The honest answer: it depends. But we've repaired over 25,000 devices across Johannesburg, and we can give you real numbers, real timelines, and real expectations.
Why Your Apple Device Has Lost Power
A dead device doesn't always mean a dead battery. In our years servicing clients across Johannesburg, from Sandton to Fourways to the southern suburbs, we've seen power failures come from several different causes.
The most common culprit is the battery itself. Apple batteries degrade over time. After 500 to 1,000 charge cycles, capacity drops significantly. Many devices that "won't power on" simply need a battery replacement and a gentle diagnostic.
Logic board faults are rarer but more expensive. Water damage, physical impact, or manufacturing defects can compromise the board that controls power distribution. A MacBook that took liquid damage during load shedding season, or an iPhone that survived a fall onto a Johannesburg pavement, might have logic board problems that need specialist attention.
Power management chip failures also occur. These tiny integrated circuits regulate power flow from battery to CPU. When they fail, the device behaves as though it has no charge at all.
Occasionally, it's simply a firmware issue. Your device is powered but won't respond to button presses. We've seen this after interrupted updates or corrupted OS installations.
No Power Repair Costs at ZA Support
Our standard diagnostic assessment starts at R599. This covers:
From that assessment, we can quote exact repair costs.
Battery replacement typically costs between R1,200 and R2,500 depending on your device model. A MacBook battery is more expensive than an iPhone battery, but both are commoditised parts with reliable pricing. Turnaround is 2-3 business days for most models.
Logic board repair is where costs escalate. Micro-soldering a damaged power management chip can cost R3,500 to R8,000. If the entire logic board needs replacement, because the damage is too extensive, expect R6,000 to R15,000 for most MacBooks. iPhones and iPads vary, but generally fall between R4,000 and R9,000. We've found that replacement is often more cost-effective than repair when the board damage is widespread.
Liquid damage remediation typically starts at R1,500 for assessment and cleaning, then escalates based on what the inspection reveals. We've worked on devices submerged during Johannesburg's unexpected water incidents, and thorough remediation can cost R2,000 to R6,000 including component-level cleaning and testing.
For detailed information about how we handle water-damaged devices, see our liquid damage repair guide.
Turnaround and Warranty
Most no-power repairs complete within 5-7 business days. Battery replacements are fastest; logic board work takes longer because we test extensively before returning your device.
Every repair includes a minimum 12-month parts warranty. Many customers choose our 3-year extended warranty for an additional R999-R1,499 depending on the repair. This covers the same component if it fails again.
How We Diagnose Your Device
When you bring a device in, to our Hyde Park location or via courier from anywhere in Johannesburg, our first step is always the R599 assessment. We don't guess.
We connect your device to our diagnostic rack: a combination of hardware testing tools and Apple's own firmware validation systems. We measure battery voltage, test power delivery circuits, and run extended boot diagnostics. This tells us whether we're dealing with a battery, a logic board, or something else entirely.
The assessment includes a written quote. You approve before we proceed. No surprises.
For MacBook diagnostics specifically, we use the same methodology outlined in Apple's official service diagnostics, but with the added benefit of micro-soldering capability in-house if board-level repair is needed.
Common Questions About Power Repairs
We've been fielding the same questions for years. Here's what clients in Johannesburg typically want to know.
Can you fix it faster than Apple? Usually, yes. Apple's official repair typically takes 5-10 working days plus courier time. We're local. If the repair is a battery replacement, we often complete it same-day if you drop it off early. Logic board work takes 5-7 days, same as Apple, but you don't lose time in the courier queue.
Is it cheaper than Apple? Often. Apple's diagnostic fee is built into the repair cost, you can't get a standalone assessment. Our R599 assessment is separate and refundable against any repair you approve. On battery replacements, we're typically within 10% of Apple's pricing. On logic board repairs, we're often 15-25% less expensive because we specialise in micro-soldering rather than full board replacement.
Do you repair all brands, or just Apple? Apple only. This is intentional. We've completed over 25,000 Apple repairs across Johannesburg, which means deep expertise in macOS, iOS, and the specific failure modes of each generation. Branching into Android or Windows would dilute that focus.
Will you replace my device for free if the repair fails? No, but our warranty is comprehensive. If the same component fails within 12 months (or 3 years with extended warranty), we repair or replace it at no cost. We've had fewer than 50 warranty claims across all devices we've serviced in the past three years, a 99.8% first-time success rate.
When No Power Means You Need Help Soon
If your MacBook won't boot for an important work deadline, or your iPhone is dead and you need it for personal reasons, don't wait. Load shedding season in Johannesburg means more power-related failures than usual. Businesses relying on backup power often see surge damage. We've seen it happen to dozens of devices.
Contact us immediately. We can often accommodate urgent diagnostics within 24 hours.
WhatsApp us on 064 529 5863 for a quick conversation about your device, or book online at zasupport.com/book to reserve a diagnostics slot.
Our Hyde Park workshop is open Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00, and Saturday 09:00-13:00.
Why Logic Boards Matter
If your diagnostic reveals a logic board fault, you're right to ask what that means. The logic board is the "brain" of your device, it coordinates every function from power delivery to processing. We've written extensively about logic board repair techniques if you want to understand the detail.
The key point: logic board failures aren't always catastrophic. A single failed component, a power management IC, a voltage regulator, a charging controller, can be replaced without replacing the entire board. That's where micro-soldering comes in. But this requires specialised equipment and training.
If you're not sure what your device needs, that's what the R599 assessment is for. Get in touch and we'll give you clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my device needs a battery replacement or logic board repair?
You don't, not without testing. Our diagnostic assessment identifies this. If your device turns on when plugged in but dies when unplugged, it's almost certainly a battery. If it won't respond to any button or charger, the logic board is likely involved. The R599 assessment takes the guesswork out.
Q: Can I send my device to you by courier if I'm not in Hyde Park?
Yes. We accept courier deliveries from anywhere in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. Costs depend on courier choice, typically R50-R150. We return repaired devices the same way. Factor in courier time when planning turnaround.
Q: What's your warranty again?
Every repair includes 12 months parts warranty as standard. You can add 3-year extended coverage for R999-R1,499 depending on your device and repair type. This covers the same component if it fails again.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
For repairs over R5,000, we work with several local finance partners offering 12-24 month payment plans. Ask about this when you book your assessment.
Q: Is water damage repairable?
Usually, yes. Extent depends on how long the device was wet and what liquids were involved. Our liquid damage guide explains the assessment process. Initial diagnosis costs R599 like any other repair.
Q: How quickly can you diagnose a device with no power?
Our standard diagnostic takes 1-2 hours. We can prioritise urgent cases, phone ahead and let us know your situation. For simple battery testing, we sometimes have results within 30 minutes.
