Apple Launches Recall and Replacement Program for Batteries in 2015 15-Inch MacBook Pro With Retina Display

[logicstudiouser]

I purchased my 2015 Macbook Pro in early February 2017 from the Apple Refurbished Store and it does not appear to be included in this recall. Haven't had any issues with the battery so far, but I would be interested to know how long this recall program will last. My AppleCare expires next February.

 

[BigBoy2018]

Agreed. I can live with soldered RAM, but the SSD was a deal breaker back then, particularly because of pricing.

Now the keyboards are the dealbreaker, since I'm sure Apple is NEVER going back to socketed anything but I don't want to give up the OS (yet).

The blade SSD's on the retina 2012-2015 are easily replaceable, and the prices are getting more reasonable. I've upgraded several laptops from that era. My daughters 13 inch 2015 model, my own 13 inch 2015, and my 15 inch 2015 model all have 1tb after market SSD's. The way I look at it, it's a one time expense that makes the lifetime of using the computer MUCH more convenient.

https://store.mcetech.com/mm/merchant.mvc?

http://www.transintl.com/super-blade-flash-storage-ssd.html

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro
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“We ran out of 2015 MacBook Pro batteries will a refurbished 2018 MacBook Pro be enough for you as a replacement?”

My dream lol

Do the 2018 models get the 2019 "4th attempt at a bandaid for the butterfly keyboard" keyboard?

 

[TokMok3]

Hi
I have a late 2015 MBP 13” & it has just started to show the de laminating issue. Does anyone know if they are still replacing screens under the programme?

If your machine is in the 4 year replaceable program they will do it for free. I think is calculated from the time you bought it from Apple or the time when it was manufactured, if you bought it in 2-2-2016 the program will end 4 years from that date, they don't ask for proof of purchased. They replace my screen for free and a swollen battery as well. No charge, and no questions ask. Great service from Apple.

 

[StrollerEd]

The blade SSD's on the retina 2012-2015 are easily replaceable, and the prices are getting more reasonable. I've upgraded several laptops from that era. My daughters 13 inch 2015 model, my own 13 inch 2015, and my 15 inch 2015 model all have 1tb after market SSD's. The way I look at it, it's a one time expense that makes the lifetime of using the computer MUCH more convenient.

https://store.mcetech.com/mm/merchant.mvc?

http://www.transintl.com/super-blade-flash-storage-ssd.html

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro
[doublepost=1561148815][/doublepost]

Very helpful for this owner of a 15 inch MBP (2015) with most of the 256GB now full. I'm looking at the options in the UK in such as https://www.flexxmemory.co.uk/

Just how easy is it for a layman to carry out this upgrade as DIY?

I've just had a look at the vid,
https://eshop.macsales.com/installv...na_15_inch_2013_2014_2015_ssd/MacBookPro11-4/
Seems straightforward

And what about the validity of AppleCare+, given that it runs to August 2020?


....

back on thread topic: I bought in August 2017 so this falls outside the September 2015 and February 2017 window for the battery worry, & I double- checked via the serial number - and CoconutBattery sniffs that my battery was manufactured in May 2017.

 

[Webster's Mac]

The only thing that concerns me is that I think my MBP has an aftermarket SSD in it. I bought it used a few weeks ago...

The SSD reads "INTELXXXXXXXXXX" The X's indicate the model...usually Apple SSDs read "Apple SSD".

The machine has been serviced by apple by the previous owner (staingate) and I had them clean out the fans and inspect it and they said all good so...

Does anybody think they'll make a fuss or charge or do you think they'll just reinstall whatever drive it has in it?

 

[Tankmaze]

My Mid 2015 15" MBP got the battery replaced last year using AppleCare, the battery got swollen exactly 1 week before my AppleCare expires in August last year.

And then I checked my serial number and I got this :


I want a new battery dammit, my device has already been serviced because of my AppleCare

 

[MarylandGirl]

So mine shows up as maybe being eligible. Does anyone know for sure if they replace the keyboard, too? Because my keyboard is having lots of issues, and I'm thinking I may need to replace the Macbook soon. If they do replace the keyboard with the battery replacement, then I may as well do that. But I don't want to be without my Macbook for 1-2 weeks (need it for work--freelance), then get it back with the same keyboard. If that's what would happen, may as well just get a new one and hope my battery doesn't explode before it arrives.

 

[BigBoy2018]

The only thing that concerns me is that I think my MBP has an aftermarket SSD in it. I bought it used a few weeks ago...

The SSD reads "INTELXXXXXXXXXX" The X's indicate the model...usually Apple SSDs read "Apple SSD".

The machine has been serviced by apple by the previous owner (staingate) and I had them clean out the fans and inspect it and they said all good so...

Does anybody think they'll make a fuss or charge or do you think they'll just reinstall whatever drive it has in it?

Assuming you have the original 128 or 256gb ssd on hand, you could always swap it back in before taking it in for servicing.
That said, i dont think Apple would care as long as the ssd doesnt show some kind of error on the Apple diagnostic test (It shouldnt)

 

[Webster's Mac]

Assuming you have the original 128 or 256gb ssd on hand, you could always swap it back in before taking it in for servicing.
That said, i dont think Apple would care as long as the ssd doesnt show some kind of error on the Apple diagnostic test (It shouldnt)

I already dropped it off, but hopefully it won't matter. I noticed that trim was enabled by default, and my MacBook has passed the diagnostics I can do at home and the diagnostics they run at the Genius Bar...so hopefully they won't care.

 

[curtvaughan]

Will this MacBook will be banned from flights like the Galaxy Note 7? These battery devices are getting more dangerous.

Yeah, such an uproar on this forum over the Note. What goes around ... BTW, my 2006 MBP still runs, now on its fourth user replaceable battery. Battery problems? Just slap in a new one for $60. They no longer sell those batteries, so this will be the last.
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Apple laptops are still second to none in reliability and longevity. Windows laptops don’t come close.

No longer true for comparably priced PCs. Six or more years ago that was true.

 

[posguy99]

So mine shows up as maybe being eligible. Does anyone know for sure if they replace the keyboard, too?

The 2015's battery is replaceable without replacing the topcase, so most likely not.

 

[Webster's Mac]

The 2015's battery is replaceable without replacing the topcase, so most likely not.

No, it requires an entire topcase replacement. Both the iFixit guide and the Genius Bar conformed that for me. I had inquired about possibly getting the battery replaced a couple of weeks ago, and the Genius said it would replace the keyboard and topcase as well (he looked up my exact model...mid 2015 15” MacBook Pro). Luckily I waited and now the topcase replacement is being done for free. Great news for me because that keyboard was worn out...now it’ll be like new!

 

[iShater]

Interestingly enough, both of my MBP are not eligible. I am curious how many folks actually have been impacted on this forum? we should do a poll.

 

[Shadar]

I have a mid 2015 MBP and it says it isn't eligible for replacement?! It's never been repaired previously.

I have two 2015 15" models, and one is eligible and one is not. Both are working perfectly, but batteries age. Max charge is down about 10% in both.

I'm going to send in the eligible one and get the new battery. This is like a gift from Apple. Best computer they ever made. I'm addicted to the older keyboard.

So much so that I bought a second machine on the used market this year while "Outstanding Condition" machines were still available used. Looks and works like a new machine and now it gets a new battery. Sweet!

I'll be using these machines until MacOS won't run on it.

 

[redshifted]

My Mid 2015 15" MBP (bought May 2015) developed a swollen battery last Summer over just a few days.
It was swollen enough to warp the bottom case and the top case and make the trackpad non-functional.
When I dropped it off for repair at the Apple Store, I remember specifically mentioning to the genius that I thought it might be a fire hazard.

Apple repaired it by replacing the battery, top and bottom cases, keyboard and trackpad.
They were initially going to charge me for the repair but when I went to pick it up, it wouldn't boot.
They took it back and repaired it again. The logic board was part of the second repair.
There was no charge when I picked it up the second time.

I just typed in the serial number out of curiosity and got the status reply that it was either ineligible for repair under the recall or it had already been repaired. It hasn't had any other problems since then except it eventually developed the screen de-lamination issue a few months after the battery repair. Apple has also replaced the screen under that program.

 

[Webster's Mac]

My Mid 2015 15" MBP (bought May 2015) developed a swollen battery last Summer over just a few days.
It was swollen enough to warp the bottom case and the top case and make the trackpad non-functional.
When I dropped it off for repair at the Apple Store, I remember specifically mentioning to the genius that I thought it might be a fire hazard.

Apple repaired it by replacing the battery, top and bottom cases, keyboard and trackpad.
They were initially going to charge me for the repair but when I went to pick it up, it wouldn't boot.
They took it back and repaired it again. The logic board was part of the second repair.
There was no charge when I picked it up the second time.

I just typed in the serial number out of curiosity and got the status reply that it was either ineligible for repair under the recall or it had already been repaired. It hasn't had any other problems since then except it eventually developed the screen de-lamination issue a few months after the battery repair. Apple has also replaced the screen under that program.

You've basically got a brand new MacBook haha. Nearly every single wear part has been replaced on yours! Mine is similar...had screen assembly replaced by Apple (previous owner) and it's currently at the depot having the battery recall done (new keyboard/topcase since the battery is glued to those)

 

[Moshe1010]

all these fix-it programs apple is having recently....on one hand its good they are proving the service, but on the other hand what does it say about their product quality?

The same it says on Opel, Ford, Audi, Ram, Kia, Honda, Chrysler, Mazda, Chevrolet, Dodge, Porsche, McLaren, Lincoln, and many others:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/recalls/

 

[Alphazoid]

How bad was it warped?

Enough to make the trackpad useless and cause the cursor to jump around like it was being possessed.

 

[powerslave12r]

Do you have a pic showing the swelling?

I'm worried that beyond point these swollen batteries may be causing logic board damage.

 

[gank41]

Interestingly enough, both of my MBP are not eligible. I am curious how many folks actually have been impacted on this forum? we should do a poll.

Mine wasn’t eligible, but I’m still covered under AppleCare+ until July 22 this year! Good thing because it’s starting to bulge. I keep mine in a 12South stand hooked up to an OWC dock with a keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and monitor. I take it away from the house maybe once a month to record music, and last time about 3 weeks ago, I noticed the deep press on the trackpad wasn’t working. Even a normal click seemed broken but still working? No battery bulge yet.. didn’t notice any of this about 2 months ago at our last recording session. I didn’t even think to check for a battery bulge until reading about all of this..

So, long story short, I was told that the effected laptops’ time frame might be expanded to include others of the same model (mid 2015 rMBP 15in).

 

[gank41]

Mine wasn’t eligible, but I’m still covered under AppleCare+ until July 22 this year! Good thing because it’s starting to bulge. I keep mine in a 12South stand hooked up to an OWC dock with a keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and monitor. I take it away from the house maybe once a month to record music, and last time about 3 weeks ago, I noticed the deep press on the trackpad wasn’t working. Even a normal click seemed broken but still working? No battery bulge yet.. didn’t notice any of this about 2 months ago at our last recording session. I didn’t even think to check for a battery bulge until reading about all of this..

So, long story short, I was told that the effected laptops’ time frame might be expanded to include others of the same model (mid 2015 rMBP 15in).

I had initiated a chat with Apple because I’m experiencing the same issues while not covered under the Battery Replacement Program. I was told that they will service/replace the battery and return it to me with everything working normally again. So, that would mean making sure the Trackpad works like new and making sure the bottom case isn’t bulging anymore (plus the battery replacement, obviously).

I’m really curious about other’s findings after they’ve been returned, as to what else was needed to be fixed/replaced to get it up to spec.

 

[204353]

Well, I dropped mine off at Regent Street this afternoon. It's being shipped off to Pegatron in the Czech Republic for the repair, will take about 2 or 3 weeks.

Disappointingly long repair time, but I'm not too bothered because I have my PC at home and a 2018 MBP at work. I'll miss it. Free top case with battery, though! Can't complain.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

OMG. Does this mean that the all-powerful 2015 MBP is a potentially explosive time
Bomb?

I’ll take my keyboard issues thank you very much.

 

[Rafael Santos]

OMG, I paid like $350 for a new battery last year (2015 MBP 15"), because the battery was swollen (after about 200 cycles / half a year after warranty expiration here in EU). Well, not that I care much about the money, but maybe I just try to get them back just for fun. Even though it says my MBP is not eligible under this program...

Same here, had to pay more because the battery bone is glued to the keyboard bone that is glued to the trackpad bone... and it is swollen again.

 

[Rafael Santos]

What are the signs of a defective battery beyond the obvious physical looks near the trackpad? ...

The battery health reads "good":

I'm on my second swollen battery. The Macbook Pro wobbles in the table it is on.
Health Information says Cycle Count: 9, Condition: Normal. Unfortunately it seems you will see the problem through the physical effects, let's hope they do not develop into fireworks.