Macbook Pro late 2013 battery replacement cost not as advertised

Well I checked out the Apple pricing list for battery replacement. It does state $199 for the battery replacement on a Retina MacBook Pro. I will say that they do state "All Eligible Models". They don't state "All Retina models are covered". I think that's the issue. Some retina models are easy to swap the battery and the others require a full top case replacement. While the wording could be more transparent I do think the "All Eligible Models" is what allows them to list $199 as the base price.

EDIT: Also one more thing I noticed. Apple does state this. "We might need to test your product to determine the final service fee."

Hi, Brant Snowhill !

It's never any fun to be told things we don't want to hear. In this case it would appear a mistake was made on the Apple web site, as your model of MacBook Pro requires a top case replacement to replace the battery. Simply put the higher of the two prices would be the correct price in your case. The battery is physically bonded to the top case, so there is no way of removing the battery and replacing it as a stand-alone part. In all reality you are probably replacing the top case, keyboard, battery and trackpad - which explains the higher price.

We could certainly have a spirited debate that a swelling battery is "fine", as left unchecked by indecision or dithering over repairing it will cause more damage to your MacBook Pro than tending to the service of it. If a battery is swelling there is something wrong with it. I know you don't want to hear what it will take to fix that battery, but it is what it is.

Be disappointed if you must, but first I would ask of you to submit documented proof you have never, ever made a mistake no matter how slight. Stones, glass houses and what-not.

Good luck !

Who quoted you that price? An real Apple Store or a reseller or service provider?

We have seen other reports here where a third-party service provider or reseller quoted the exorbitant price because they did not have the proper equipment needed to unstick the battery for replacement. If you have access to an Apple retail store have them evaluate.

Roughly where are you? The last report I saw of this problem was from the UK. Apple needs to know it specific providers are overcharging.

Please remember you are addressing other end users here, not Apple.

If the Apple reps were stunned, what resolution did they suggest for you? Did you let them leave you without a definitive answer or a plan for a follow-up?

If so, call them back and ask them to specify Apple's policy on saying $199 and charging $599. Under most consumer laws in the US (such as if this were a grocery store) you get the lower marked price, period. That is what you should ask for.

Brant Snowhill,

That you do not like the answer is irrelevant - it is reality, and it is the truth. If you want to hate me, or my answer, strictly because you don't want to hear it then I can only wish you a long and healthy hatred but in no event will this change the reality one iota.

By the way, I am still waiting for that documentation...

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