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.
MBA vs MBP - user battery replacement possibility
- Thread starter Leon1das
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Neither has a user replaceable battery, both can be replaced if you have proper tools and skills.
Why does this matter to you? The battery will last for years anyway. And it’s not like having it replaced costs a fortune.
Why does this matter to you? The battery will last for years anyway. And it’s not like having it replaced costs a fortune.
Neither is technically user replaceable but the MBA makes it easier. The MacBook Pro is glued in while the MacBook Air apparently has pull tabs. It is still very involved and requires removal of a bunch of parts including the main circuit board.
@Leon1das - how long do you typically keep your laptops, and how many times in the past have you felt it necessary to replace batteries? Just curious since I've not typically needed to do so, but I typically replace the computer within 3-5 years.
IMHO there are other factors to drive deciding whether MBA or MBP is the better fit to your needs than whether battery replacement might cost more with one than the other if you should ever need to do so.
Apple provides fixed-fee out-of-warranty battery services, at least in the US. See Mac Repair - Official Apple Support
MBP is more expensive than MBA, but both are fairly reasonable when you also consider the work is warranted and that the price of the actual OEM battery from known reputable shops. Don't wanna play battery-roulette with a 58watt-hour battery... Not to mention no worries about screwing up the replacement and trashing your computer.
IMHO there are other factors to drive deciding whether MBA or MBP is the better fit to your needs than whether battery replacement might cost more with one than the other if you should ever need to do so.
Apple provides fixed-fee out-of-warranty battery services, at least in the US. See Mac Repair - Official Apple Support
MBP is more expensive than MBA, but both are fairly reasonable when you also consider the work is warranted and that the price of the actual OEM battery from known reputable shops. Don't wanna play battery-roulette with a 58watt-hour battery... Not to mention no worries about screwing up the replacement and trashing your computer.
Glued in place is a little misleading as its just strong adhesive, but if its anything like the other 13" MBPs it's really not that involved. It shouldn't require the removal of any components.
I recently removed the battery on my 2014 Pro to replace the trackpad.
1. Remove the back panel
2. Disconnect the battery
3. Unscrew the speakers and move them out of the way.
4. Put a couple of drops of acetone (iFixit's adhesive remover is like 99% acetone) under the battery cells to soften the adhesive. (Some people just use floss/strong thread to saw through the adhesive)
5. Wiggle plastic cards (old credit cards work) under the cells to cut the now soft adhesive.
6. Remove the battery.
That being said, Apple's battery replacement is only $30 more than the iFixit kit so unless you need it done in an hour you probably should just have them do it.
Last edited:
On ifixit.com it is something like 85 steps to replace the battery on the 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar vs. 45 steps for the 2020 MacBook Air. With the Air, you don't need adhesive remover, with the Pro you do. I personally wouldn't want to try and replace the battery in either of them. Too many small and fragile parts.
If I had to guess, the Air is more involved to get to the battery-removal step, and the Pro is more involved after that point.
But really it's been a long time since removing parts in a Mac Laptop has been hard or dangerous to do if you are methodical and have a guide. The Apple battery service is only a little more expensive than buying parts through iFixit so its best to use Apple if you are hesitant.
Last edited:
If I had a Mac that needed a battery replacement, especially on my M1, I would get Apple to perform the task. That way, I wouldn't have to worry about messing something up.
Thanks - 3-5 years is realistic for me. I dont keep tech older than 5years*@Leon1das - how long do you typically keep your laptops, and how many times in the past have you felt it necessary to replace batteries? Just curious since I've not typically needed to do so, but I typically replace the computer within 3-5 years.
IMHO there are other factors to drive deciding whether MBA or MBP is the better fit to your needs than whether battery replacement might cost more with one than the other if you should ever need to do so.
Apple provides fixed-fee out-of-warranty battery services, at least in the US. See Mac Repair - Official Apple Support
MBP is more expensive than MBA, but both are fairly reasonable when you also consider the work is warranted and that the price of the actual OEM battery from known reputable shops. Don't wanna play battery-roulette with a 58watt-hour battery... Not to mention no worries about screwing up the replacement and trashing your computer.
*- hopefully future is not bringing mutated covid which will lock us in the Fallout's Vault, in which case I would have to settle without upgrade for a little longer....