Understanding MacBook Touch Bar Battery Replacement and Longevity

When discussing new MacBooks with a touch bar, one common concern is the difficulty in replacing the battery. Many wonder if Apple expects these batteries to last forever or if the device's value will degrade quickly due to battery wear. This article aims to clarify these misconceptions and provide a step-by-step guide on how to replace the battery.

Is the Battery Replaceable?

Contrary to popular belief, replacing the battery in a MacBook with a touch bar is not a difficult task. Although the process requires some technical knowledge, it is not impossible. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Remove the bottom cover carefully. Unplug the power cable. Pry the battery up. Remove the protective paper from the replacement battery. Press the new battery into place. Plug in the power cable. Replace the bottom cover and power on your MacBook.

While you have the bottom cover off, it is also recommended to blow out the dust that has accumulated around the fans and vents. This can help improve your MacBook's performance and extend its lifespan.

Reliability of Battery Adhesives

Batteries in MacBook touch bar models are secured with adhesives rather than screws for two reasons: reliability and battery size. These adhesives help to prevent the battery from moving around, which can lead to potential wear and tear. Additionally, they allow Apple to fit a larger battery into the compact case.

Realities of Battery Lifespan

While some users may replace a dying battery, the reality is that this is not a common practice. A dying battery usually degrades in capacity over a period of 4 to 5 years before hitting around 80% of its original capacity. By this time, many consumers are looking for an entirely new, faster machine rather than quick fixes.

The cycle count of a battery refers to how many times it can be discharged and recharged before its capacity drops below a certain level. Standard laptop batteries are designed to last up to 1000 cycles. A 2017 MacBook Pro with a cycle count of 181 after a full year of constant use is still commonly used as the primary machine, indicating that the battery performs well.

Several factors can impact the lifespan of a battery, such as how it is used and maintained. For example:

Damaged within the first year: This is likely due to manufacturing defects. Within 2 years with minimal care: Poor maintenance, like running the laptop at high temperatures, using substandard chargers, or frequent full discharges and recharges.

So while it’s true that some batteries wear out faster, many modern laptop batteries are designed to last significantly longer than the typical 2-3 years of consumer usage.