Apple Offering Free Battery Replacements for 2016-2017 MacBook Pros That Can't Charge Past 1%

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Apple today released macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 to address an issue that may prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models, and the company has since shared a new support document with more details.

2017 2018 macbook pro yellow feature
Apple says a "very small number of customers" with 2016 and 2017 models of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro have experienced an issue with the battery not charging past 1%. The battery health status on affected notebooks will indicate "Service Recommended." To identify your Mac model, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and click on About This Mac. The following models may be impacted by this issue:

- 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)

If your MacBook Pro exhibits this behavior, Apple says to contact the company for a battery replacement, free of charge. Apple says it will examine the notebook prior to service to verify that it is eligible for the free replacement.

If your MacBook Pro has not exhibited this issue, updating to macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 as soon as possible is still highly recommended as a precaution. There is also a macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update that prevents the issue.

macOS Big Sur users can determine if their battery needs service by opening the System Preferences app, clicking Battery, selecting Battery in the sidebar, and clicking Battery Health. On macOS Catalina or earlier, users can hold the Option key and click the battery icon in the menu bar to reveal the battery status menu.

Related Roundups: MacBook Pro 13", MacBook Pro 16", macOS Big Sur
Buyer's Guide: 13" MacBook Pro (Don't Buy), 16" MacBook Pro (Don't Buy)
Related Forums: MacBook Pro, macOS Big Sur

Top Rated Comments

JPack Avatar
JPack
18 weeks ago
The issues for the 2016-2017 keep piling on, not that I don't appreciate Apple's support programs.


* Flexgate
* Staingate
* Butterfly keyboard
* SSD failure (non-Touch Bar models)


Now battery failure.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tim Windsor Avatar
Tim Windsor
18 weeks ago
This is exactly what I experienced today on my m1 MacBook Air. It’s now been sent in for battery replacement under the original warranty. Weird that it’s a hardware fix if it’s across so many Macs and seems to be triggered by Big Sur.

Attachment Image
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citysnaps Avatar
citysnaps
18 weeks ago

A year ago I had to pay $375 to Apple to get this issue fixed. When do I get my $ back?
You'll likely have better results contacting Apple.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LFC2020 Avatar
LFC2020
18 weeks ago
You learning Samsung, that’s what you call the best customer service in the industry.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
farewelwilliams Avatar
farewelwilliams
18 weeks ago

Best customer service? I would imagine making a battery that lasted more than 3-4 years to be a higher priority
customer service and battery durability are two separate things.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Palliser Avatar
Palliser
18 weeks ago
So if you can charge to 2%, you’re out of luck ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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