A growing number of iPhone 11 Pro owners in South Korea are opting for battery replacements that significantly exceed the original capacity, with some choosing aftermarket batteries boasting 12,000mAh, more than triple the original specification. The trend, particularly visible at repair hubs like 강변테크노마트 in Seoul, is driven by aging batteries and increasing repair costs for the now several-year-old device.
According to a recent blog post detailing repairs at 강변테크노마트, a common issue for iPhone 11 Pro users is significant battery degradation, often falling to 70% efficiency or lower. This necessitates either a battery replacement or increasingly frequent charging. The original iPhone 11 Pro battery was designed to retain 80% of its capacity after 500 full charge cycles, typically lasting users 18 to 24 months, according to iFixit repair guides.
While Apple offers official battery replacement services, the cost can be a deterrent for some. A blog post from January 2023 indicates that battery replacements for the iPhone 11 Pro, and the larger Pro Max model, cost 50,000 Korean Won (approximately $38 USD as of February 14, 2026) at repair shops in Bucheon. The blog post details three battery options: standard capacity, high capacity, and a standard capacity option involving cell refurbishment.
The availability of high-capacity aftermarket batteries, such as those offered by LL Trader, provides an alternative. These batteries, often sold with complete repair toolkits, aim to restore the device’s original performance and extend its usability. However, iFixit cautions that replacing the battery with a non-Apple branded component may trigger a warning message regarding “battery authenticity” even if the iPhone functions normally.
Following a battery replacement, iFixit recommends a calibration process: fully charging the device for at least two hours, then allowing it to drain completely before recharging to 100% again. This process is intended to optimize performance with the modern battery. The process of opening the iPhone 11 Pro to access the battery requires specialized tools, including a pentalobe screwdriver, and risks damaging the water resistance seal, necessitating a replacement seal upon reassembly.
As of February 14, 2026, Apple has not issued a public statement regarding the increasing prevalence of aftermarket battery replacements for the iPhone 11 Pro or the potential impact on device performance and warranty coverage.
