In addition to yesterday’s release of macOS Big Sur 11.2.1, Apple also launched a new battery replacement program for MacBook Pro users from 2016 and 2017. Apple says the new program is valid for users with MacBook Pro models who “have experienced an issue where the battery does not charge more than 1% “.
The MacBook Pro battery problem
In a support document, Apple says a small number of 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models are suffering from an issue where the battery does not charge more than 1%.
A very small number of customers with 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro computers have encountered an issue where the battery does not charge more than 1%. The battery status on these devices also indicates “Service Recommended”. If the status indicates that your battery is normal then your battery is not affected by this issue.
macOS Big Sur 11.2.1, which was released to the public yesterday, also includes a fix to prevent this issue from appearing on other MacBook Pro computers from 2016 and 2017. This means that macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 doesn’t fix fixes for MacBook Pro users who are already experiencing it, but it should prevent it from happening to additional users.
Eligible MacBook Pro Models
When Apple launches a new pair or service program, it usually creates a tool that allows users to enter their serial number to see if they qualify for the program. That’s not the case this time around, with Apple only saying that a “very small number” of users are affected.
To find out which MacBook Pro model you have, click the Apple logo in the top left corner of the macOS menu bar and choose About This Mac. Then search for the description of your MacBook Pro. Apple says the following 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models are eligible for the free battery replacement:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
You can also check the battery status by going to System Preferences, clicking Battery, selecting Battery in the sidebar and clicking Battery status. In macOS Catalina or earlier, hold the Option key and click the battery icon in the menu bar to display the battery status menu.
Apple says affected users should see a “Service Recommended” message in the Battery Health menu. The company will screen all computers “prior to maintenance” to verify that they qualify for a free battery replacement.
Apple generally charges $ 199 for battery replacement in the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, but users experiencing this issue can have their battery replaced for free. Apple recommends that users contact Apple support to have their battery replaced for free.
Are you experiencing this issue on your 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro? Are you planning to have your battery replaced by Apple for free? Let us know in the comments.
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