15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Exchange Program
Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is intended to provide more information about Apple's worldwide battery exchange program for certain rechargeable batteries that were sold for use with 15-inch MacBook Pro computer systems from February 2006 through May 2006.

Why is Apple exchanging these batteries?
We recently discovered that some 15-inch MacBook Pro batteries supplied to Apple do not meet our high standards for battery performance. To give our users the best experience possible, we will replace these batteries for customers free of charge.

Note: The affected batteries do not pose a safety risk. You may continue to use your current battery until a replacement arrives.

Will the 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Exchange website be made available in local languages?
Yes, the 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Exchange Program website will be available in local languages by August 4. If you are outside the U.S., you can still complete your replacement order in English and receive a new battery.

Which batteries are affected?
The affected batteries have model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC. To view the model and serial numbers located on the bottom of the battery, you must remove the battery from the computer. The battery serial number is located above the barcode.

I have one of the affected batteries. Should I stop using it?
No, you may continue to use the battery until a replacement battery arrives. The affected batteries do not pose a safety risk.

I recently received a replacement battery for my 15-inch MacBook Pro from AppleCare. Could I have one of the affected batteries?
Apple recommends that you check your battery's model and serial number to see if you may have received one of the affected batteries. Please check the battery for model number A1175 and and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC.

How do I get a replacement battery?
To order your replacement battery, visit https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/ You will be asked for the serial number of your 15-inch MacBook Pro, the serial number of your battery and a ship to address. After serial number verification, a new battery will be shipped to you free of charge. When you receive the replacement battery, please use the same shipping packaging and included prepaid shipping label to return the affected battery to Apple. If you do not have access to the website listed above, please call Apple at 800-275-2273 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., central time, seven days a week, for further assistance.

Where do I find the serial number of my 15-inch MacBook Pro?
The serial number is located on the bottom of the battery well. See photo below. Or, you can use Apple System Profiler to confirm your serial number. For more details, please see http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303328.

Where do I find the serial number of my battery?
To view the model and serial numbers located on the bottom of the battery, you must remove the battery from the computer. The battery serial number is located above the barcode.

Can I go to an Apple Retail store to exchange my battery?
The battery exchange program is being conducted through the battery exchange website at https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/. If you do not have access to the website, please call Apple at 800-275-2273 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., central time, seven days a week, for further assistance.

Can I take my affected battery to an Authorized Apple Service Provider (AASP) and exchange it for a new battery?
The 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Exchange Program is being conducted through the battery exchange website at https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/. If your country is not listed on the website, please contact Apple via phone or see your local service provider, reseller or distributor for assistance in processing your battery replacement order.

How long will it take to receive a replacement battery from Apple?
It will take approximately 3 to 5 days for your replacement battery to arrive. Shipping time may vary due to availability.

Do I have to send in my current battery before I can receive a replacement battery?
No, Apple will send you the replacement battery first and then you will send the affected battery back to Apple with the included shipping packaging.

Once I receive the replacement battery, what should I do with my current battery?
When you receive the replacement battery, please follow the enclosed instructions and use the same shipping envelope and included prepaid shipping label to return the affected battery to Apple. You do not have to pay the postage to return the battery.

I've never had any problems with my battery. Should I have it replaced?
Please check your battery to see if it qualifies for the battery exchange program. If it does, Apple will send you a replacement battery and recycle the affected battery for you.

I have more than one of the affected batteries. Will Apple replace all my batteries?
If your batteries have the designated serial numbers, Apple will provide you with replacement batteries, free of charge. You can apply for up to three batteries to replace your current ones. If you have more than three batteries, please contact Apple at 800-275-2273. Please have the serial number of your 15-inch MacBook Pro and the serial numbers of your batteries ready to provide to the phone agent.

I represent a group with several of the affected batteries. Is it necessary for each user to contact Apple separately?
Apple suggests that you call your Apple account manager to facilitate the battery replacements for a large group. Of course, individuals can use the Apple website to obtain the replacement batteries.