An update Apple Support Pages document about MacBook battery servicing indicates that MacBook owners who are seeing their laptop’s battery retain less than 80% of its original capacity can get them replaced free if the computer is still covered under AppleCare.
Apple Support, via MacRumors:
If you purchased an AppleCare Protection Plan for your Mac notebook with a non-removable battery, Apple will replace the notebook battery at no charge if it retains less than 80 percent of its original capacity. If you don’t have coverage, you can have the battery replaced for a fee.
Users who do not have AppleCare coverage remaining can have the battery replaced for $129 to $199, depending on the model. Apple’s basic warranty covers MacBooks for one year, and AppleCare extends that coverage to three years.
All current MacBook models are covered under the new battery replacement policy.
Apple also recently made similar changes to their AppleCare+ warranty plans for iOS devices, also covering battery replacement when a device is unable to retain 80% of its original capacity.
