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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published May 9, 2016
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How do you replace the battery in the 13-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?
Please note that this Q&A covers battery replacement for the 13-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models. EveryMac.com also covers battery replacement for the 15-Inch and 17-Inch models.
The battery in the 13-Inch MacBook Pro "Unibody" models is "integrated" -- which means it is not designed to be easily replaced by consumers nor is it easily "swappable" like the battery in earlier MacBook and MacBook Pro models.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Unibody MacBook Pro Lineup)
However, the battery in the 13-Inch MacBook Pro "Unibody" models is replaceable and it is straightforward to replace it yourself, even. Replacing the battery yourself can save both time and money, too.
Official Replacement Option
Officially, when the battery life of a 13-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro has fallen enough to justify replacement, you are required to provide Apple with the entire computer to perform the battery swap.
Additional information is available from the company website -- and the price varies in different countries -- but as of the date last updated, it costs US$129 in the US, C$149 in Canada, £109 in the UK, and A$160 in Australia to have Apple replace the battery (this includes both the service and the battery itself).
If you live close to an Apple Store, you can opt for same-day service with an appointment. If you do not, you may alternately have the battery replaced by mail, which takes 3-4 days.
Self-Replacement Option
Replacing the battery yourself not only can save a bit of time and money, but it can be more secure as you are not required to turn your entire notebook over to a third-party, either.
However, should you opt to buy a replacement battery and perform the swap yourself, be sure to purchase a quality battery. A low quality battery may not hold a charge for as long as a quality one, but it also may leak or even cause a fire.
All 13-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models use the same battery, which Apple identifies on the battery itself as part number A1322. All of these notebooks also require the same small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that connect the bottom plate of the notebook and the same Tri-Lobe screwdriver to disconnect the battery from the computer itself.
Site sponsor Other World Computing sells a quality replacement battery kit complete with the exact screwdrivers needed. The company also provides instructional videos below.
Identification Help
Unlike the 15-Inch models, all 13-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models use the same battery and the same screwdrivers, so precise identification almost isn't necessary.
However, for those who appreciate precision, the 13-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models can be identified by the Model Identifier "closely enough" to an exact match for the purpose of replacing the battery. In turn, each model can be uniquely identified via model identifier and one or more secondary identifiers (like processor speed and/or processor type).
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can uniquely identify these models by the Serial Number, which is listed on the bottom of the notebook in small type toward the hinge and within the operating system alongside the model identifier.
To locate the model identifier in software, select "About This Mac" under the Apple Menu on your computer and click the "More Info..." button. If the MacBook Pro is running OS X 10.7 "Lion" or later, you will need to click the "System Report" button after clicking "More Info..." as well. As always, EveryMac.com has carefully hand documented each model identifier for your convenience.
The model identifiers for each of these models follows:
13" Unibody MacBook Pro |
Subfamily |
Model ID |
Mid-2009 |
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Mid-2009 |
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Mid-2010 |
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Mid-2010 |
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Early 2011 |
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Early 2011 |
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Late 2011 |
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Late 2011 |
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Mid-2012 |
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Mid-2012 |
More details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Battery Replacement Instructions
Although the battery replacement procedure effectively is identical for each line, it still is helpful to review precise instructions for your specific notebook.
In particular, although the external screws on each model all use the same size Phillips head, not all of the screws are the same length. When removing the screws, make careful note of exactly where each one goes and screw it back into the exact same location as it was originally. If you follow this one bit of advice, you are unlikely to encounter any difficulties.
In addition to offering a compatible battery upgrade kit, site sponsor Other World Computing offers precise instructional videos for each line, as well:
Mid-2009 13" MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Video
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,5
Mid-2010 13" MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Video
Model Identifier: MacBookPro7,1
Early 2011 & Late 2011 13" MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Video
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,1
Mid-2012 13" MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Video
Model Identifier: MacBookPro9,2
After watching the video for your specific 13" MacBook Pro model, it should be clear that replacing the battery is not a complicated task. However, if you do not feel comfortable swapping the battery on your own -- or you do not have the time to do so -- hiring a professional is a good idea.
13" Unibody MacBook Pro Battery Summary & Purchase Options
Ultimately, those with even modest technical skills should be able to replace the battery in any of the 13" MacBook Pro "Unibody" models. Swapping out the battery only requires a quality battery and the right pair of screwdrivers.
However, EveryMac.com wants to emphasize the importance of buying a quality battery. As noted before, low quality batteries may not last as long as quality ones, but even could leak or cause a fire.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for the 13-Inch MacBook Pro "Unibody" models for do-it-yourself replacement.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells OWC batteries for all MacBook Pro models with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
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