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Replacing the battery in a MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar (A1953 / A1990)
On a MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar (2018), the battery is the part that ages fastest. When runtime collapses or the machine shuts down without warning, it is almost always the battery — rarely anything else. Here is how to confirm it, what the part costs and how the replacement goes.
Confirm the battery is the problem
In macOS, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) › Battery › Battery Health. The cycle count is in System Information › Power.
- Maximum capacity below 80 %, or a « Service Recommended » / « Replace Now » notice : replacement is justified.
- Sudden shutdowns with charge remaining, or a machine that only runs plugged in : the battery is at end of life.
- Bulging bottom case, a trackpad that no longer clicks, a machine that no longer sits flat : the battery has swollen. Stop using and charging it, and never puncture a swollen cell. See Swollen MacBook battery : what to do.
If you are unsure whether the battery or the charger is at fault, our page MacBook not charging walks through the diagnosis.
Check the exact model
The model number (A1953 / A1990 for this machine) is engraved on the underside in small type. Machines that look identical can take different batteries : check before ordering. Full method in Finding your Mac's model number.
The part
| Compatible models | A1953 / A1990 — 2018 |
| Capacity | 7400 mAh |
| Voltage | 11.39 V |
| Energy | 84.3 Wh |
| Compatible EMC | 3215, 3359 |
Versions we stock :
- Battery for MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar (A1953/A1990, 2018-2019), Ternary - 7400 mAh — ternary cells (standard), 79,90 €, in stock.
- Battery for MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar (A1953/A1990, 2018), Cobalt - 7400 mAh — cobalt cells (premium), 99,90 €, in stock.
The difference between cobalt and ternary cells is explained in Cobalt vs ternary battery.
The replacement
On this generation the battery is glued into the top case and held by adhesive strips. Removal takes method and a suitable solvent : this is one of the cases where handing the machine to a workshop makes real sense.
- Prepare the machine : run the charge below 25 %, shut down fully (not sleep), unplug the power.
- Open the bottom case and note the screw positions.
- Disconnect the battery first, before touching anything else. Lift the connector straight up.
- Remove the old battery holding it by the edges, without pressing on the cells.
- Fit the new one the same way round and reconnect the connector last.
- Test before refitting every screw : power on and check that charging is detected.
Precautions. Work on a clear, non-conductive surface. Never puncture, bend or force a battery : a damaged lithium cell can catch fire. A used battery goes to a collection point, never in household waste.
After the replacement
Run one full cycle : charge to 100 %, leave it on mains two more hours, then use normally until it shuts down. The gauge recalibrates. On this Intel Mac, an SMC reset can help if charging is misreported after the swap.
Do it yourself or leave it to us
If you would rather not open the machine, we carry out the replacement in our Paris workshop : see Battery replacement service. Either way the part is tested before shipping and guaranteed.
