I have a still perfectly useable early-2015 MacBook Pro that I purchased from Apple 6 years ago. The battery needs to be changed, especially since it has visibly started bulging the keyboard. I went to two Apple Authorized Service Providers. Each time, someone at the counter just checked the laptop model, then saying that it’s classified as a “vintage product” and that the battery can’t be changed. Yeah, “vintage product.” Apple is great with naming things.

Okay, so Apple is hellbent on not allowing other stores to fix or replace parts, but at the same time they leave customers in the dark with perfectly decent laptops.

I’ve always purchased official Apple batteries, because Chinese knock-offs usually don’t last very long, and they can be a fire hazard. I tried finding a way to get an OWC battery, which apparently is a good brand, but there aren’t any places selling them where I live. All the non-official Apple repair stores sell knock-off batteries.

Any suggestions of what I should do?

  • HomeyLoverD@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    The 2015 Macbook is not “over 7 years old”, it’s almost 9 years old, and it’s a good chance that Apple either does not carry parts for such an old machine or they don’t want to deal with the liability of performing out-of-warranty service for such an old Mac, because if anything goes wrong they have to take responsibility for it. I’m just giving you my take.

    Like others said your only option is to find a 3rd party local repair shop and have the install a 3rd party non-Apple battery if you want to keep using it.

    • look10good@alien.topOPB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I bought it in the middle of 2016, so yes, it’s a 7.5 year-old laptop. One which works perfectly fine and definitely is not “obsolete.” Apple does this mainly because it forces customers to buy a new device. Simple as that.

      • kid1988@alien.topB
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        whilst I don’t argue your “planned obsolescence” dig at Apple, no other manufacturer is supplying spare parts for 8 year old models, regardless when purchased.

        Regardless, I agree with you that the device is far from obsolete. I myself am rocking a 2016 MBP, but it was a hell replacing the keyboard and battery.

        • look10good@alien.topOPB
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          1 year ago

          no other manufacturer is supplying spare parts for 8 year old models, regardless when purchased.

          Cheap laptops from other manufacturers don’t cost as much as a MacBook Pro. And I’m sure some do.

    • WonderfulShelter@alien.topB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Holy shit, you are the embodiment of that “ackshually” meme guy.

      GUESS WHAT - 9 YEARS OLD IS OVER 7 YEARS OLD.

      holy shit, I can’t even believe you exist.