Dreamkeela

Q: MacBook Pro retina battery requires replacement after less than 2 years

I'm so disappointed in my MacBook Pro Retina. I got it less than 2 years ago and had saved for it for a long time. I used to believe in the quality of Apple products but I am absolutely shocked at quality of this product.

 

My MacBook Pro is requiring a battery replacement after less than 2 years of use. I look after my notebook and do not leave it constantly plugged in. I have followed all the guidelines in ensuring my battery life is protected. As a teacher I need my notebook to be mobile and available to me at any time.

 

I have no idea how to contact Apple via email to explain this to them. I feel their customer support is poor given the 'quality' of the product etc. Given the cost of the MacBook in the first place I feel it is disgusting that I am likely to have to pay for battery replacement.

 

Has anyone had difficulties with the battery life of their MacBook Pro?

 

Thanks,

 

Claire

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)

Posted on Aug 11, 2015 3:05 PM

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Q: MacBook Pro retina battery requires replacement after less than 2 years

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  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Aug 11, 2015 3:15 PM in response to Dreamkeela
    Level 9 (61,170 points)
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    Aug 11, 2015 3:15 PM in response to Dreamkeela

    I am not especially sympathetic. You seem to have gotten good use out of your MacBook Pro for a substantial amount of time. Batteries are a "wear item" like the tires on your car, and do have to be replaced from time-to-time. Some wear out earlier than other.

     

    Circuitry in your MacBook and battery have always prevented over-charging. The worst enemy of the battery technology currently in use in MacBooks is Deep Discharge.

     

    How many cycle on your battery?

     

    Did you purchase AppleCare protection? This will not COVER the battery, but may act as a tie-breaker in discussions with Apple.

  • by Dreamkeela,

    Dreamkeela Dreamkeela Aug 11, 2015 3:13 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 11, 2015 3:13 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Hi,

     

    How do I find out how many cycles on the battery?

     

    I have had other notebooks in the past that have not been so expensive or as 'good' quality but the battery has lasted for years. I would have expected a higher quality product to have a better battery life?

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Aug 11, 2015 3:16 PM in response to Dreamkeela
    Level 10 (189,730 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 11, 2015 3:16 PM in response to Dreamkeela
  • by Dreamkeela,

    Dreamkeela Dreamkeela Aug 11, 2015 3:25 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 11, 2015 3:25 PM in response to lllaass

    Thank you for your help lllaass.

     

    Now the next problem, lol!

     

    The Cycle count is 66. That doesn't seem a lot for a MacBook Pro. According to the chart it states that I should expect 1000 cycles.

     

    Any thoughts?

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Aug 11, 2015 3:30 PM in response to Dreamkeela
    Level 9 (61,170 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 11, 2015 3:30 PM in response to Dreamkeela

    Did you purchase AppleCare protection? This will probably not COVER the battery, but may act as a tie-breaker in discussions with Apple.

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Aug 11, 2015 3:29 PM in response to Dreamkeela
    Level 10 (189,730 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 11, 2015 3:29 PM in response to Dreamkeela

    Something seems wrong.

    After charging for at least 10 hours or so how long does the the battery last and what is the Mac doing during that time?

    - Make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store. The appointment is free

      Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

  • by Dreamkeela,

    Dreamkeela Dreamkeela Aug 11, 2015 3:35 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 11, 2015 3:35 PM in response to lllaass

    As of 10 days ago, when I remove the charger cable, the notebook just shuts down. At the top the battery icon says its charging and is at 97% but the minute the cable is out the notebook just dies.

    Definitely something not right.

  • by Dreamkeela,

    Dreamkeela Dreamkeela Aug 11, 2015 3:37 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 11, 2015 3:37 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Hi Grant,

     

    No I sadly do not have applecare protection. In hindsight I wish I had. I love my MacBook but just don't understand why this has happened. 66 cycles is rubbish. Surely there must be a fault?

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Aug 11, 2015 3:40 PM in response to Dreamkeela
    Level 10 (189,730 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 11, 2015 3:40 PM in response to Dreamkeela

    Go to the Apple store and hear what they have to say

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Aug 11, 2015 6:17 PM in response to Dreamkeela
    Level 9 (61,170 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 11, 2015 6:17 PM in response to Dreamkeela

    It could be a bad battery, a bad power adapter, or a bad DC-in board. If you have been seeing the orange light when charging, then the power adapter is probably OK. DC-in board is not an expensive repair, and they can do it in the store, sometimes as quickly as overnight.

     

    A battery replacement typically costs under US$150, and they can do that while you wait. The "company line" is that batteries wear out, and you just got unlucky. You can ask to speak with the store manager and make your case to them. They have more discretion when things are not so clear cut, and may be able to meet you half way.

     

    Apple wants you to be a happy customer. Be polite and professional. Folks who shout or threaten to sue everybody will never be a happy customer, so they only get shown the door.