Scam or standard repair bill?

[macTheUser32]

My battery needs replacing on my MacBookPro 13 (2015). I emailed a local Apple certified service centre (IStyle - which is present in countries where apple for some reason doesn't have their own brick and mortar: Germany, Austria, Italy...)

I was told that the repair cannot have "only" battery replacement. Instead its bundled with some CARE package where they also replace your: speakers and keyboard... all for a cheap 600EUR.

Me telling them that my keyboard and speakers are fine didnt change anything. They insist that they only change Mac batteries as a part of a package deal.

Anyone else had this? Is this Apple standard or a scam?

 

[rawweb]

Most 2010 era MacBooks do not feature user serviceable batteries as Apple's repair for this includes replacement of the top case which includes the keyboard, trackpad and battery. The logic board and main components are swapped into the new top case and the display is moved over. Personally I would seek a repair directly from Apple via shipping.

 

[bobnugget]

Sounds like a scam - apple should do the battery/speakers/keyboard mail-in repair for €209. I've had several done from the UK - they post them to Romania. One was back with 36 hours of posting last year!

 

[AlumaMac]

Welcome to the future where replacing a simple battery requires replacing major system components.

Apple US shows $200 for a battery replacement on an out-of-warranty 13" MBP.

You can also DIY a battery replacement for under $100US, but it requires significant system teardown and a lot of cursing Apple for such a stupid design.

 

[tmoerel]

My battery needs replacing on my MacBookPro 13 (2015). I emailed a local Apple certified service centre (IStyle - which is present in countries where apple for some reason doesn't have their own brick and mortar: Germany, Austria, Italy...)

I was told that the repair cannot have "only" battery replacement. Instead its bundled with some CARE package where they also replace your: speakers and keyboard... all for a cheap 600EUR.

Me telling them that my keyboard and speakers are fine didnt change anything. They insist that they only change Mac batteries as a part of a package deal.

Anyone else had this? Is this Apple standard or a scam?

It is not a scam. But I can advise you to get it fixed by Apple. Apple charges only the price of the battery even when replacing the full top case with keyboard and trackpad when the battery is out of specification.
If you have a broken keyboard or trackpad though it will charge you a much higher price to replace the same parts. Strange but true.
It seems that third party repair shops have to pay the full price for the top case with keyboard, trackpad and batteries included. And as they have to pay the full price, they will charge you that full price.
So if you want to save money, get it repaired by Apple. Make sure to be quick though as your model might be declared vintage soon and when that happens, Apple will quickly run out of spare parts for your machine.

 

[Fishrrman]

You didn't tell us WHICH country you're in.
Can you call Apple DIRECTLY?
Not a 3rd-party provider, but Apple itself.

They might offer to send you a prepaid shipping box.
You send the MBP to them, they do the job, and send it back.

 

[wilberforce]

I had, until recently, a 2015 13" MBP, just like yours. I replaced the battery myself for $50. You need to be careful, watch some youtube videos, and be patient, but it is not too hard. As long as the trackpad and keyboard are not damaged from the battery swelling.
I decided to do it this way, as I don't see spending much money on an old macbook. Battery lasted fine, I traded it in 2 years later.

Puredick A1582 A1502 Battery, Replacement Battery A1502 for MacBook Pro 13 inch Retina [ Early 2015, Mid 2014, Late 2013 ] A1493 - High-Performance and Longevity [11.36V 74.9Wh 18Months Warranty]

Puredick A1582 A1502 Battery, Replacement Battery A1502 for MacBook Pro 13 inch Retina [ Early 2015, Mid 2014, Late 2013 ] A1493 - High-Performance and Longevity [11.36V 74.9Wh 18Months Warranty]

www.amazon.com

But yes, Apple replaces the top case with the battery, as in many cases the swollen battery has damaged the trackpad/keyboard, and it is glued to the top case.