Apple to replace batteries on 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros unable to charge past 1%

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited February 2021
Apple has identified an issue that renders 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models unable to charge above 1%, saying it will replace compromised batteries for free.

MacBook Pro


Outlined in a support document on Tuesday, the problem also triggers a battery health status warning that indicates "Service Recommended." Apple says a "small number" of 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro computers are impacted by the issue.

According to the support document, the following 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro units are affected:
  • 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)
Owners experiencing the charging issue are urged to contact Apple for a free battery replacement. The company will examine incoming Macs prior to service to determine eligibility. Users can access Battery Health in System Preferences or, in macOS Catalina or earlier, by holding the Option key and clicking the battery icon in the menu bar.

Apple earlier on Tuesday issued a macOS update, macOS 11.2.1, to address the problem and prevent it from manifesting in machines that are operating normally. The company instructs owners of the above Mac models to update to macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 or later or install the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 supplemental update.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    anomeanome Posts: 1,533member
    Haven't had that problem, but I did get my battery replaced due to swelling a year or so back, so maybe the new one is clear of the problem.
  • Reply 2 of 4
    randominternetpersonrandominternetperson Posts: 3,089member
    Huh, I have one of those models.  I think I would have noticed it not charging past 1%.  I don't think anyone would argue that that would be a problem.
  • Reply 3 of 4
    anonconformistanonconformist Posts: 199member
    Glad I traded in my 2016 15” MBP (earliest model) for a late 2019 16”, didn’t anticipate this type of issue.

    Will my current laptop have the same sort of issue in the future? TBD.

    Couldn’t time the laptop replacement right for Apple Silicon, unfortunately: oh well!
  • Reply 4 of 4
    larryjwlarryjw Posts: 1,031member
    I have a 15" 2017 MBP. No problems. 

    I'm curious as to where the battery problem lies. 

    We do know that Apple has a diverse supply chain and they keep a detailed record of every part that comes off the assembly line. That is, they've implemented W. Edward Deming in spades. 

    So, some batteries had a flaw, so they modified MacOS to adjust for that flaw. Or it's some circuitry which has the flaw, and they've made the adjustment in MacOS to compensate. 

    It's way beyond my pay grade, but this reminds me how engineers can adjust for problems Mars Rovers are having from the comforts of home. 
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