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2012 Macbook Air battery user replaceable?

S

stchman

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 16, 2012
671
2
St. Louis, MO
Hello all.

I was watching a YouTube video where a guy replaced his MBA battery. I thought Apple has said that the battery is not user replaceable.

Any rate, is the 2012 MBA battery user replaceable? I'm thinking about is one day the battery WILL go bad.

Thanks.
 
stchman said:
Hello all.

I was watching a YouTube video where a guy replaced his MBA battery. I thought Apple has said that the battery is not user replaceable.

Any rate, is the 2012 MBA battery user replaceable? I'm thinking about is one day the battery WILL go bad.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
It is not considered by Apple to be a user-replaceable part and doing so voids the warranty.
 
stchman said:
It looks like many places sell them. The model # of the battery is an A1405.

http://www.salebatt.com/apple/a1405-battery.htm

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...ttery-Macbook-Air-13-3-A1405-wholesalers.html

http://www.laptop-battery-shop.com/...-p-3637.html?zenid=t8fh0kk09e79bsgg7u8qlnsl33

Granted, I am not going to need one for a while, but at least they are out there.
Click to expand...

Nice finds! How much does apple charge to do it? The batteries cost a tad more than i expected.
 
asting said:
Nice finds! How much does apple charge to do it? The batteries cost a tad more than i expected.
Click to expand...

How much does battery replacement cost?
Battery replacement prices are based on your region:

Region Apple Price
United States $129 pre taxes
Canada CA$139 pre taxes
Europe €129 inc. VAT
Switzerland CHF 139 inc VAT
United Kingdom £99 inc. VAT
Japan ¥11,800 inc. taxes
Australia A$149 inc GST
China 988 RMB inc. vat
Click to expand...

http://www.apple.com/support/macbookair/service/battery/

Considering the replacement battery is around $80-$130. Comparing the apple and 3rd party ones the difference is not as big, you get to keep your warranty (if you still have one by that time anyway) and, its authentic (with some kinda warranty from apple I hope).
 
miles01110 said:
This doesn't change Apple's terminology. "Non-user replaceable" in Applespeak means that if you do it (regardless if it's actually possible or not) it will void Applecare.
Click to expand...

this. It is the same as replacing the optical drive with a HDD on the pros....you can do it, but it would void the warranty.
 
tjcad said:
http://www.apple.com/support/macbookair/service/battery/

Considering the replacement battery is around $80-$130. Comparing the apple and 3rd party ones the difference is not as big, you get to keep your warranty (if you still have one by that time anyway) and, its authentic (with some kinda warranty from apple I hope).
Click to expand...

Thanks that's exactly the thought process i had. I'll probably get a new battery in a few years then.
 
Just let Apple do it if you need it. You aren't going to save much by trying it yourself, and you have a lot to lose if you make a mistake or get a bad replacement battery.
 
stchman said:
It looks like many places sell them. The model # of the battery is an A1405.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't trust or recommend any non-Apple battery, due to the number of problems reported with "knockoff" batteries. Also, there is no assurance that knockoff batteries have the same charging technology that Apple uses, involving the battery, the MagSafe adapter and the Mac's logic board.

You're better off using only Apple batteries, installed by Apple, to avoid voiding your warranty/AppleCare, and so that any future battery/power/charging issues can be addressed by Apple support.

Battery Replacement
Replacing the built-in battery in your MacBook Pro
Replacing the Battery in your MacBook Air
Intel-based Apple Portables: How to replace or service a built-in battery

This should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions:
 
Ok, the thread appears to have gone off its intended purpose.

I am not suggesting that you replace the MBA's battery "just cause". I was merely trying to indicate that IF the MBA's battery wears out (which it will eventually) that the user can replace the bettery if he/she is mechanically inclined.

Of course I would not replace the battery myself if the warranty is still intact, that would be silly. If Apple would fix it for free under warranty why would I spend ~$100? Thing is that warranties are not forever, they eventually expire.
 
What we are saying is, if Apple will replace it, even out of warranty, for $139, you'd be taking a BIG chance trying to save $20 by buying a third party battery and replacing it yourself.
 
Depends. The thing is, by the time you actually need a replacement. I'm sure prices will come down on 3rd party.

$20 difference I'd just go to apple. If in 1.5yrs I can get 3rd party for $50-70 as an example and apple is still $139 I'd just get third party.
 
TheRealDamager said:
What we are saying is, if Apple will replace it, even out of warranty, for $139, you'd be taking a BIG chance trying to save $20 by buying a third party battery and replacing it yourself.
Click to expand...

I could not agree more. Savings of $20 or less would not be worth the risk.

I can see that with the MBA's popularity, that an aftermarket battery in the future could cost $50.
 
So lets say you are right - these third party batteries get to $50.

Are you saying that for $139 - $50 - $10 (for the pentelobe tool) = $79 you would be willing to:

1. Give up your Applecare warranty (if you had one).
2. Order parts from a third party and deal with ordering and shipping.
3. Disassemble your machine and extract and reinstall the battery.
4. Take a chance on whether the 3rd party battery will perform and not hurt the machine.

That just seems like a lot of activity and risk for a relatively small amount of money, but every person has to make their own decisions on stuff like that.
 
TheRealDamager said:
So lets say you are right - these third party batteries get to $50.

Are you saying that for $139 - $50 - $10 (for the pentelobe tool) = $79 you would be willing to:

1. Give up your Applecare warranty (if you had one).
2. Order parts from a third party and deal with ordering and shipping.
3. Disassemble your machine and extract and reinstall the battery.
4. Take a chance on whether the 3rd party battery will perform and not hurt the machine.

That just seems like a lot of activity and risk for a relatively small amount of money, but every person has to make their own decisions on stuff like that.
Click to expand...

1) Most would only do after warranty expired otherwise no I wouldn't void it. Would just go to apple.
2) Yes, do this all the time. Many have free shipping / no tax, and you can usually find suppliers within 500 miles of you or less.
3) Yes, DIY all the way.
4) This is the question... obviously check sources and make sure they're reputable.

Not really a lot of activity. I agree though, have to make your own decisions. Not about price solely, some are just DIY people.
 
TheRealDamager said:
So lets say you are right - these third party batteries get to $50.

Are you saying that for $139 - $50 - $10 (for the pentelobe tool) = $79 you would be willing to:

1. Give up your Applecare warranty (if you had one).
2. Order parts from a third party and deal with ordering and shipping.
3. Disassemble your machine and extract and reinstall the battery.
4. Take a chance on whether the 3rd party battery will perform and not hurt the machine.

That just seems like a lot of activity and risk for a relatively small amount of money, but every person has to make their own decisions on stuff like that.
Click to expand...

If you look at the writing on the battery and the outside of the case, the MBA is made in China. This means they use Chinese batteries.
 
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