2015 15" MacBook Pro Recall Applies to About 432,000 Units, Apple Received 26 Reports of Batteries Overheating

[SRLMJ23]

class action lawsuit in 3, 2, ...

One!


[doublepost=1561660538][/doublepost]

It's too bad. Hoping these don't get banned on airplanes!? This laptop was really great, a real work-horse and I loved the keyboard. I have a newer 2018 model now and although I've gotten used to it, I still prefer my old 2015 from an overall utility perspective.

I am the same as you. I have a 15" 2018 MBP, and a 13" 2015 MBP and I much prefer my 2015 MBP because of the keyboard and it handles anything I throw at it.

Kind of wish the 13" 2015 model were included, but I only have 41 cycles on this battery and I got my 2015 MBP in late 2016...about four months before Apple released the 2016 models!

41 cycles is not that bad at all.

 

[Analog Kid]

This is the most eloquent Apple apologist comment I have ever read.

Nonsense. Identify one sentence in my comment that defends Apple.

A forum is a place where we can glean information based on, among other things, people's opinions both in favor or against something.

I agree. But a forum is not an applause-o-meter. I don't care what the ambient noise level is, I want to hear new ideas and information. Repetitive "Timmy's greed is making my mac too thin" comments may garner "likes" but add nothing to the conversation.

 

[diggy33]

We had about 3 of them swell up last year at my company. We get 3rd party accidental damage warranty so they were replaced before Apple came out with this. Great to see them jumping on and getting replacements taken care of.

 

[mdriftmeyer]

At my work, we had 1 out of ~30 Macbook Pros have a battery that swelled up. That’s about 14,400 faulty batteries, assuming we are representational.

20 out 40 love trump in my office, that's half the voting electorate, assuming we are representational. /s

 

[Webster's Mac]

20 out 40 love trump in my office, that's half the voting electorate, assuming we are representational. /s

Pretty soon we'll be bringing up politics at kids' basketball games...the *MacBook Pro forum* isn't even safe anymore. Doesn't matter who you support...if I want politics I'll go to twitter or I'll go to the political threads on this forum...

 

[jeh72]

Apple replaced my battery (and all the other necessary components) on my 2015 MBP for free earlier this year, before the recall. You should open a case and take it in to see what they say.

Was yours under AppleCare still or out of warranty?

 

[Analog Kid]

20 out 40 love trump in my office, that's half the voting electorate, assuming we are representational. /s

Pretty soon we'll be bringing up politics at kids' basketball games...the *MacBook Pro forum* isn't even safe anymore. Doesn't matter who you support...if I want politics I'll go to twitter or I'll go to the political threads on this forum...

And I think the sarcastic example runs counter to the point being made.

Given a 2 candidate race (good battery versus bad battery), 19.55 people in a representative 40 person office would vote Trump. 20 is pretty darned representative.

If we account for all the candidates (good vs. swollen vs. burst into flames) then 18.43 would vote Trump. Still far more representative than 1 bad battery out of 30.


I think the problem is @mdriftmeyer is falling for the same illusion that @thejadedmonkey did— their local environment is probably giving them a misguided view of the situation among the general population...

 

[Webster's Mac]

And I think the sarcastic example runs counter to the point being made.

Given a 2 candidate race (good battery versus bad battery), 19.5 people in a representative 40 person office would vote Trump. 20 is pretty darned representative.

If we account for all the candidates (swollen versus burst into flames) then 18.5 would vote Trump. Still far more representative than 1 bad battery out of 30.


I think the problem is @mdriftmeyer is falling for the same illusion that @thejadedmonkey did— their local environment is probably giving them a misguided view of the situation among the general population...

Ah...I get the point now.

In regards to the batteries...there seem to be a lot of people with battery issues on the 2015 model. Mine was also degrading quite fast (was around 78-86% capacity after 370-ish cycles). I'm hoping the replacement batteries hold up better...I want to use this machine for a few years. With the new battery and topcase (as well as new display assembly that was installed by Apple a month ago due to staingate)...I expect it to hold up for several years.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Nonsense. Identify one sentence in my comment that defends Apple.

Your entire post is complaining about dissenters and labeling dissent as "whinging". Complaints about Tim, price, keyboards, etc are all valid, even if you disagree.

I agree. But a forum is not an applause-o-meter. I don't care what the ambient noise level is, I want to hear new ideas and information. Repetitive "Timmy's greed is making my mac too thin" comments may garner "likes" but add nothing to the conversation.

The thing is you can say the same thing about all the "Apple is awesome", "my wallet is ready", "can't wait" comments that litter the same forum. It didn't sound like you were complaining about those, and they add nothing to the conversation per your logic.

I personally welcome expressions of both elation and frustration with Apple, in whatever form it takes. But I take issue with those that derisively label either because they disagree.

To be fair, I've gotten caught up in that myself, but that's why you guys are here: to check me too when necessary.

 

[charlituna]

I found out yesterday that the battery in my 2017 15" is swollen...I wonder if we'll see later year models recalled eventually as well?

Your MBP would still fall under their general program of free replacements for any swollen battery in the first 3 years. Even without apple care. So no need to ‘recall’ anything. And it’s interesting to see that they had less than 50 incidents but decided to replace hundreds of batteries ‘just in case’

 

[Webster's Mac]

Your MBP would still fall under their general program of free replacements for any swollen battery in the first 3 years. Even without apple care. So no need to ‘recall’ anything. And it’s interesting to see that they had less than 50 incidents but decided to replace hundreds of batteries ‘just in case’

That model isn't included in this specific recall...but you could claim keyboard issues and the battery would be replaced with it. I know it's not "right" to do that...but it's not "right" that these machines swell up and break their insides due to poor-quality batteries. I've got Lithium Ion batteries from the 90s that still hold a charge and aren't swelling. It's unacceptable that this happens and destroys a multi-thousand dollar computer. And no, I'm not an apple hater. I'm a normal consumer that can't afford to shell out $3k every year for a new machine.
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Your MBP would still fall under their general program of free replacements for any swollen battery in the first 3 years. Even without apple care. So no need to ‘recall’ anything. And it’s interesting to see that they had less than 50 incidents but decided to replace hundreds of batteries ‘just in case’

27-30 incidents is high considering they could have been on planes...etc. An overheating lithium ion battery could be a death sentence for everyone on a plane if the fire gets bad enough. I'm glad Apple is doing a recall, just like I'm glad Samsung recalled (and practically bricked) the Note 7.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Pretty soon we'll be bringing up politics at kids' basketball games...the *MacBook Pro forum* isn't even safe anymore. Doesn't matter who you support...if I want politics I'll go to twitter or I'll go to the political threads on this forum...

I don't agree with the objection. I found it a simple and effective comparison point towards the use of statistics.

I also don't think a point was made in either direction (in favor or against Trump).

That said, politics are a part of our everyday life, and leakage into other subjects is bound to happen.

The only way to prevent it is via a gag order and such.

We can skip posts, folks.
[doublepost=1561664634][/doublepost]I am glad Apple is doing this. Safety should be high on the priority list of any company producing consumer products.

Or rather, ANY company altogether.

 

[patent10021]

Can't innovate my ass.

 

[Analog Kid]

Your entire post is complaining about dissenters and labeling dissent as "whinging". Complaints about Tim, price, keyboards, etc are all valid, even if you disagree.

The thing is you can say the same thing about all the "Apple is awesome", "my wallet is ready", "can't wait" comments that litter the same forum. It didn't sound like you were complaining about those, and they add nothing to the conversation per your logic.

My post is about useless noise in the comments. I don't see any "Apple is awesome" or "my wallet is ready" posts in this thread before mine, but I do see the example given by the person I was responding to and from which you decided to extrapolate my world view and label me an apologist.

Somehow that's not the greatest example of the open minded thinking you're trying so hard to espouse

You'll also notice I didn't label "dissent" (??!) as whinging, I labeled the constant repetitive comments with no new content as whinging. You know, the definition of whinging...

And for the record, most of the noise these days is of the type I describe above but when the posts were going the other way during the Note 7 fiasco, my advice wasn't much different:

Finally, an article that can bring balance to my ignore list. The first entrants were all the silly "courage" posts, now I can figure out who has nothing better to contribute than "explosive" comments...

I personally welcome expressions of both elation and frustration with Apple, in whatever form it takes. But I take issue with those that derisively label either because they disagree.

To be fair, I've gotten caught up in that myself, but that's why you guys are here: to check me too when necessary.

You've been here 2 months-- how many times have people had to check you?!

Let me suggest you be just as tolerant of expressions of frustration with the MacRumors community as you would like the MacRumors community to be with expressions of frustration with Apple.

I don't agree with the objection. I found it a simple and effective comparison point towards the use of statistics.

Simple maybe, but not effective... The problem with the first post is that clustered data misrepresented the overall statistic. The problem with the objection is it showed clustered data that did represent the overall statistic.

 

[jeh72]

Your MBP would still fall under their general program of free replacements for any swollen battery in the first 3 years. Even without apple care. So no need to ‘recall’ anything. And it’s interesting to see that they had less than 50 incidents but decided to replace hundreds of batteries ‘just in case’

I had no idea there was such a program. Thanks for the heads up, I'll make an appointment.

edit: I called Apple Support and they said no, they only have the current 2015 recall program

 

[ZipZap]

26 units in the first year, all 4 years. I mean, the minute it exceeded 10 units...there should be a battery replacement.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

My post is about useless noise in the comments. I don't see any "Apple is awesome" or "my wallet is ready" posts in this thread before mine, but I do see the example given by the person I was responding to and from which you decided to extrapolate my world view and label me an apologist.

Somehow that's not the greatest example of the open minded thinking you're trying so hard to espouse.

You'll also notice I didn't label "dissent" (??!) as whinging, I labeled the constant repetitive comments with no new content as whinging. You know, the definition of whinging...

And for the record, most of the noise these days is of the type I describe above but when the posts were going the other way during the Note 7 fiasco, my advice wasn't much different:

You agreed with a post that derided a complaint regarding Apple keyboards. But I take it as fair enough that here I am, complaining about a complainer who agreed with an individual that complained about complainers.

So let's leave it at "fair enough", since I don't feel like mapping this all out.

If you are not an Apple apologist, I, erm, apologise for lumping you in there.

You've been here 2 months-- how many times have people had to check you?!

Let me suggest you be just as tolerant of expressions of frustration with the MacRumors community as you would like the MacRumors community to be with expressions of frustration with Apple.

I've lurked quite a bit before joining this forum.

But as far as getting checked, I'll say at least once (you just did).

Simple maybe, but not effective... The problem with the first post is that clustered data misrepresented the overall statistic. The example in the objection showed clustered data that did represent the overall statistic.

The reply I posted to was in reference to the objection of using a political subject as a point of comparison.

 

[ProcessorSolderedToMB]

Actually that’s the non super thin one that’s getting recalled and if you knew a bit about technology you would understand the issue is defective batteries not the machine format.

To my taste, all of Apple's products have been super thin and light for 20+ years and battery issues often emerge as they begin to age and overheat. It's what also brings us power adapters with no strain relief that melt before your eyes while hanging off your computer. It's happened to me on every Mac laptop I've had since 1999.

Further, I'm aware of many ways batteries can fail, and how impactful those failures can be inside products that force unreasonable constraints on volatile components.

I'm not in the habit of telling people I disagree with that they don't know anything and I don't plan to start, but I'm not sure why you are grinding this axe. This product failed, and others like it have failed as well. Does that mean Apple is terrible? No. Does it mean that all of their products are bad? No.

Is choosing to make a product 5mm instead of making it 10mm with preventative cooling an excessive track to take? I'd say so.
[doublepost=1561673159][/doublepost]

Yeah, this is a real problem.

Well, we agree on this, it is a real problem for the people who rely on these products, have been harmed by their failures and are motivated to joke and complain to vent their frustrations. If an Apple web forum isn't the place for that...

Apple is a great company that sometimes squanders their incredible assets.

People (myself included) make lousy jokes about it, but it's because they're deeply invested and have no power or influence over what will eventually happen. Even though in some cases, livelihoods depend on it.

 

[kevink2]

I own a 2015 MBP 15" and going through the site it came back with a your Mac doesn't qualify under this program for one of these reasons "You aren't affected by this recall or You have already had service done for this recall" or something to that effect. I may take it in anyways to see what they say as I don't like the "or" since i did have mine serviced about a year ago for a faulty video display. Thoughts?

I had the same reason(s).

I wish they did one or the other. I took my computer in about a year ago, I was going to replace the battery since it was under 80% of capacity. Learned they couldn't just do it there. Since it was 200 miles from home, and I was told that there was no danger, I didn't do it.

I would not like it if my battery was affected, but this check makes them think it has been fixed.

If it was the case that, of that range of dates, 2 or 10% of the batteries had the issue, then I would believe the you aren't affected by this recall. But if all of them, then it is wrong.

I may just find time to get it done anyway. At some authorized location closer, since my battery is now down to 75% (1009 cycle count).

 

[tobybrut]

I found out yesterday that the battery in my 2017 15" is swollen...I wonder if we'll see later year models recalled eventually as well?

Not for a swollen battery. Swelling batteries are pretty common and can happen with any degrading lithium-ion battery. My wife’s iPhone X had one swell and split the left side of the phone and they gave her a replacement iPhone. If the machine is under AppleCare or original warranty, it’ll get replaced for free. If not under warranty, you have to buy a new battery. Apple didn’t recall the MBP 2015 because of swollen batteries. They did it because they were afraid of potential overheating and fires.

 

[majurg]

This exact issue happened to my work 2015 15in. Went to wake the computer and then white, acrid smelling smoke leaked out of the SD card slot. Computer never worked after that and had to take it to the Genius Bar and wait a couple days for them to fix it.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Sidenote: ould we please have a ban on “thin” and “price” related jokes? I am for freedom of speech but when each thread is 25% useless comment that do not contribute to the discussion it starts ruining the experience. It seems people are not able to realize by themselves the subtle line between the occasional joke and constantly bother other users with off-topic comments that don’t add anything but it’s impossible not to read , perhaps they need some help. At least an automatic “you can skip this comment” label applied when certain combinations of words are detected? I literally have two read the same 2 “jokes” multiple times per thread everyday.

I wonder if the MR forum might be better if it switched to reddit style upvote/downvote system to filter out the useless comments.
[doublepost=1561686608][/doublepost]

Why is that a sad face? You don't have to wait through days of downtime as your system has its battery replaced and haven't been at risk of an overheating battery to this point in time. That should be happiness and relief.

Well, getting a new top case with might extend the life of the laptop quite a bit longer. Besides, if you're truly worried about the fire hazard, you can always stop switch it off to avoid problem.

 

[smirking]

This is the last great Macbook Pro, and its owners are going to get brand new batteries, keyboards and trackpads. (They replace the entire top case for a battery replacement).

Uhhh... I think you're stretching a bit far to turn this into another reason why the 2015 MBP is better than the 2016+ models. I'll take a potentially sticky keyboard over a potentially en fuego keyboard anyday.
[doublepost=1561691932][/doublepost]

I wonder if the MR forum might be better if it switched to reddit style upvote/downvote system to filter out the useless comments.

I'd like to believe that downvoting would neuter the motivation that so many posters seem to have of uttering the pettiest (and most unoriginal) snark possible to get likes, but I suspect it would merely mean that everyone who's tired of the same lame courage jokes, "Timmy" comments, and Steve would never revisionism would simply get downvoted into oblivion. I rarely ever see constructive comments get more than a little attention.

 

[donlab]

Actually that’s the non super thin one that’s getting recalled and if you knew a bit about technology you would understand the issue is defective batteries not the machine format.

Sidenote: ould we please have a ban on “thin” and “price” related jokes? I am for freedom of speech but when each thread is 25% useless comment that do not contribute to the discussion it starts ruining the experience. It seems people are not able to realize by themselves the subtle line between the occasional joke and constantly bother other users with off-topic comments that don’t add anything but it’s impossible not to read , perhaps they need some help. At least an automatic “you can skip this comment” label applied when certain combinations of words are detected? I literally have two read the same 2 “jokes” multiple times per thread everyday.

After replacement: safari seems snappier

 

[typecase]

This is the last great Macbook Pro, and its owners are going to get brand new batteries, keyboards and trackpads. (They replace the entire top case for a battery replacement).

I must say that's amazing news for people who have these machines and don't want to upgrade to the new ones with the bum keyboards and lack of proper ports.

My work issued MBP, sadly, is a 2014 model and doesn't quality. (Though I love it to death)

100% agree this is the last great MBP. I bought mine in 2016 for work and it remains one of the better decisions in regards to apple hardware.