What could be causing 13" MBP chassis to bulge like this?

[ascender]

My immediate reaction was obviously an expanding battery, but the location seems strange, left hand side, underneath the usb-c ports.

 

[4sallypat]

Was is dropped causing the cover to bow?
Take off the bottom cover and take a look.
Or if it's under warranty, take it into Apple.

 

[ascender]

There's no signs of drop damage to the case and its not mine, otherwise I'd take the bottom off and have a nose around! Was just wondering what it could be.... Drop or bulging battery was my first thought but there's no battery up there.

 

[chrfr]

There's no signs of drop damage to the case and its not mine, otherwise I'd take the bottom off and have a nose around! Was just wondering what it could be.... Drop or bulging battery was my first thought but there's no battery up there.

I'd assume impact damage. Maybe the computer fell on that side while something was plugged into the USB ports.

 

[jerryk]

Might be the battery expanding and pushing components near that area. I would at least take the bottom off and look around.

 

[Fishrrman]

The owner should take it to an Apple Store right away (or as soon as they re-open after the coronavirus scare) and have them look at it.

If it's the battery, a free replacement battery may be in order.

 

[Guan01]

overheat? Heat expand everything

 

[thedocbwarren]

Looks like battery, I'd suggest hitting up an Apple store if you can.

 

[Tenashus1]

Probably the battery. I've replaced mine on my 2015 MBP twice now.

 

[ascender]

Thanks everyone. I think that's the most likely cause - I can actually see its starting to bulge on the other side too, ever so slightly.