MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Johannesburg | iAssist
MacBook Pro Battery ReplacementJohannesburg & Gauteng
Your MacBook Pro is not getting thicc on purpose — that swollen trackpad is a battery begging to retire. It starts quietly: health drops below 80%, the fans kick in during a Teams call, the cycle count creeps past 800. Then Eskom sends another surge through your R150 extension cord and the battery decides it has had enough. MacBook Pro batteries are rated for 1,000 cycles, but between Gauteng heat, load shedding, and marathon work sessions, most tap out well before that. We replace the full battery with original-spec cells — factory adhesive, seated properly, charge-cycle tested before it leaves. Every Intel from 2008 Unibody through 2020 16-inch, plus every Apple Silicon M1 through M5. If your trackpad has started rising like a koeksister in hot oil, that is a swollen cell — a genuine fire risk. Stop using, stop charging, and contact us immediately. We do urgent collection for swollen batteries across Gauteng.
Fixing MacBooks since 2011 · Free diagnostic · Original-spec cells · 6-month warranty · Same-day on most models · Urgent collection for swollen batteries
MacBook Pro battery issues we fix
Battery drains in under 2 hours
Normal MacBook Pro battery life is 8–18 hours depending on model. A battery draining in 2 hours or less is failing. Check System Settings → Battery → Battery Health — below 80% warrants replacement. M-series batteries degrade more slowly than Intel models.
MacBook Pro shuts down unexpectedly at 20–40%
Sudden shutdowns at partial charge indicate a failing battery that can no longer deliver consistent current under load. The battery reads capacity incorrectly because cell chemistry has degraded. Battery replacement resolves this.
Swollen battery — trackpad raised or lid won't close
A visibly swollen battery is a fire risk. Stop using the machine immediately. On Intel MacBook Pros the swollen battery can crack the trackpad and bottom case. iAssist replaces swollen batteries as a priority repair. Do not puncture or compress a swollen battery.
Won't charge — charger light on but battery stays at 0%
If the charger indicator is on but battery percentage doesn't increase, the battery BMS (Battery Management System) has failed, or there is a charging circuit fault on the logic board. Battery replacement resolves most cases. Free diagnostic to confirm.
Battery health at 0% or not detected
System Information shows no battery or Service Recommended immediately after installation of a new macOS. Usually a dead battery or failed BMS chip. Battery replacement.
macOS says "Service Recommended" or "Replace Now"
When macOS displays Service Recommended or Replace Now under System Settings → Battery → Battery Health, the battery has degraded below 80% of its original capacity or the battery management system has flagged a fault. The machine will continue to work but performance and runtime are affected. Replace Now means Apple considers the battery a safety concern — act sooner rather than later. iAssist replaces batteries at any health status with a 6-month warranty.
MacBook Pro running slow — battery causing CPU throttling
A failing battery that can no longer deliver consistent current under load causes macOS to throttle the CPU to reduce power demand. This is called battery-related performance throttling and is separate from thermal throttling. Symptoms: the machine feels sluggish, fans spin up, and performance is inconsistent even when plugged in. A new battery restores full CPU performance immediately. If your MacBook Pro feels slow and the battery health is low — the battery is the first thing to replace.
MacBook Pro won't turn on — dead battery
A fully depleted or dead battery can prevent the MacBook Pro from turning on even with a charger connected. On some models the machine will not boot without a functional battery present — the charger alone is not enough. If your MacBook Pro shows no response at all, try holding the power button for 10 seconds, then connect the charger and wait 5 minutes before pressing power again. If it still won't turn on, bring it in — the battery may need replacement before the machine can boot.
MacBook Pro battery replacement — iAssist prices
OEM-grade batteries. All prices include the battery and fitting. 6-month warranty on all replacements. Written quote before work begins.
Find your model number on the bottom case or Apple menu → About This Mac → System Report.
| Model | A-number & year | Price incl. fitting |
|---|---|---|
| 13-INCH MACBOOK PRO | ||
| MacBook Pro M2 13-inch | A2338 · 2022 · same battery as M1 | R3,000 |
| MacBook Pro M1 13-inch | A2338 · 2020 | R3,000 |
| MacBook Pro Intel 13-inch 2020 | A2289 / A2251 · 2020 | R3,000 |
| MacBook Pro Intel 13-inch 2018–2019 | A1989 · 2018–2019 | R3,000 |
| MacBook Pro Intel 13-inch 2016–2017 | A1706 / A1708 · 2016–2017 | R2,900 |
| MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch 2013–2015 | A1502 · 2013–2015 | R2,700 |
| MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch 2012–2013 | A1425 · 2012–2013 | R3,300 |
| MacBook Pro Non-Retina 13-inch | A1278 · 2008–2012 | Assessment + quote |
| 14-INCH MACBOOK PRO | ||
| MacBook Pro M5 14-inch | A3434 · 2025 · WhatsApp 078 742 4769 for latest price | Assessment + quote |
| MacBook Pro M4 Pro 14-inch | A3294 · 2024 · WhatsApp 078 742 4769 for latest price | Assessment + quote |
| MacBook Pro M4 14-inch | A3293 · 2024 · WhatsApp 078 742 4769 for latest price | Assessment + quote |
| MacBook Pro M3 Pro 14-inch | A2992 · 2023 · same battery as M1/M2 Pro | R3,100 |
| MacBook Pro M3 14-inch | A2980 · 2023 | Assessment + quote |
| MacBook Pro M2 Pro 14-inch | A2779 · 2023 · same battery as M1/M3 Pro | R3,100 |
| MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14-inch | A2442 · 2021 | R3,100 |
| 15-INCH MACBOOK PRO | ||
| MacBook Pro Intel 15-inch 2018–2019 | A1990 · 2018–2019 | R3,100 |
| MacBook Pro Intel 15-inch 2016–2017 | A1707 · 2016–2017 | R3,000 |
| MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch 2015 | A1398 · 2015 | R2,800 |
| MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch 2012–2014 | A1398 · 2012–2014 | R3,100 |
| MacBook Pro Non-Retina 15-inch | A1286 · 2008–2012 | R2,400 |
| 16-INCH MACBOOK PRO | ||
| MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max 16-inch | A-number TBC · 2026 · WhatsApp 078 742 4769 for latest price | Assessment + quote |
| MacBook Pro M4 Max 16-inch | A3295 · 2024 · WhatsApp 078 742 4769 for latest price | Assessment + quote |
| MacBook Pro M3 Max 16-inch | A2991 · 2023 | R4,000 |
| MacBook Pro M2 Max 16-inch | A2780 · 2023 · same battery as M1 Max | R3,200 |
| MacBook Pro M1 Max 16-inch | A2485 · 2021 | R3,200 |
| MacBook Pro Intel 16-inch | A2141 · 2019–2020 | R3,400 |
| 17-INCH MACBOOK PRO | ||
| MacBook Pro Non-Retina 17-inch 2011 | A1297 · 2011 | R3,300 |
| MacBook Pro Non-Retina 17-inch 2009–2010 | A1297 · 2009–2010 | R3,100 |
| Collection and return — Gauteng | Insured door-to-door via Eliz Courier | R300 |
Identify your MacBook Pro by model number
Find your model number on the bottom case or under Apple menu → About This Mac → System Report.
| Model number | Years | Chip | Screen | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3293 / A3294 / A3295 | 2024 | Apple M4 / Pro / Max | 14 / 14 / 16-inch | ProMotion 120Hz · MagSafe 3 |
| A2980 / A2991 / A2992 | 2023 | Apple M3 / Pro / Max | 14 / 16 / 14-inch | ProMotion 120Hz · Space Black |
| A2338 / A2779 / A2780 | 2022–2023 | Apple M2 / Pro / Max | 13 / 14 / 16-inch | M2 13-inch has Touch Bar |
| A2338 / A2442 / A2485 | 2020–2021 | Apple M1 / Pro / Max | 13 / 14 / 16-inch | First Apple Silicon MBP |
| A2289 / A2251 / A2141 | 2019–2020 | Intel Core i5/i7/i9 | 13 / 13 / 16-inch | Scissor keyboard · Touch Bar |
| A1706 / A1707 / A1708 | 2016–2017 | Intel Core i5/i7 | 13 / 15 / 13-inch | First Touch Bar · Butterfly keyboard |
| A1989 / A1990 | 2018–2019 | Intel Core i5/i7/i9 | 13 / 15-inch | Butterfly keyboard gen 3/4 |
| A1502 / A1425 / A1398 | 2012–2015 | Intel Core i5/i7 | 13 / 13 / 15-inch | Retina · MagSafe 2 · Staingate |
| A1278 / A1286 / A1297 | 2008–2012 | Intel Core 2 Duo / i5 / i7 | 13 / 15 / 17-inch | Non-Retina · HDD/SSD upgradeable |
Which MacBook Pro do you have?
Jump to your exact model for model-specific pricing, parts, and known faults.
MacBook Pro M5
M5 · M5 Pro · M5 Max
View M5 repairs → 2024MacBook Pro M4
M4 · M4 Pro · M4 Max
View M4 repairs → 2023MacBook Pro M3
M3 · M3 Pro · M3 Max
View M3 repairs → 2022 - 2023MacBook Pro M2
M2 · M2 Pro · M2 Max
View M2 repairs → 2020 - 2021MacBook Pro M1
M1 · M1 Pro · M1 Max
View M1 repairs → Intel · 2019-2020MacBook Pro 2019-2020
13" + 16" Intel Core
View 2019-2020 repairs → Intel · Touch BarMacBook Pro 2016-2019
13" + 15" Touch Bar
View 2016-2019 repairs → Intel · RetinaMacBook Pro 2012-2015
13" + 15" Retina
View 2012-2015 repairs → Intel · Pre-RetinaMacBook Pro pre-2012
Unibody · Aluminium
View pre-2012 repairs →Three ways to get your MacBook Pro to us
Walk in, arrange Gauteng collection, or ship from anywhere in South Africa. Whichever route you choose, your repair starts with a free diagnostic and a written quote.
Drop it off at the workshop
Walk in to our Silvamonte workshop any business day. Free parking, free diagnostic on the spot. MacBook Pros are slim and easy to carry — bring it in any sleeve or backpack.
11 Swemmer Rd, Silvamonte, Johannesburg
Mon-Fri 08:00-17:30 · Sat 08:00-14:00
Door-to-door via Eliz Courier
Our local Gauteng courier partner, Eliz Courier & Messenger Services, handles insured door-to-door collection and return across Joburg, Pretoria, the East Rand, Centurion, the lot. R300 round-trip. WhatsApp us to book — usually within 24 hours.
WhatsApp to book collection →Ship via The Courier Guy
Anywhere in South Africa — Cape Town, Durban, PE, Bloem, Polokwane. We arrange a Courier Guy collection from your door, the MacBook Pro ships to us insured, gets repaired, and returns via the same courier.
WhatsApp to arrange courier →MacBook Pro battery replacement — questions we get asked
How do I know if my MacBook Pro battery needs replacing?
Check System Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Below 80% warrants replacement. Sudden shutdowns at partial charge, draining in under 2 hours, or a visibly raised trackpad are clear signs. iAssist offers free battery diagnostics.
Is a swollen MacBook Pro battery dangerous?
Yes. Stop using it immediately. A swollen battery is a fire risk. Do not attempt to remove it yourself — the battery on Intel MacBook Pros is glued in. iAssist replaces swollen batteries as a priority repair.
How long does MacBook Pro battery replacement take?
Most battery replacements are same-day. M-series batteries use adhesive pull tabs. Intel models are glued — removal takes longer. WhatsApp 078 742 4769 to confirm same-day availability.
Do M-series MacBook Pros have better battery life?
Yes significantly. The M-series Apple Silicon chips are far more efficient than Intel. An M-series MacBook Pro typically lasts 2–3x longer per charge and battery degradation is slower.
Will a new battery reset the battery cycle count?
Yes. A new OEM-grade battery comes with a fresh BMS and a cycle count near zero. Battery Health in System Settings will show Normal/Maximum Capacity.
Can I use my MacBook Pro while the battery is swollen?
No. Stop using it immediately and bring it in. A swollen battery can expand further, crack the trackpad, and in rare cases cause a thermal event.
How much does MacBook Pro battery replacement cost?
Prices vary by model and are confirmed before booking. Written quote before any work begins. WhatsApp 078 742 4769.
Does battery replacement affect Touch ID or Face ID?
MacBook Pro has Touch ID only. Battery replacement does not affect Touch ID as the sensor is in the keyboard or power button, not the battery circuit.
How long should a MacBook Pro battery last?
Apple rates MacBook Pro batteries for 1,000 charge cycles before capacity drops to 80%. This typically equates to 3–5 years of normal use. iAssist replaces batteries at any cycle count if performance has degraded.
What is the warranty on a replacement battery?
iAssist provides a 6-month warranty on all battery replacements. If the battery fails within 6 months of replacement it is replaced at no charge.
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