MacBook Pro 2018 swelling

[radus]

It is true, MacBooks, iPads, iPhones should not be constantly on charger.

You are right - but a hyper smart company should handle this by software.

Repairability and service are very important.
If company does not depend on any OSX-Software it is wise, to avoid apple like a plaque.

You can not even remove the ssd for repair.
It is a nightmare to prepare a Macbook Pro with sensitive data for service.
There is no onsite service where you can see what the technician is doing.
Most people are honest but what is, if not?

 

[Tamerplanet]

I have noticed the same issue on my MBP 15" 2018 as well, very frustrating due to covid - 19 situation apple store is closed as well!

 

[radus]

Ahh, sorry to hear that. I picked mine up last week and it all went well.

I got mine on Tuesday (replaced mainboard and the fingerprint sensor) - it is working well now.
They did not replace the, indented from the swollen batteries, bottom case.
To avoid an endless discussion and an even longer downtime I bought a new one from Nürnberg.
This was a good idea, because I found a loose screw inside the Macbook Pro. The downside is - the serial number is not printed on the new bottom case.

 

[omarabid]

Same problem here. 2018 15" Macbook Pro. The authorized reseller quoted me $500 for the battery/case replacement and said warranty is out (the device is 1.5 years old). Anyway I can get Apple to refund this fee?

 

[The Man]

Same problem here. 2018 15" Macbook Pro. The authorized reseller quoted me $500 for the battery/case replacement and said warranty is out (the device is 1.5 years old). Anyway I can get Apple to refund this fee?

Problem is, batteries are many times seen as a "consumable" that is warranted less than the rest of the device, unless you can prove there was a defect from the beginning. So, even if you got 2 year device warranty in Europe (from retailer), that battery is not part of it (many times only 6-12 months factory). I do hate the fact that batteries can not be easily replaced anymore. On my 2013 MacBook Air it's so easy. Just open up, remove a tray, and install the replacement. Glueing everything is really a shame that makes replacement very costly. I don't find it reasonable that after a battery fails you have to spend $500 to continue using a product. How is that ecologically sound if we throw away our gear more frequently because battery replacement is that costly?

 

[omarabid]

Problem is, batteries are many times seen as a "consumable" that is warranted less than the rest of the device, unless you can prove there was a defect from the beginning. So, even if you got 2 year device warranty in Europe (from retailer), that battery is not part of it (many times only 6-12 months factory). I do hate the fact that batteries can not be easily replaced anymore. On my 2013 MacBook Air it's so easy. Just open up, remove a tray, and install the replacement. Glueing everything is really a shame that makes replacement very costly. I don't find it reasonable that after a battery fails you have to spend $500 to continue using a product. How is that ecologically sound if we throw away our gear more frequently because battery replacement is that costly?

Question is: Can I run this mac without battery? Even if I ended up repairing it I'm done with Apple and already looking for another Linux-compatible device. I might keep my iPhone though (they are still good until now)

 

[FilmIndustryGuy]

Question is: Can I run this mac without battery? Even if I ended up repairing it I'm done with Apple and already looking for another Linux-compatible device. I might keep my iPhone though (they are still good until now)

I was able to run a 2011 MacBook Pro without the battery but if you pull the cord, it goes black.

 

[joefoong79]

Your macbook swelling is because of heat. Don’t plug in when is off machine.

 

[choreo]

Just had to send back my 2015 MacBook Pro AND my iPad Pro - both of which showed the same swelling issues after about 3-1/2 years (both cases bulging).

Do these batteries ever just die a natural death without swelling up and turning into Chernobyl?

 

[The Man]

Question is: Can I run this mac without battery? Even if I ended up repairing it I'm done with Apple and already looking for another Linux-compatible device. I might keep my iPhone though (they are still good until now)

Never had problems with iPad batteries. My iPhone 5 had swelling, but none of the rest. I do hate the new MacBooks, because you cannot replace the battery easily yourself. I won't buy a new MacBook for that very reason. It's really sad. I want to run my laptop for at least 8 years. I need to be able to replace the battery myself. Sure, you can let Apple do it, but I hate sending in a laptop if it is not broken. Even with iPhones, because it is waterproof now, replacing yourself is too hard. But I guess the trade off is okay. So I'll buy iPhones and iPads, and the Mac Mini is an option. But MacBooks is no for me. (I won't buy battery powered speakers for the same reason, because they usually only last 2 years.)

 

[talonsodev]

It also happened to me after 1 year and 3 months. MacBook Pro 2018. I used it mostly as a stationary computer. No chances for free reparations in Ukraine and it would take up to 2 weeks. At Apple-certified center, they told me that Apple refused to change the top case for free and they wanted to charge me 800 USD or install a counterfeit Chinese battery for 200 USD. After chatting with Apple support, they advised me to move to a civilized country with consumer laws for a free replacement Bought a 16' yesterday. A sad story.

 

[efecanarar]

I had same issue. Apple store turkey replaced my topcase free. MacBook Pro late 2016 15’’

 

[FilmIndustryGuy]

so do you guys recommend I buy AppleCare for my new 16" living in the USA? this looks like a dangerous design issue. Wouldn't apple voluntarily replace this even after warranty without apple care+? with all the MacBooks, I only had this happen to a 2011 model 8 years after purchase. the 2 2010 models still have good batteries after 10 years.

 

[radus]

Bought a 16' yesterday. A sad story.

I am with you and wish you the best for your 16" !

 

[UBS28]

My 15” 2018 MBP has the same problem. Can I get a free repair? I will call Apple tomorrow.

 

[ShadowQ]

My 15” 2018 MBP has the same problem. Can I get a free repair? I will call Apple tomorrow.

Any update? I find out my 2018 15' MBP also shows same issue..

 

[omarabid]

Any update? I find out my 2018 15' MBP also shows same issue..

If you are in the U.S. you should try an Apple store. If you don't have an Apple store near you might be out of luck.

 

[genius7]

I have had the same issue with my 15inch MacBook Pro 2018. Slightly more than a week ago I noticed trackpad was pressing in a funny way, there was a clicking noise when I just tapped there. I noticed lid wouldn't close properly and the MacBook wouldn't stand firmly on all 4 legs. Verdict, swollen battery. I took it to Apple authorized service provider under the disguise of Keyboard Service Program. It took them only 4 days to change the top case, which included battery.

I had used my MacBook solely in the clamshell mode with an external monitor and I also mined crypto currencies at night. I think both of these contributed greatly to the issue. I wonder, what should I do now in order to prevent the battery from becoming swollen again?

 

[Navvier]

I have had the same issue with my 15inch MacBook Pro 2018. Slightly more than a week ago I noticed trackpad was pressing in a funny way, there was a clicking noise when I just tapped there. I noticed lid wouldn't close properly and the MacBook wouldn't stand firmly on all 4 legs. Verdict, swollen battery. I took it to Apple authorized service provider under the disguise of Keyboard Service Program. It took them only 4 days to change the top case, which included battery.

I had used my MacBook solely in the clamshell mode with an external monitor and I also mined crypto currencies at night. I think both of these contributed greatly to the issue. I wonder, what should I do now in order to prevent the battery from becoming swollen again?

The same happened to me - I also used MPB in clamshell mode.
It seems this machine is not designed for this use-case.

 

[Ron21]

The same happened to me - I also used MPB in clamshell mode.
It seems this machine is not designed for this use-case.

I agree, I've had this swelling issue now with 3 Macbooks and I know several folks at my work also with the same issue. Different Macbooks, from 2014-2018 models, most used in clamshell mode.

I think it's best to keep the Macbook open when in use, I've now started doing this after Apple replaced the top case back in March for me.

Also, with 10.15.5, the battery management feature I think will help alleviate this issue too.

 

[hollandog]

Same is for my Late 2016 MBP bought around launch. Swelling battery that only 2 feets would touch the desk.
Case is not yet open and keyboard/trackpad still working fine but you could feel the top part of the trackpad is popping higher than the case.

Took it to local Brooklyn Micro Center and they wanted $40 fee plus a week to diagnosis to give me any estimate.
With Apple Stores closed now I'm holding on to it. May chat with Apple again and see what they can do...


Edit: Just chatted with Apple again they can't do anything over the chat. I have to call to initiate the mail-in repair which they don't guarantee if they would cover it or wait for the stores to open...

 

[Fishrrman]

hollandog wrote:
"Edit: Just chatted with Apple again they can't do anything over the chat. I have to call to initiate the mail-in repair which they don't guarantee if they would cover it or wait for the stores to open..."

Then... just do it.
Have them send you the prepaid shipping box.
Send the MacBook to them.
If they won't do it "for free", I believe the standard charge should be $199 (US).
THAT'S CHEAP for what you get back in return.

Again, don't wait.
You snooze on this... you're gonna lose.

 

[Grohowiak]

so do you guys recommend I buy AppleCare for my new 16" living in the USA? this looks like a dangerous design issue. Wouldn't apple voluntarily replace this even after warranty without apple care+? with all the MacBooks, I only had this happen to a 2011 model 8 years after purchase. the 2 2010 models still have good batteries after 10 years.

On top of the usual stuff with AP+ you have two accidental damage replacement for fraction of the cost.
Battery service coverage and 3 years of whatever breaks by itself.
To me this is a no brainer on any mobile device that actually is used like one.

 

[Christopher Kim]

Also, with 10.15.5, the battery management feature I think will help alleviate this issue too.

Yes, I have a 2016 13" MBP, and pre-COVID, hadn't used it for work so was used frequently on battery power as a "laptop". During past 3 months, have been using in closed-clamshell mode 95% of the time, 10hrs a day, into an external monitor.

Out of an abundance of caution, I have been 1) unplugging my computer overnight, 2) when I can, pulling my laptop off charger and using it "as a laptop" on bed/sofa more deliberately during the week, and 3) have noticed the battery management feature in the 10.15.5 update definitely letting my battery drain.

As I type this now (at around noon), plugged-in in closed clamshell mode, I see that my battery is down to 90%. Hopefully all these things help keep these swollen battery issues from re-occurring. Best of luck to those it's already happened to, that would be super frustrating for a premium-priced product that's just a year+ old!

 

[lobo1978]

Yes, this proves that keeping laptop on charger is killing battery for sure. It is a device designed to be used mostly on batteries and recharged. Maybe better to invest in Mac mini when you plan keeping it connected 100%?

There is other thread in this forum with guy fighting load cycles for profit of inflating resale value of used MacBook 😂😂.
Actually when considering to buy used, I will stay away from these +3 years old MacBooks with original battery cycles <100 - battery is ruined on those.