Apple has recently rolled out a recall program for batteries in some older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units. The tech giant explains that these batteries are prone to overheating and pose a fire safety risk.
In a statement issued on June 21st, Apple says the recall affects units sold between September 2015 and February 2017, for which batteries will be replaced for free. The affected laptops are not the same as the current version with the Touch Bar feature.
Product eligibility and replacement
In order to have your battery replaced, free of charge, you first need to confirm product eligibility. Go to the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen, and choose About This Mac. Check if your model is “MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015).”
If you own that model, go here and enter your computer’s serial number to confirm that it is eligible for the program. The company says the replacement process will involve verification and may take 1-2 weeks. “This worldwide Apple program doesn’t extend the standard warranty coverage of the 15-inch MacBook Pro. This program does not affect your statutory or warranty rights,” the company adds.
As consumer electronics manufacturers continue to experiment with new ways to make batteries more compact and powerful, battery issues are becoming common. One glaring example is the infamous Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones catching fire due to overheating and battery issues.
This serves as another reminder for us to choose our devices carefully, as even a small fire risk can cause extreme damage.
If you are using older MacBook Pro units in your office, best to have their batteries replaced ASAP. While you’re at it, you might want to have your other work equipment and devices tested and tagged for safety and compliance. Call us for more information on 0800 638 768.