Apple is recalling some older-generation 15-inch MacBook Pros over batteries that could catch fire, the company announced Thursday.
The voluntary recall, which is for 15-inch Pros sold between September 2015 and February 2017, appears to be limited to the older generation of the MacBook Pro, not the recent models that have USB-C or a Touch Bar.
Apple says that other MacBooks, including the 13-inch Pro from the same time period, are not at risk.
In the announcement, Apple says that the computers “contain a battery that may overheat and pose a safety risk,” adding that it is “asking customers to stop using affected 15-inch MacBook Pro units.”
The company has set up a website for users to check their serial numbers to determine if their device is affected. Those who have a battery in need of service can get it replaced by Apple, or one of its authorized service providers, for free. (Just yesterday Apple announced that it would be offering repairs at nearly 1,000 Best Buy locations.) Replacing the battery, however, “may take 1 to 2 weeks” with the company advising users to make sure to back up their data first.
You can check your serial number by clicking on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your Mac and selecting “about this Mac.”
The fire risk is the latest issue for the MacBook line. Recent models, which feature redesigned casings, have been plagued by keyboard complaints ever since Apple first changed its mechanism in 2015’s MacBook.
In March, Apple announced that it once again had revamped the butterfly switch keyboard on new MacBook Pros to fix these issues -- which included complaints of sticky keys, letters typing in duplicate or letters not typing at all -- and would offer free replacements for those who were experiencing problems with their keyboards.
Source: CNET
