How much does it cost to replace a MacBook battery?

Many users hold onto their MacBooks for years, but one component that may not age as gracefully is the battery. Replacing a MacBook battery is possible, but the process can be complex for most users. We recommend most users have the battery replaced by Apple or an authorized service center. If you’re wondering about what the MacBook battery replacement cost is, we’ve got you covered here.

How much does it cost to replace a MacBook battery?

Apple has released multiple MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models over the years. However, the company has kept the cost similar for specific iterations of its laptops. For example, replacing the battery on any MacBook and any MacBook Pro going back to 2016 will cost $249.

The MacBook Air devices have smaller batteries and don’t cost as much. If you have a 15-inch model of the MacBook Air, replacing the battery will cost $198. For all smaller versions, the fee is reduced to $159. This includes all models released since 2015.

MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs have been around for a long time, with the first MacBook released in 2006. Unfortunately, models older than the 2016 MacBook, 2016 MacBook Pro, and 2015 MacBook Air fall under Apple’s obsolete categorization.

While Apple doesn’t provide hardware services for obsolete products, it makes an exception for MacBooks. An obsolete MacBook is eligible for an extended battery-only repair period for up to ten years from when the product was last sold, as long as the part is available. You will have to contact an Apple store or authorized service provider to check whether they can replace the battery on your older Mac laptop.

Does AppleCare cover MacBook battery replacement?

Every MacBook comes with a limited warranty that includes one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of tech support. There are a couple of instances where Apple will replace your MacBook battery for free under the standard warranty. This is primarily if your device has hardware problems, like a defective battery, or if it shows faster-than-expected degradation, which drops your MacBook battery health to below 80% within the first year.

With AppleCare Plus, you can get long-term extended coverage and a free battery replacement if the battery health drops below 80%. You can subscribe to AppleCare Plus within 60 days of buying a new laptop, with annual and three-year plans available. You can renew your AppleCare Plus protection for MacBooks with annual plans after the initial coverage ends. Prices vary depending on your model, and it is expensive. But it is worth it for everything that the extended warranty covers.

How to know if a MacBook battery needs replacing

A MacBook battery lifespan is around 1,000 charging cycles, or around five years, but performance issues are a good indication that the battery needs replacing. You might want a new battery if the device is overheating more than usual, you see unexpected shutdowns and reboots, or if the MacBook doesn’t last very long when disconnected from the charger.

Of course, your MacBook will tell you if you need to replace the battery. Clicking on the battery icon will show you the battery condition. You will see battery service warnings like Service battery, Replace soon, or Replace now if you need to get a new one.

Apple considers a battery healthy if its maximum capacity is above 80%. It should take around five years or up to a thousand charging cycles to get below that point. You can get a better idea of your battery health in the settings, though. Let’s show you where to find it.

How to see your Apple MacBook battery health:

1. Click on the Apple menu.
2. Select About this Mac.
3. Go into More Info.
4. Click on System Report.
5. Pick the Power option on the left-side column.
6. Under Health Information, you can see the Cycle Count and Maximum Capacity.

You should get a battery replacement if the maximum capacity is below 80%.

If your MacBook is old, it may need more than a battery replacement. It may be time to upgrade. You can actually get some trade-in credit from Apple. It’ll make upgrading to a new model a little more affordable.

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