Apple offers free battery replacement for some Macbook Pros

Apple has determined that “a very small number” of people have experienced an issue with the battery in their Mac notebook not charging past the one percent mark.

The issue is limited to the 13 or 15-inch MacBook Pro models manufactured in 2016 and 2017. Apple’s released emergency updates to prevent this from happening to other 2016-2017 units.

“Please update to macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 or later or install the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 supplemental update,” the Cupertino company advises in a new support document.

A MacBook Pro with the lid open and a power bank plugged into its USB-C port

macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 also fixes a significant security vulnerability.

Which models are affected?

These 2016 and 2017 Macbook Pros 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)

You can update your Mac in System Preferences → Software Update.

What should I do?

If you see “Service Recommended” in the Battery preference pane, your notebook is affected by this issue. In that case, contact Apple to get your battery replaced completely free of charge. Apple will check your notebook to verify that it is eligible for the free battery replacement.

A fix in macOS 11.2.1

As per release notes for macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 on Apple’s website, a fix for the MacBook Pro battery not charging above one percent is included in that update. “macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 addresses an issue that may prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models,” reads the changelog.

The update has been available publicly since Tuesday, February 9, 2021.