Apple recalling 15-inch MacBook Pros for overheating batteries

Tech giant Apple is issuing a voluntary recall of select 15-inch MacBook Pro models over safety concerns regarding a battery with potential to overheat.

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Apple has announced a voluntary recall of several of its MacBook Pro laptops citing safety concerns over batteries that may potentially overheat. While Apple products are widely known for their build quality and thorough testing, sometimes the true nature of electrical components — especially batteries — is not revealed until months or years after the fact, and this appears to be such a case.

More details over the voluntary recall are featured on the official Apple website. The recall affects 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina models sold between September 2015 and February 2017, which is quite a considerable gap. According to Apple, the batteries in these units "may overheat and pose a fire safety risk." However, the company states that the recall does not affect other MacBook Pro units or any other Mac notebook computers of other sizes or variations.

Apple MacBook Pro 15 inch Pro Retina recall battery overheating safety risk

In order to determine if users' computers are in the affected model range, Apple has set up a new 15-inch MacBook Pro battery recall page. Within, users can punch in their computer's serial number to see if its eligible for a replacement. The page also provides more information about the recall itself as well as the replacement process, which is made possible through Apple authorized service providers such as Apple Stores as well as a mail-in service through the Apple Repair Center.

Considering the narrow range of models under the recall, hopefully there aren't too many users who will need to get their systems serviced. The time indicated time frame may seem like the issue is more widespread than it is, but just to be sure, MacBook users can hit the Apple menu and confirm that their model is a "MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)." If such is the case, be sure to get into contact with Apple promptly for a battery replacement service.

Guides Editor

Kevin Tucker is a core component of Shacknews' powerful guide development team. For questions, concerns, tips, or to share constructive criticism, he can be reached on Twitter @dukeofgnar or through e-mail at kevin.tucker@shacknews.com.

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  • reply
    June 20, 2019 11:50 AM

    Kevin Tucker posted a new article, Apple recalling 15-inch MacBook Pros for overheating batteries

    • reply
      June 20, 2019 1:22 PM

      Man, I think this MacBook Air 2018 might be the last Mac I own.

      • reply
        June 20, 2019 2:08 PM

        It’s not all of them - I have one of the 2015 models in question but my serial number says I’m not affected.

        That said I’ve had people write me about my id ports because they need to make IPA archives because their 2008 MacBook Pro is too old to run a version of macOS recent enough to run a version of Xcode recent enough to see their iPhone X in debugging mode. So your 2018 machine might last a good long time.

    • reply
      June 20, 2019 1:27 PM

      We had one of our MacBooks at work in the affected range swell the battery so much that it visibly bulged out the case. It wouldn't sit flat on the desk, rocking back and forth. I guess we weren't the only ones :)

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