Apple Recalls These 15-inch MacBook Pros Over Battery Fire Risk
The batteries in the affected Macbook Pros may overheat and create a fire hazard. The machines were sold between September 2015 and November 2017 and users will need to check their device's serial number to determine whether or not their machine is eligible for a battery replacement. The affected model is the “MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)”. If the device is eligible, Apple suggests that users stop using the device immediately.
Users will then need to find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, make an appointment at an Apple Store, or contact Apple Support and mail in their device after the proper arrangements have been made. All devices will be sent to the Apple Repair Center and Apple estimates that service will take between one to two weeks. Apple advises users to back up their data before sending their device off for repairs. It is important to note that this service will not affect a user’s existing warranty in any way.
Apple has not revealed exactly what is causing the batteries to overheat. The company is being fairly close-lipped about the situation, but some affected consumers have posted about their own experiences. DJ White Panda posted a video on Twitter of their device catching fire last month. They reported that their device was later kept in a fire-proof container at the Apple store. Luckily, the recall does not affect other Mac devices at this point.
This is not the first time Apple devices have experienced similar issues. 13-inch Macbook Pros that were sold between October 2016 and October 2017, for example, were recalled last year. A certain component in the device would fail and cause the battery to expand.
More recently, consumers complained about premature keyboard failures in some Macbooks. Although Apple insisted that most of their customers were having a positive experience, the company implemented next-day repairs anyway. Unfortunately, Macbook Pros have been plagued by keyboard failures since Apple changed the design in 2015.
For more information or to determine whether your device is eligible for repairs, check out the Apple Support website.