iFixit Debuts New Fix Kits for At-Home Retina MacBook Pro Battery Replacement

Thursday July 6, 2017 8:18 AM PDT by Mitchel Broussard
iFixit today launched six new battery repair kits for Apple's MacBook Pro with a Retina display, allowing users to replace the battery in an older-model MacBook Pro, restoring it to hold a full-day charge and extending its life for 2-3 years, according to iFixit. Each kit "offers all the tools needed" for users to perform the repair at home with a step-by-step guide taking them through the entire process.

The six kits cover battery replacements for the following Retina MacBook Pro models: 13-inch MacBook Pro (late 2012/early 2013), 15-inch MacBook Pro (mid 2012, early 2013), 13-inch MacBook Pro (late 2013/mid 2014), 15-inch MacBook Pro (late 2013/mid 2014), 13-inch MacBook Pro (early 2015), and 15-inch MacBook Pro (mid 2015).


Tools and contents of each kit include: a replacement battery, installation adhesive, kit bit driver, iFixit 4mm screwdriver bit torx T5, iFixit 4mm screwdriver bit torx security TR6, iFixit 4mm screwdriver bit pentalobe P5, tweezers, iFixit Opening Tool, iFixit Card (2), safety glasses, opening pick, adhesive remover dispensing syringe, adhesive remover solution, cleaning wipes, and gloves.
If you're experiencing bad battery life, we've got everything you need to replace it! These batteries are well adhered to the upper case of the computer so removing them isn't as straightforward as we'd like it to be. Fear not! Our kit offers all the tools needed to perform the repair and our guide shows you how to use the kit. The battery is an original OEM battery.
The fix kits range in price from $89.95 to $119.95, and include battery replacements measuring between 6010 mAh and 8230 mAh. Out-of-warranty Retina MacBook Pro battery replacements directly from Apple cost $199, so users who take advantage of iFixit's new battery replacement kits have the chance to save some money.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Tag: iFixit
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)
28 comments


Top Rated Comments

(View all)
Avatar
Cwolk
21 months ago
I think most people who would purchase this would do so because they're looking for a challenge or a project, not necessarily to save money.
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
TheShadowKnows!
21 months ago

I think most people who would purchase this would do so because they're looking for a challenge or a project, not necessarily to save money.


Totally. "It is not the destination; but the journey."

Also, the early McBook Pro Retinas on that list (mid 2012) will become EOL and unsupported by Apple's Geniuses (when reaching their five-year lifecycle).

Whereas with these kits, FixIt will extend their useful life for another two to three years for little money.
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
OldSchoolMacGuy
21 months ago
Think I'd just pay Apple to do it for about the same price. They never charge the full $199 in my experience.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
Macmarauder
21 months ago
This repair is a lot tougher than it may appear at first glance. When doing a battery replacement through an Apple Authorized Service Provider a whole new top case is provided with the battery already adhered.

Also I hope iFixit has you completely discharge the battery. The last thing you would want is to puncture a cell and have poisonous gas explode in your face.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
subjonas
21 months ago
I'm impressed with how knowledgeable, skilled, and determined these ifixit people seem to be.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
MrX8503
21 months ago

My sister called yesterday that my niece's iPad's screen is like 25% white. The rest of the screen is fine, but part only shows white. Apple's support page says they charge $300 to replace an iPad mini 4 screen, and a new one, with twice the storage she has, is $400. I checked iFixit's site on replacing a mini 4 screen and no thank you. I'm quite certain that wouldn't end well for me.

I maybe wouldn't mind trying to do it, but the screen is like $160. I don't feel like spending that much money, only to fail and completely kill the iPad and replacement screen.


If you're ok with the 9.7" iPad, they've been going for $300.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
MrX8503
21 months ago
I would just pay Apple to do it. $100 extra is worth the genuine battery and not having to pry your laptop apart.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
iMacC2D
21 months ago
Removed.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
OldSchoolMacGuy
21 months ago

This repair is a lot tougher than it may appear at first glance. When doing a battery replacement through an Apple Authorized Service Provider a whole new top case is provided with the battery already adhered.

Also I hope iFixit has you completely discharge the battery. The last thing you would want is to puncture a cell and have poisonous gas explode in your face.


Most who purchase this will likely wish they would have spent the extra couple dollars and had Apple do it for them. There's lots of opportunity for error and frustration with this repair.
Rating: 1 Votes
Avatar
thisisnotmyname
21 months ago

Most who purchase this will likely wish they would have spent the extra couple dollars and had Apple do it for them. There's lots of opportunity for error and frustration with this repair.


I recently helped a relative that I had given a "hand me down" rMBP take it in to Apple for a battery replacement. Turns out that the battery and case top assembly is a constrained part so they just replace the computer with a refurbished unit from last generation (2016 not touch bar). So $119 for a battery from ifixit that you have to hope you can install properly or $199 to Apple for a laptop upgrade.

Edit to add: came with a new one year warranty too.
Rating: 1 Votes
[ Read All Comments ]