I have a macbook pro 16' 2018 in authorized service provider for battery replacement. They told me that they need to replace battery + keyboard + touchpad. Basiccaly whole top of the laptop. Why? There is no problem to the keyboard, nor touchpad. Do someone know why Apple has such policy for battery replacement?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Macbook Pro 16' 2018 battery service
- Thread starter Juraj22
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
The battery is glued to the topcase. The keyboard is riveted to it. It's all one assembly and the whole assembly gets replaced if any one part has a problem. Also, there was no 16" MBP until 2019. Anything before that is a 15".
Having worked for an authorized service provider before I think this is more for ease of replacement turnaround time then anything. As stated above the battery is attached to the top case with adhesive and those type of repairs are vastly more complex with more a chance for failure.
Apple service is more about quick turnaround time than minimal part replacement.
Apple service is more about quick turnaround time than minimal part replacement.
As others have mentioned, the entire 2016+ MBP generation (and I think the 2014/2015 as well), the batteries are glued to the topcase, so when you get a new battery, you get a whole new topcase which includes keyboard, trackpad, speakers. So it's actually a really good "value" if your battery needs servicing, as you get a whole bunch of other stuff for free.
Given that however, Apple won't replace the battery unless it's showing <80% battery health (eg. you can't just ask to get it replaced even if you're willing to pay the fee).
@Sanpete, not sure what you're referring to here. I don't think there was a battery replacement program for the 2018 15" MBP's? You might be referring to the Butterfly Keyboard Service Program, which would replace the keyboard (which includes the topcase and thus a new battery) if your keyboard was having issues (Eg. double-key strokes, missing key strokes, etc.)
OP, where are you located? Do you have access to an Apple Store? If you do, highly recommend you take it directly to an Apple Store, who does it for $199 (not sure what the Euro-price is, I think it's E199), all-in. If you don't, then I guess this is the only option unless you qualify for one of the existing service programs.
Given that however, Apple won't replace the battery unless it's showing <80% battery health (eg. you can't just ask to get it replaced even if you're willing to pay the fee).
@Sanpete, not sure what you're referring to here. I don't think there was a battery replacement program for the 2018 15" MBP's? You might be referring to the Butterfly Keyboard Service Program, which would replace the keyboard (which includes the topcase and thus a new battery) if your keyboard was having issues (Eg. double-key strokes, missing key strokes, etc.)
OP, where are you located? Do you have access to an Apple Store? If you do, highly recommend you take it directly to an Apple Store, who does it for $199 (not sure what the Euro-price is, I think it's E199), all-in. If you don't, then I guess this is the only option unless you qualify for one of the existing service programs.
You're right, it ended with the 2017s. The keyboard one still applies to the 2018, so if there have been keyboard issues, should still be free.
Edit: Unless your battery was swollen. Then they'll charge for the battery replacement anyway, because they say they have to address that first. Ha ha, technicality.
Last edited: