always in a case. Yesterday I noticed that the screen was starting to lift slightly, so I immediately powered it off and took it to the Apple Store.

The technician told me that this is a fairly common issue caused by the battery swelling in iPhone 13s, and they could replace the battery for me. I asked if my phone would come back in the same condition, and he said unfortunately there’s about a 50/50 chance that the screen could get damaged during the process. If that happens, I would have to pay for a screen replacement — which he said costs almost as much as buying a used iPhone 13.

I didn’t hand my phone in because I find that really concerning. I understand that repairs carry some risk, but it feels unfair that I could be charged for damage that happens during an official Apple repair — especially since the issue started from what seems to be a swollen battery (which I didn’t cause).

I also find it strange because other manufacturers (like Samsung) cover any accidental screen damage during battery replacements or offer excellent trade-in options, so I’m wondering if Apple’s policy is the same everywhere or if it’s different in South Africa (I’m based in Johannesburg).

Is it really true that Apple customers have to pay if the screen is damaged during a battery replacement caused by swelling? Has anyone else experienced this with their iPhone 13?

Thanks in advance!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Battery swelling on iPhone 13 – Apple says there’s a 50/50 chance they’ll damage my screen during repair. Is this normal?

iPhone 13, iOS 18

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 8:29 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2025

Level 10

184,688 points

Nov 9, 2025 9:31 PM in response to Jani_vdh

If the screen has started to lift because of a swollen battery, there is a very good chance the screen has already been damaged, even though it might appear to be working at the moment.

As users.....just like you.....we are not familiar with the details of Apple's policies and decisions and cannot comment on whether they might be different in different regions.

I believe that you have received accurate information from the technician. My advice would be to expect to pay for a new battery and new screen if you decide to move ahead with repairs. If the frame of the phone has been bent or altered by the swelling of the battery, there may be other repairs required as well.

If it were me, I would not have the phone repaired and I would buy a new phone. But, that's me. Another user will likely make a different decision.

Questions like "Has anyone else experienced this with their iPhone 13" are in effect a poll, and polls are not permitted on this site, so the moderators may or may not edit your post.

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Answer 2

Katana-San

Level 10

80,989 points

Nov 9, 2025 9:00 PM in response to Jani_vdh

Hello~ Don’t use nor try to charge that iPhone… that could prove dangerous. There’s an excellent chance that the swollen battery has damaged your screen already. Far be it from me to question what you were told by Apple. Did you talk to the store manager?

~Katana-San~

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Answer 3

Dec 2, 2025 6:21 AM in response to Jani_vdh

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Community.

We want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your device. We recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support.

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