Just started getting an message indicating my MacBook Pro (Big Sur) is in need of service. Is self-service advisable or is the operation on a different level than installing cards, drives and other things of that nature?
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Replace 2016 MacBook Pro battery?
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Thanks for info. Bummer. I found a battery replacement kit on iFixit.com. Sounds like something I don't want to mess with.
Yes, these can't be self-serviced, so definitely have Apple do. As @PBG4 Dude mentioned, Apple replaces the whole topcase when doing a battery replacement, so you get a whole bunch of stuff replaced "for free" at the same time (most importantly, a new keyboard, giving your butterfly kb a "reset" back to new, which hopefully all-things-equal means it'll last that much longer). I think the US$199 Apple charges is a bargain because of that, although if you only cared about getting a new battery, agree it may be a bit more expensive than if you could DIY.
I doubt they would. Applecasre expired a few years ago. No harm looking into it though.
I took my 15 inch 2015 MacBook Pro to Apple yesterday. They are doing the battery replacement free along with the other stuff. Check your serial # to see if your MacBook Pro is eligible for the free battery replacement service.
I replaced the battery myself on my 2015 MBP, for $50 (Chinese knockoff from Amazon). More difficult than just plugging in a card, but not too difficult - needs care, patience and a little bravery. Plenty of youtube and ifixit instructions available. Replacement battery worked great.
The other option is $200 by Apple (which is also a good option).
The other option is $200 by Apple (which is also a good option).
The problem here is that this battery replacement is going to cost you far, far more than you might think because Apple took the decision to glue the entire top case along with the battery. So, a simple battery replacement procedure replaces your keyboard, your top case, your trackpad even, and the battery, of course. Cost is about USD 700.
If - a big if - money is not an issue right now, I would suggest trade it in and get a 14" MBP M1 Pro with 16 GB RAM. Much better computer along with the insane performance boost you will experience with it is going to make you feel like every penny spent on the purchase is rewarded handsomely.
Not actually (always) true. Many have got battery replaced for $199, and Apple elects (for no extra charge) to do this by replacing the whole top case. One of the out-of-warranty repairs that Apple does that is actually a reasonable deal.
Then there is the $50 DIY option.
These are both reasonable options. A DIY battery replacement can more than pay for itself in increased trade-in value (which is what happened to me: $260 more).
If you have been quoted $700 that is unfortunate, as many others have been pleased with getting it done for $200.
If there is damage due to the battery swelling (usually to the trackpad), then quite possibly Apple could charge that amount for the repair, even though it amounts to essentially the same parts and labor.
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They once quoted me that price (back in 2017) and I told them that my computer is in warranty, so they had replaced my whole top case for free (keyboard issues) and I naturally got new batteries along with.
If they are now able to somehow replace just the batteries on the 2016 notebooks, this is great news for the owners, like you have mentioned.
I eke out as much as I can out of my computers but your suggestion gives me pause. I have been thinking about getting a new computer but can't quite justify scrapping the 2016.
I do the same. I shift when I cannot upgrade macOS anymore or when I absolutely must - this happened with me for the 2016 MBP 13". I just was not happy with that machine. Had to sell it just two years into the purchase.
If you are happy and satisfied with the computer you are using, then the minimal expense to get a new battery makes the most sense and good judgement.
OP:
If you live near a brick-n-mortar Apple Store, take it to the genius bar and let them do it.
$199, and for that money you get:
- A new Apple-labeled factory-spec battery
- Installation
- A short warranty.
For my money, that's a bargain.
If you DON'T live near an Apple Store, I'm thinking you might call Apple directly, have them assess the situation. They may be willing to send you a prepaid shipping box to send it to them to have the job done.
If you live near a brick-n-mortar Apple Store, take it to the genius bar and let them do it.
$199, and for that money you get:
- A new Apple-labeled factory-spec battery
- Installation
- A short warranty.
For my money, that's a bargain.
If you DON'T live near an Apple Store, I'm thinking you might call Apple directly, have them assess the situation. They may be willing to send you a prepaid shipping box to send it to them to have the job done.
It's not that they can only replace the battery (don't think that's possible) in 2016 and later MBPs, it's that they only charge you for the battery while replacing everything else "for free".
Because of this, I believe it's pretty hard to go in and just ask for a $199 battery service on your Macbook Pro if you don't have the standard MacOS notification saying it's time for battery repair, or if using their diagnostics, your Mac doesn't show <80% battery health (note: their diagnostics are also often different than using an app like Coconut Battery). They'll do everything they can to say you don't need the battery service. I remember reading some posts that someone had to really be insistent / get multiple managers involved to get a battery change when Battery Health still showed >80% (even when user was complaining of much lower battery time).
I think because they have to replace the whole topcase, the *bar* for giving away this service for the $199 price is fairly high. So if your 2016 or later MBP is showing the MacOS notification that your battery needs replacing, to me it's basically a no-brainer to get it done by Apple.
This is true: some people have been upset that Apple refuses to replace the battery even though they are prepared to pay for it. Goes against the commonly held, but incorrect, belief that you can get whatever you want if you are prepared to pay for it.
The best example of this is the Apple Watch. Apple usually will flat out refuse to replace the battery if it is more than 80% health, even if you are prepared to pay the $79 battery replacement fee, because Apple reportedly replaces the entire watch.
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what exactly was happening ?
what does it have to be to fall within warranty laws ?
The battery on my 2013 MBP was swelling. I took it to the Apple Store, and because it was out of warranty and they said they found signs of liquid residue inside, they wanted over $1000 to do the repair. Kind of surprised me considering the swelling battery hazard. I ended up buying a replacement from iFixit and doing it myself. Cutting loose the old adhesive was a bit technical but at no time did I feel there was any danger, the battery bags are pretty rugged material.