Is it better to replace battery or buy new MacBook Pro?

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Level 1

8 points

Is it better to replace battery or buy new MacBook Pro?

Curious if anyone can give me their critique on their MacBook Pro with M4Pro, the16 inch laptop. Are you happy with it? Any problems? I am referring to the middle priced one of the 3 as I look at the Mac Books on Apple’s website. I purchased my MacBook Pro in May of 2019 but it was built in 2018. It is still behaving beautifully. However, it is at the point where the battery needs replacing. Also, I have read that in a year or two there may be no more software & security updates both of which are very important. Which brings me to my two part question. Should I keep this computer and just have the battery replaced or would it be better to go ahead and buy a new MacBook Pro with M4Pro? Any suggestions anyone? Thanks.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 26, 2025 4:33 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

144,043 points

Apr 27, 2025 6:13 AM in response to 724_aRLW12

At this writing the future of the 2018 model Macs is uncertain. Your Mac is among a group of T2-equipped Intel Macs that CAN run the latest MacOS.

The official announcement of the NEXT MacOS to be issued has not yet occurred. When that announcement drops, the 2018 Intel Macs MIGHT not be eligible to receive that next version, giving them two years of remaining Security updates. (2019 and 2020 Intel Macs might be in that group as well.)

The cost of battery replacement service in the US has been about US$250, which could be more prudently applied toward a far more capable Apple-silicon Mac. Even the Apple-silicon MacBook Air can run rings around your current Mac.

The most cautious way to proceed is to wait for the official announcement to provide clarity about whether your 2018 Mac will be supported for another year. This tends to happen at Apple Word-Wide Developers Conference in June.

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Answer 2

kaz-k

Level 9

51,880 points

Apr 26, 2025 10:20 PM in response to 724_aRLW12

Hi,

If you want to use Apple Intelligence, you'd better purchase new MacBook Pro.If you don't I recommend replacing the battery.

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

25,622 points

Apr 27, 2025 7:18 AM in response to 724_aRLW12

724_aRLW12 wrote:

Curious if anyone can give me their critique on their MacBook Pro with M4Pro, the16 inch laptop. Are you happy with it? Any problems?

I got the 16" M4Pro with 48GB RAM and upgraded it to a 1TB SSD. It's an amazing machine. Smooth running, quiet, fast. Installation ran without any hitches, all apps installed perfectly the first time. Connectivity is great - both the built-in WiFi and also wired ethernet using the white Belkin dongle that Apple sells. All the ports work as spec'd. And the touchpad - nicest touchpad I've ever used; fast, responsive.

I wasn't so sure I would like the 'always on' aspect of the newer MBP's but now that I have one in my hands I must say that I do like that I can just open the laptop and it's all ready to go.

FWIW, I use Adobe CC Photoshop, Lightroom, CaptureOne Pro & Davinci Resolve - all fairly demanding apps and they run fine.

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Answer 4

724_aRLW12 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 27, 2025 3:32 PM in response to 724_aRLW12

Thanks for all that info. Hope that I will be able to find out more answers from that Apple Word-Wide Developers Conference. I wonder where I will be able to access those answers. I am concerned about continuing all security updates etc. if I decide to keep this Mac. However the Apple Intelligence factor on a new one is intriguing.

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