I have a still perfectly useable early-2015 MacBook Pro that I purchased from Apple 6 years ago. The battery needs to be changed, especially since it has visibly started bulging the keyboard. I went to two Apple Authorized Service Providers. Each time, someone at the counter just checked the laptop model, then saying that it's classified as a "vintage product" and that the battery can't be changed. Yeah, "vintage product." Apple is great with naming things.
Okay, so Apple is hellbent on not allowing other stores to fix or replace parts, but at the same time they leave customers in the dark with perfectly decent laptops.
I've always purchased official Apple batteries, because Chinese knock-offs usually don't last very long, and they can be a fire hazard. I tried finding a way to get an OWC battery, which apparently is a good brand, but there aren't any places selling them where I live. All the non-official Apple repair stores sell knock-off batteries.
Any suggestions of what I should do?
your only option will be to take it to an (and this is an Apple term) "UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRER who could also install malware on your computer). they'll likely replace it with an aftermarket battery - simply because Apple doesn't sell them any more.
Your alternative is to watch youtube videos, read the ifixit battery replacement guides, and then do it yourself. The important thing to note is the retinas have glued in batteries - apparently screws make laptops thicker (even though the battery on the airs are screwed in ๐คทโโ๏ธ). 99% isopropyl alcohol will help greatly in disoling the glue.
Dude, it's battery repair. Why in the sky they should install malware? Also, it's battery change and no need to login or whatever.
I agree 100%, this what I was actually told from an authorized repairer when I needed a battery replacement (they were going to charge over $200 for it).
To clarify, I was told that if I took my laptop to a place that Apple hasn't authorized, they'll use dodgy parts and likely install malware. I'm not saying that a repair shop would actually do that.