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Here's my update as of July 26. Took my Mid-2012 MBP in on the 24th in California, which did need a battery replacement but I been lazy and putting it off until now.

Was initially told the top case was backordered until October, then after some checking it was changed to September. They also offered a replacement under RS220 (? I'm not actually sure what it is but it shows up on the work order). Was told it would be replaced by a 2015 MBP of equivalent specs.

Got a call today from the Apple Store today, picked it up right away after seeing this post and worried they'd rescind their offer. They did not and It turned out to be a model A1707 which is a 2016 touch bar model. It does come in a new sealed box but unfortunately they asked for my charging cable back (power brick and extension), but there is no replacement extension cord in the new case, only the power brick...

$6.79 + shipping and tax if your still require one. Very good deal for those who were able to exchange an older computer for a newer one while the program lasted.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/PWRCBLMSA/
 
What's sad is the so-called 'geniuses' can't change a simple bloody battery so they had to exchange computers in the first place.... Sad, just freaking SAD. It's what the world's come to and the fact Apple calls these people 'geniuses' is what really rubs me the wrong way. A genius would have no trouble changing a stupid battery even if it's soldered.

Of course, if Apple would stop making their notebooks and other products so damn difficult to get access to in the first place, they wouldn't have this problem. Back in 2008, you just opened the battery compartment and swapped the flipping battery out. But NOOOOOOOO. Apple had to be a person named Richard and make everything as difficult to open, repair and replace as humanly possible so you'd be "encouraged" to buy a new computer instead (the "Green" company that they are!) Oh, but that leads to crap service. Oh, but a genius comes along and hands out another computer instead (they used to do this with iPods too until they stopped carrying the same model and then would inform you it would be weeks before you got your device back because they had to mail it out because they don't actually do SERVICE in the store! o_O

Someone PLEASE explain to me how Apple still gets high customer service ratings these days??? I want the pre-2010 Apple back when their computers were actually BETTER than others and actually commanded a premium instead of just designing everything to be obsolete the moment you buy it (since almost nothing can be upgraded anymore). Can't afford a 1TB SSD drive in that 15" Macbook Pro at $3000? Tough. Do without because you can't upgrade it later.
 
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I also took my mid-2012 macbook pro to an Apple Store here in Los Angeles, and they told me in 2 weeks they'll receive the replacement batteries.

When I first heard about this, I booked an appointment online, of course I had to wait 4 days for the appointment. So by the time I went there it was too late. I should have just gone there in the first place and wait until somebody attended me. Lesson learned.
 
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I also took my mid-2012 macbook pro to an Apple Store here in Los Angeles, and they told me in 2 weeks they'll receive the replacement batteries.

When I first heard about this, I booked an appointment online, of course I had to wait 4 days for the appointment. So by the time I went there it was too late. I should have just gone there in the first place and wait until somebody attended me. Lesson learned.


Yes, if you show up without a reservation they will book one for you and most likely tell you it takes 2 to 2.5 hours. But typically actually would be only about 45 minutes as many people don't actually show up for their appointments.
 
damn, thats so unfair! First, my gpu starts failing 1 month after the free gpu replacement program ended. and now i'm 1 day late for a program with which i could have gotten rid of a 5 year old, broken machine in exchange for a brand new one!!:(
 
damn, thats so unfair! First, my gpu starts failing 1 month after the free gpu replacement program ended. and now i'm 1 day late for a program with which i could have gotten rid of a 5 year old, broken machine in exchange for a brand new one!!:(

I'm right with you. I have a genuine battery problem with my 2012 RMBP that I just ignored rather then getting fixed and the day of my appointment they cancel the offer. It's a very sad pill to swallow. It feels like losing $3000 you never really had (but really looked like you would get). It's not "entitlement", it's just disappointment.
[doublepost=1501147560][/doublepost]I think anyone here with who happened to have that exact same model and had been affected themselves would be feeling that same dark sinkhole feeling. People are human.
 
Same story. I've had this problem for months and had been trying to book an Apple Store appointment for just as long (Amsterdam) but there was never a single slot available. Finally got to a repair centre yesterday, failed the battery test and the repair guy told me it's a 2 week wait for new parts, and "oh by the way if you'd brought it in a few days earlier you'd have had a new laptop" :eek: Had no idea the replacement scheme was a thing until it was too late...

Can't exactly be angry as I never expected a new laptop, but still... bloody macrumors ruining it for the regular folk ;)
 
damn, thats so unfair! First, my gpu starts failing 1 month after the free gpu replacement program ended. and now i'm 1 day late for a program with which i could have gotten rid of a 5 year old, broken machine in exchange for a brand new one!!:(
I think you meant 'unlucky' because fair/unfair has nothing to do with this.
 
Same story. I've had this problem for months and had been trying to book an Apple Store appointment for just as long (Amsterdam) but there was never a single slot available. Finally got to a repair centre yesterday, failed the battery test and the repair guy told me it's a 2 week wait for new parts, and "oh by the way if you'd brought it in a few days earlier you'd have had a new laptop" :eek: Had no idea the replacement scheme was a thing until it was too late...

Can't exactly be angry as I never expected a new laptop, but still... bloody macrumors ruining it for the regular folk ;)

Read the comments. MacRumors has nothing to do with Apple's decision to stop giving out replacement units.

July 21: Apple says CRUs will no longer be required or approved for repairs created after July 25.

July 24: MacRumors publishes article about Apple offering CRUs.

July 25: Apple shares memo about CRUs no longer being required after July 25 with Apple Authorized Service Providers.

July 26: MacRumors publishes article about Apple no longer offering CRUs.

My GSX memos come from an Apple Authorized Service Provider and look slightly different, without a "recent changes" section like this one from Apple Retail that a user shared. If I had this information, I would have mentioned it was ending in the original MacRumors article.

upload_2017-7-27_8-52-1.png
 
Read the comments. MacRumors has nothing to do with Apple's decision to stop giving out replacement units.

July 21: Apple says CRUs will no longer be required or approved for repairs created after July 25.

July 24: MacRumors publishes article about Apple offering CRUs.

July 25: Apple shares memo about CRUs no longer being required after July 25 with Apple Authorized Service Providers.

July 26: MacRumors publishes article about Apple no longer offering CRUs.

My GSX memos come from an Apple Authorized Service Provider and look slightly different, without a "recent changes" section like this one from Apple Retail that a user shared. If I had this information, I would have mentioned it was ending in the original MacRumors article.

View attachment 710389

I mean the winky face kind of implied I wasn't serious...
[doublepost=1501162180][/doublepost]On a side note, I'm still more than happy to pay for the regular battery replacement. My early2013 rmbp 2.7 is still going strong apart from the battery issue; screen resolution, colour accuracy and brightness still beats the majority of windows alternatives, FCPX delivers pleasantly surprising 4k render times for an old gpu, looks great, has all the ports I need and runs the Adobe suite smoothly.

Anyone who is gutted about missing out on the 'freebies' - just take a step back and realise you bought at possibly the peak of recent Macbook pro iterations. Sure, today's versions are a bit thinner, a bit faster, but really considering we're 5 years on I don't feel like I'm missing that much.
 
I went to the Genius Bar on July 24, the second last day in which Apple was offering CRUs.

For anyone curious if it will still be honored, I just called my local Apple Store and found out from a Genius Admin that my credit card was declined due to an incorrect number or expiry date. So I provided her with updated credit card information, and once that is processed in a few days, I was told my MacBook Pro replacement unit will still be created and sent to the Apple Store within approximately 7 days.

She said Apple will honor the repair since it was created before July 26. We'll see if that proves true!
 
I went to the Genius Bar on July 24, the second last day in which Apple was offering CRUs.

For anyone curious if it will still be honored, I just called my local Apple Store and found out from a Genius Admin that my credit card was declined due to an incorrect number or expiry date. So I provided her with updated credit card information, and once that is processed in a few days, I was told my MacBook Pro replacement unit will still be created and sent to the Apple Store within approximately 7 days.

She said Apple will honor the repair since it was created before July 26. We'll see if that proves true!
They must've had some issue with the credit card system. Mine was declined at first too and they didn't find out for like 4 days. I've never had a card declined before. Kinda strange. Oh well thanks for the news.
 
I didn't give any cc info. I was just told I'd get a call within 48 hours to set everything up. Still have until later today for that window and I'm guessing they are slammed right now.
 
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I can understand your frustration to some extent, but I won't apologize for sharing information that I believe is valuable to our readers. Apple sending out a new memo a few days later is beyond my control. I think something along the lines of "don't shoot the messenger" applies here.

Edit:

Affected users will still be able to get their battery serviced in 15 business days now. That's not much longer than it is taking customers to be sent entirely new MacBook Pro models due to the part constraint. It's simply unfortunate that people aren't getting an essentially free MacBook Pro anymore, but that was merely a bonus, and Apple will still be helping customers that truly need their battery replaced for the exact same cost.

In fact, this puts an end to people who are buying eligible models off eBay or Craigslist just to take advantage of the chance to essentially trade up for cheap, and ensures that users who truly need battery service will receive that repair earlier than September 15, 2017, the original date that Apple quoted the part constraint ending on. Nevertheless, if you want to blame me, I understand.

I stand by my commitment to sharing valuable information with Apple readers, as is my job as a MacRumors contributor. I don't control Apple's subsequent actions.

Edit 2:

Turns out this likely doesn't have anything to do with MacRumors anyway. Looks like it was a planned move by Apple according to this user-shared screenshot below, revised July 21, prior to my original article. I wasn't aware of this information since I obtain my GSX memos from an Apple Authorized Service Provider and it lacked a few extra details this Apple Retail version has.

View attachment 710283

I would have been the guilty party going to Craigslist with the intent to upgrade for cheap. I have been wanting to upgrade my Early 2011 17" MacBook Pro to a Retina model for a while (mostly for faster data ports), and I have been waiting to find a great deal. MacRumors informed me of what was happening, as they always do, it was "valuable" to me as a reader, and I am appreciative of that! I had my first generation iPod nano replaced for free after reading a MacRumors article.

I found an exact model being replaced (screenshots provided by seller saying "service battery") on Craigslist and was about to purchase it with the intent of going to Apple and getting a cheap upgrade before reading this new information. MacRumors, thanks for informing me again, and stopping me from wasting my money and time. Now, for those who need a replacement battery, your part is now available.

However, if people are still getting rMBP replacement units after July 26, 2017. I want to know about it Joe, because I am going back to Craigslist!
 
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Sorry freeloaders. Party's over. :p

Seriously though, I wish Apple would stop it with the whole "1 current-gen" mentality and build both cMBPs with ports and expandability, ultrabooks like the MacBook, and in-between devices like the current (so-called) MacBook Pro. Not to mention (souped-up) iOS-based 2-in-ones, and a Surface-Studio-like iMac, along with both an updated Tube MP and the supposed modular one.

They have enough bloody money already.

I want more products from Apple, not replacing the ones I can use with ones I can't.
 
I made an appointment at my local Apple Store on the 21st with my 2012 MacBook Pro to test for battery problems. The laptop tested just below the threshold and was considered failing. They offered a free battery but was told they are back ordered until September. I declined because that was too long so I was offered a CRU. At the time the Genius Bar tech had told me I would be receiving a refurb 2015. I left my mac and he did not ask for any payment and told me that they would expect payment when I came to receive my unit. Haven't heard anything until the 24 (the day the original article about the replacement program went up I believe) that day an apple tech called me and said that they needed my cc to process payment and said that payment would be processed when the unit arrives. The next day the article is posted that states his program is relinquished and apple is now doing battery replacements. Today I check my bank account and my card has been charged but have not received a call regarding my computer. I will update when I hear more hopefully they honor the replacement and everything went through.
 
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Checking in, my replacement arrived today. Got a TB 2016 2.7/16/512/455. They definitely will honor if you were before the deadline.
 
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Checking in, my replacement arrived today. Got a TB 2016 2.7/16/512/455. They definitely will honor if you were before the deadline.

I think this is great. I've always had a similar generous experience at the apple store.
 
btw,look at 2011 MBP time line, 2012 MBPr may be put in vintage / obsolete list after september , if have battery issue, don't wait it.

This needs to be emphasized now. 3rd party batteries are hit or miss in quality, even on the systems designed for an easy battery replacement.

Assuming there even are third party battery replacements available for these models, it will require much more work to install as I doubt they would be shipping entire top case assemblies like Apple replaces with the battery.
 
This needs to be emphasized now. 3rd party batteries are hit or miss in quality, even on the systems designed for an easy battery replacement.

Assuming there even are third party battery replacements available for these models, it will require much more work to install as I doubt they would be shipping entire top case assemblies like Apple replaces with the battery.
why use 3rd party ? use apple, we can enjoy "Apple’s battery replacement service for Apple portable Mac computers will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of service."
 
I took my device in on 25 July and Apple kept my device to run tests. The repair authorisation is dated 25 July but Apple have not told me whats wrong with my device and what the repair options are. Does this count as a repair date created before 26 July or would a repair date be the date a repair is confirmed as being required?
 
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