MacBook Pro 2016/2017: free battery from Apple

Apple released macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 and macOS Catalina 10.15.7. In addition to some vulnerabilities, the updates address a battery issue in 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros. If the malfunction persists even after installing the update, the Cupertino company offers a free replacement.

MacBook Pro 2016/2017: free battery

As stated in the release, macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 and macOS Catalina 10.15.7 include patches for two vulnerabilities in Intel's graphics drivers that allow arbitrary code to run, and a bug found in Sudo that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges.

There is no trace of the problem that concerns the battery of some MacBook Pro of 2016 and 2017, that is the inability to exceed the 1% charge level. However, Apple has provided more details on another support page. The two updates should fix the malfunction, but if you still see the message “Support Recommended” in the battery status you can request a free replacement.

Affected users should then contact the support team. The notebook will be examined to verify eligibility for the replacement program. These are the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, two Thunderbolt 3 ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, two Thunderbolt 3 ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, four Thunderbolt 3 ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch , 2017, four Thunderbolt 3 ports) MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017) A similar replacement program was initiated in April 2018. In that case it concerned some 13-inch MacBook Pros (without Touch Bar). A faulty component could cause the built-in battery to expand.

Source: Apple