Apple offers free battery replacement for some MacBook Pros

By Trevor Mogg Published February 10, 2021

A laptop that won’t charge past 1% is no good to anyone, but it’s a problem currently being experienced by a number of disgruntled MacBook Pro users.

The good news is that Apple has now agreed to replace the batteries free of charge for some customers.

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A support document posted on the tech giant’s website on Tuesday, February 9, confirms that a “very small number of customers with 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro computers are experiencing an issue with the battery not charging past 1 percent.”

If the battery health status on a computer that won’t charge past 1 percent says “service recommended,” the device is eligible for a free battery replacement.

But if the battery health status says the battery is “normal,” then it’s not affected by the issue. In that case, Apple says one of these MacOS updates should resolve the charging problem: MacOS Big Sur 11.2.1 or later, or the MacOS Catalina 10.15.7 supplemental update.

Apple notes that those claiming for the free battery replacement will first have their device examined to confirm that it’s eligible for the service.

If you believe your 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro qualifies for a free battery replacement, then you should contact Apple Support to move the case forward.

How to find your computer’s model

Choose the Apple menu by clicking on the Apple icon at the top left of the display, and then select About This Mac.
2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models are listed below:
– MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
– MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
– MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
– MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
– MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
– MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)

How to find out the condition of your battery

In MacOS Big Sur, open the Apple menu by clicking on the Apple icon at the top left of the display, and then select System Preferences. Click on Battery, then select Battery in the sidebar, and finally, click on Battery Health.

In MacOS Catalina or earlier, hold down the Option key and click the battery icon in the menu bar to reveal the battery status menu.

Apple recently released the latest version of the MacBook Pro powered by its new M1 chip. Check out Digital Trends’ review.

Contributing Editor

Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

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