Apple Exchanging Some 2012 and Early 2013 MacBook Pros Needing Battery Service With Newer Models [Updated]

[doxoglo]

*Warning!* This may be over. I just went in with my 15” 2012 rMBP and it seems the part is magically back in stock and they’re going to replace the battery plain old regular.

I’m in the US, VA.

Was it a mid or late 2012 rMBP? Also what part of Virgina? I am in Northern VA and went in today and qualified for a replacement.

 

[bkends35]

Was it a mid or late 2012 rMBP? Also what part of Virgina? I am in Northern VA and went in today and qualified for a replacement.

There's only one 2012 rMBP.

 

[fompsweeva]

In Vancouver as well, took it to Pacific Centre downtown with Genius Bar Appointment.

Let me know what you're offered.

Exactly where I'm taking mine. Mine has a history of problems though, I'm hoping that might sway things a little.

 

[streetskooler]

*Warning!* This may be over. I just went in with my 15” 2012 rMBP and it seems the part is magically back in stock and they’re going to replace the battery plain old regular.

I’m in the US, VA.

I don't want to get your hopes up but that has happened to other people on here only to be called a few days later letting them know the part is on back order and they're going to send them a replacement. I just think the person who you dealt with wasn't aware of the policy. Either that or the last replacement part in the world happened to be at your store.

 

[enriquemmd]

Do you guys think I should try it? My battery doesn't last as long it probably lasts about 3-4 hours while on battery, I don't know if leaving my computer plugged in all the time hurt my battery, but coconutbattery and the apple system report say that the battery is good.

 

[doxoglo]

There's only one 2012 rMBP.

I would check at another Apple Store before I gave up.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

CRAP!!!

I have a 2011 with a dead battery. The light blinks rapidly to complain about the dead battery before it grudgingly starts up while connected to the power supply. Do they do this for 2011's too?

I'd give my right nut for a new MacBook Pro. It hasn't done me much good (The right nut). Maybe Apple can use it for some good. (In their marketing to the current administration? )

EDIT: And my 'cycle count is only 184!

And the battery is dead? WTF!!!

 

[SCalkins]

I'd bet if the battery fails any test, they'll offer the replacement. Unless of course some batteries come in out of nowhere. Good luck!

And that they did ..

*Warning!* This may be over. I just went in with my 15” 2012 rMBP and it seems the part is magically back in stock and they’re going to replace the battery plain old regular.

I’m in the US, VA.

Same experience .. they have replenished stock

Problem Description/Diagnosis
Issue: Customer states his battery drains in 1-2 hours
Steps to Reproduce: Verified battery is at 997 cycle count and is at 81%
Cosmetic Condition: No visible damage
Proposed Resolution: Order top case/battery and replace in house out of warranty ($199) per new direction as of 7/25
Estimated Turn Around Time: We'll call you in 3 - 5 days
Work Authorization: Informed of potential data loss, has back up informed of two week or more order time and 3-5 day repair time once unit is dropped off
Mac OS Version: 10.12.x
Hard Drive Size: 251
Memory Size: 16384
iLife Version: Unknown


Repair Estimate
Item Number Description Price Amount Due Customer KBB
661-7454 Top Case Assembly with Battery, OOW $ 199.00 $ 199.00
Total (Tax not included) $ 199.00 $ 199.00

 

[ajpursell]

Just tried at the Sugarland, TX Apple Store, was told the replacement pieces would have to be ordered and delivered Aug 8, and then it would depend on my place in the queue and could take another three weeks. Was never offered a replacement. Figured I'd wait till I was back home in CA in a couple of weeks and try again.

 

[SCalkins]

Just tried at the Sugarland, TX Apple Store, was told the replacement pieces would have to be ordered and delivered Aug 8, and then it would depend on my place in the queue and could take another three weeks. Was never offered a replacement. Figured I'd wait till I was back home in CA in a couple of weeks and try again.

Same

 

[fompsweeva]

And that they did ..
per new direction as of 7/25

Damn.

 

[shastada]

Well that sucks, didn't have time to go in today as a standby, so had an appointment for Thursday setup. Ugh... I guess I'll monitor for the next two days to see if this is dead dead or still hit or miss.

 

[tivoboy]

Tried going to my local apple store (palo alto, stanford) and for a walk in the wait was THREE HOURS.. so if it ends, it ends (or maybe it already ended). I certainly wasn't going to wait for a maybe or a no, i might try again tomorrow in the AM when I am sure the walk in wait is shorter, but it would appear it might be shot.

 

[jacquelinejames]

Do they keep your laptop for that week or do you exchange it when the newer model is ready? I ask because I need it for work, and I've got an appointment booked for Sherway too.

Confirming my own experience at Apple Store / Sherway Gardens / Toronto, Canada after narrowly missing my appointment at Eaton Centre and being turned away until Friday.

After writing this story yesterday, I booked my own Genius Bar appointment at getsupport.apple.com and took my Mid-2012 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro with a "Service Battery" status in About This Mac and just 56% capacity health on coconutBattery into the Apple Store. Genius ran the diagnostic test, confirmed the battery needed servicing, and said I have the option to get an entire replacement model of equivalent specs. He wrote down my current MBP's tech specs, went to the back a few times, and said I'll get a newer model — he didn't specify which unfortunately — in about a week. The only cost will be the regular out-of-warranty battery price of $259 Canadian.

 

[barrett14]

Yesterday I had the option of spending $200 extra dollars for an upgraded version that I didn't necessarily want, but otherwise I would have had to wait 10 days for them to order the one I wanted. I opted to just spend the extra and walk out of there with it. I wonder if it would have been rescinded if I had ordered?

 

[streetskooler]

Do they keep your laptop for that week or do you exchange it when the newer model is ready? I ask because I need it for work, and I've got an appointment booked for Sherway too.

In my experience I got to keep mine and they told me they would call me when my replacement was at the store so I could come pick it up.

 

[lavvy]

This is dead as of today. I went today at around 5:30 eastern time. I have a 2012 rMBP with over 2500 battery cycles, health was at about 50% on coconutbattery. Tech tested my battery, it failed. She first only told me about an option where they will replace my battery for free, and she said this just changed today and we should get stock in a couple weeks vs September, and today was the last day to take advantage of the free battery replacement. Since she told me about the change, I thought that meant the hole was closed for a replacement, so I agreed to the free battery replacement. After agreeing, she mentioned the replacement option, and then I backtracked and eventually said I wanted the $200 replacement. But she said this was the last day to take advantage of this.

 

[fompsweeva]

I just got back in Vancouver, Canada.

Was simply told that I'd get the battery replacement for free if I wait until after August 8th. I'm happy with that. If they call me in the meantime for something better, even better.

 

[Crisis]

I just got offered a refurb mid-2012 model. Yes, the exact model as mine. I've never seen data points like this...

 

[CRD90]

Went to an Apple store in Scotland today with my 2012 rMBP that had the service error. Got told I'll be getting a refurb 2015 model or better to replace it and they'll call me in a few days time to arrange everything! Hopefully they don't go back on their word!

 

[bkends35]

CRAP!!!

I have a 2011 with a dead battery. The light blinks rapidly to complain about the dead battery before it grudgingly starts up while connected to the power supply. Do they do this for 2011's too?

I'd give my right nut for a new MacBook Pro. It hasn't done me much good (The right nut). Maybe Apple can use it for some good. (In their marketing to the current administration? )

EDIT: And my 'cycle count is only 184!

And the battery is dead? WTF!!!

the 2011s are cheap and easy to fix, diy it.

 

[SCalkins]

Went to an Apple store in Scotland today with my 2012 rMBP that had the service error. Got told I'll be getting a refurb 2015 model or better to replace it and they'll call me in a few days time to arrange everything! Hopefully they don't go back on their word!

What time today ? It appears as if there was a status update as of 5:30pm EST. when you lookup your repair # on apples website what is the status ?

 

[treimche]

Well, good for you early birds! I was going to order a new MBP until I saw this program come up. Figured I'd try to get my mid 2012 rMBP upgraded if possible. Looks like I'll just be ordering a new one anyway.

 

[petemill]

I went in to a store in central coast California at 2.10 PT and was told they will order me the battery and top case part, will arrive 3-5 days. Then I’ll have to give laptop and pay $200. No mention of stock problems. Work authorization emailed to me at 2.28.

 

[CRD90]

What time today ? It appears as if there was a status update as of 5:30pm EST. when you lookup your repair # on apples website what is the status ?

That was at 4pm today (GMT). The lookup for my repair says 'No status available'.