Apple Recalls MacBook Pro Models Due to Defective Batteries, Fire Risk
Credit: CNET / Sarah Tew
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Apple on Thursday announced that it is voluntarily recalling certain MacBook Pro models because of defective and possibly dangerous batteries.
It is also launching a battery replacement program for impacted MacBook Pro devices. If you have a 15-inch MacBook Pro, you’ll want to know whether this recall affects you and whether you can get your battery swapped for free. Here’s what you should know.
Which MacBooks Are Affected?
The recall affects 15-inch MacBook Pro models with Retina displays released in 2015. Apple says the batteries in some of these machines may overheat during use — which could pose a fire safety risk.
To be clear, only the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro model
released in 2015 is impacted.
That means that the redesigned 2016 MacBook Pro with a butterfly keyboard and any newer MacBook Pro are not affected. The recall also does not affect 13-inch MacBook Pro models from 2015.
It isn’t readily clear how widespread the issue is. Apple only said that a “limited number” of machines may seem problems.
Similarly, it isn’t clear how or why these batteries are failing. But last month, a video of a 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro catching fire circulated Reddit and Twitter. It’s possible that that incident is connected to this recall.
Of course, the 2015 Retina MacBook Pro is a popular model among some Mac owners because it’s the last model Apple sold that had a variety of port options and did not have a butterfly keyboard. Because of that, it’s likely that there are quite a few current users holding onto the device.
What Should You Do?
If you own a 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro released in 2015, Apple recommends that you stop using your machine immediately.
Of course, you should figure out if the batteries in your specific computer are, in fact, an issue.
- The exact model is “MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)”
- That model was sold between September 2015 and February 2017.
- If you have a MacBook Pro that has a butterfly keyboard or only Thunderbolt 3 ports, you are not affected.
- MacBook, MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro models from any year are also not affected.
If you do own one an affected 15-inch MacBook Pro, Apple says you may be eligible to get your battery replaced for free. In addition to mitigating the fire risk, that could also lengthen the lifespan of your computer.
Unfortunately, the MacBook Pro battery replacement program currently requires the computers to be sent to an offsite Apple repair center. The firm says the repair could take as long as one to two weeks.
