For MacBook Pro M1 Battery Replacement, How to Get Apple Store to Replace Entire Top Case?

[thomasdangit]

I have a 2021 14" MacBook Pro (M1) that is on AppleCare One. I'm at 78% battery health and AppleCare One will replace the battery for free. My keyboard is pretty rough and I would honestly love for the Apple Store to replace the keyboard as well (I think it's called the top case together), but I don't think there's anything manufacturing-wise wrong with it per se, the keys have just gotten super sticky over the past 4 years and not very responsive.

Does anyone have experience, do Apple Stores typically replace the entire top case for a battery replacement for my particular model, or just the battery? I don't know if it depends on whether the repair is done in-store or shipped to the depot. Would love your advice, thanks!

 

[Madonepro]

I have a 2021 14" MacBook Pro (M1) that is on AppleCare One. I'm at 78% battery health and AppleCare One will replace the battery for free. My keyboard is pretty rough and I would honestly love for the Apple Store to replace the keyboard as well (I think it's called the top case together), but I don't think there's anything manufacturing-wise wrong with it per se, the keys have just gotten super sticky over the past 4 years and not very responsive.

Does anyone have experience, do Apple Stores typically replace the entire top case for a battery replacement for my particular model, or just the battery? I don't know if it depends on whether the repair is done in-store or shipped to the depot. Would love your advice, thanks!

Can I suggest you do it yourself, as it's not particularly difficult, and other than taking a little bit of time, it's quite satisfying. Watch this Video

 

[MacPeasant123]

I have a 2021 14" MacBook Pro (M1) that is on AppleCare One. I'm at 78% battery health and AppleCare One will replace the battery for free. My keyboard is pretty rough and I would honestly love for the Apple Store to replace the keyboard as well (I think it's called the top case together), but I don't think there's anything manufacturing-wise wrong with it per se, the keys have just gotten super sticky over the past 4 years and not very responsive.

Does anyone have experience, do Apple Stores typically replace the entire top case for a battery replacement for my particular model, or just the battery? I don't know if it depends on whether the repair is done in-store or shipped to the depot. Would love your advice, thanks!

I had a situation like yours: I had a 2020 Intel MacBook Pro with 3 years of Apple Care. When I bought Apple Care, I was told I could get a free battery replacement at the end of Apple Care, provided the battery was under 80%. Leading up to the end of 3 years, my battery would fluctuate between 79% - 84% battery health constantly. I thus tried my best to actually degrade the battery as much as I could to get it under 80%.

The last night before my Apple Care expired (June 2023), I took it into an official Apple Store and they said the battery came out to be like 81% battery health, so under the rules, they couldn't do the free battery replacement. However, the guy said he'll apply for an exemption from his manager and later his manager granted it. I was told to replace the battery, they would also replace the top case / keyboard, because apparently they're soldered together or something like that.

Given my experience, you should get what you want, but you could also ask what they'll do just to be sure.

 

[JPack]

Does anyone have experience, do Apple Stores typically replace the entire top case for a battery replacement for my particular model, or just the battery? I don't know if it depends on whether the repair is done in-store or shipped to the depot. Would love your advice, thanks!

I had a situation like yours: I had a 2020 Intel MacBook Pro with 3 years of Apple Care. When I bought Apple Care, I was told I could get a free battery replacement at the end of Apple Care, provided the battery was under 80%. Leading up to the end of 3 years, my battery would fluctuate between 79% - 84% battery health constantly. I thus tried my best to actually degrade the battery as much as I could to get it under 80%.

The last night before my Apple Care expired (June 2023), I took it into an official Apple Store and they said the battery came out to be like 81% battery health, so under the rules, they couldn't do the free battery replacement. However, the guy said he'll apply for an exemption from his manager and later his manager granted it. I was told to replace the battery, they would also replace the top case / keyboard, because apparently they're soldered together or something like that.

Given my experience, you should get what you want, but you could also ask what they'll do just to be sure.

The 14-inch MBP was designed for easier battery service without replacing the top case.

Why not just tell the rep you have sticky keys? The only reason for sticky keys is if you spilled something on your keyboard. You have AC+.

 

[MacCheetah3]

My keyboard is pretty rough and I would honestly love for the Apple Store to replace the keyboard as well (I think it's called the top case together), but I don't think there's anything manufacturing-wise wrong with it per se, the keys have just gotten super sticky over the past 4 years and not very responsive.

Why not just tell the rep you have sticky keys? The only reason for sticky keys is if you spilled something on your keyboard. You have AC+.

With AppleCare, the expense appears to be $99. (Service Type: Enclosure)

Got an AppleCare plan?​

If available, use your applicable AppleCare plan benefits with this fee:

$ 99

Mac Repair and Service - Apple Support

Need to repair your Mac? See your service options, their costs by coverage type, and how long they take.

support.apple.com

I think, that seems acceptable/fair for something that’s seemingly not a defect, as you appropriately admit.