Battery for early 2011 MacbookPro 13"

imac2 wrote:

I have been to the Apple store and spoke to them on the phone. Apple no longer stock batteries for older models (older than 5 - 7 years). So they asked me to go to Microcenter (authorized retailer in my area). But Microcenter sells you a third party brand product. The one I went to did not have in stock but would order a DR brand battery (5200 mAh and 300 cycle count). But reviews were not very encouraging. So was comparing it to OWC. Since Apple is not going to sell me one I need to get one from elsewhere.

I'll just say Apple has that battery in stock. It's the same A1322 battery for all 13" Unibody MacBook Pro models. Whether or not they'll install it in an older Mac is another matter. The thing about that battery is that it's also used in the mid-2012 MacBook Pro which was available from June 2012 until October 2016. the five year time to vintage status will be in 2021.

The battery is replaceable, and a fairly simple thing to do with the correct tools. However, Apple's official policy is that the battery should only be serviced by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. I would prefer an OEM battery since there seem to be issues with most aftermarket replacements.

However, your MacBook Pro is on Apple's "Vintage" list. They've modified their policy (I believe from last October) where Vintage devices are eligible for service with repair parts. It's hard to decipher what it means where several regions are mentioned as making no distinction between Vintage and Obsolete. However, a 2011 MBP 13" is still on the Vintage list and may be eligible for an OEM battery replacement - at least in the US. I would at least ask.

Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

Vintage products are those that have not been manufactured for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple TV vintage products continue to receive hardware service from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores, subject to availability of inventory, or as required by law.

For products purchased in France, see Statutory Warranties of Seller and Spare Parts.

Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than 7 years ago. Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products. All Apple Retail Stores and the Canadian, European, Latin American, and Asia-Pacific operating regions follow the U.S. product list, but make no distinction between vintage and obsolete. When applied to Apple Retail Stores and these operating regions, products on the U.S. vintage list (all models) are considered obsolete.

imac2 wrote:

Appreciate any recommendations for replacement battery for my 13" Macbook Pro early 2011. I understand Apple stores do not service these machines anymore. Any suggestions on good replacement battery (brand, store, etc) would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance.

DIY Battery Replacements for Apple MacBook Pro ... - OWC

Did you follow the link?

Did you watch the install videos?

It is not rocket science but you do need to remove the back panel of the computer to get to the battery—

Phillips #00 screw driver, tri-lobe screw driver

so yes it is replaceable. ("Removal" is in reference to the old plastic macs that an exterior Battery panel that dropped out with the turn off a key.)

See if this is you:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP15MBU78W/

or

NewerTech NuPower 65 Watt-Hour Replacement Battery for 13" MacBook Pro (2009 - 2012) with Non-Retina Display

Macsales/OWC has excellent customer service if in doubt, (they also sell needed tools , etc)

Any computer store will replace the battery for you.

leroydouglas wrote:

so yes it is replaceable. ("Removal" is in reference to the old plastic macs that an exterior Battery panel that dropped out with the turn off a key.)

At the very least, Apple considers it to not be user or 3rd party serviceable like the RAM or drive. Certainly when it was still supported by Apple, they might have denied any future service if they found that a non-OEM battery had been installed.

There's only a single battery type for all 13" Unibody MacBook Pros, and OWC says that their battery is 65 watt-hours and they should be new. I'm not that great with numbers, but there's a way to convert to mAh

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP13MBU65V/

Apple does have the compatible battery but whether or not they will consider your device eligible for service is another matter.

Simple solution ... OWC for product and install-video. OWC is very Mac-friendly, selling even compatible RAM (your system can go to 16 GB if you have not already).

Microcenter is a very good warehouse but service department depends on the individual helping you and the manager's commitment to stock levels. But in the future you should consider Microcenter a good source for SSDs (they carry Crucial, which work very well with Macs), motherboards, CPUs, video cards, RAM (they carry Crucial which works very well with Macs), ...