Is It Necessary to Replace the Battery of an Old MacBook Pro with an Official One?

Before discussing whether or not to replace the official battery, it's important to know: which generation of your MacBook Pro is it?

1. Pre-2012 Models (with optical drive, thicker body)

Apple has largely stopped offering direct battery replacement service for these models, or it may require special arrangements through certain channels.

The system and ports are outdated, and performance is relatively weak compared to today’s ultrabooks.

If you only use it lightly (writing documents, browsing the web), a third-party replacement battery is usually more cost-effective.

2. 2013–2015 Retina Models (A1398, A1502, etc.)

These are still the models many users “can’t bear to give up” — great keyboard feel, rich ports.

Official replacement is relatively expensive, but third-party parts are very mature and widely available.

If you still use it as your main machine or a serious backup productivity device, this generation is very much worth equipping with a high-quality replacement battery.

3. 2016–2019 Butterfly Keyboard / Touch Bar Era

Some models in this generation are known for keyboard or logic board issues, so you need to evaluate the overall lifespan of the machine.

If the overall condition of the MacBook Pro is good and the only problem is battery wear, then either a high-quality third-party battery or an official battery can be considered, depending on your budget and preferences.

Price Gap: Official vs. Third-Party Batteries

For Apple’s official service, a MacBook Pro battery replacement usually includes:

Original Apple battery (or Apple-certified part)

Labor costs at Apple Stores or Authorized Service Providers

Warranty and after-sales support

The total price is usually much higher than a third-party replacement.

By contrast, third-party batteries—especially from specialized battery factories and independent sites like ours—have these characteristics:

No Apple “service premium” added on top

Use of high-quality cells and BMS protection boards

Our own warranty policy and after-sales support

If your old MacBook Pro already has a low resale value, putting a large amount of money into an official battery replacement makes the cost-performance ratio look quite awkward.

That’s why many users end up choosing like this:

“I’m willing to pay for safety and quality, but I don’t want to pay twice the price just for a logo.”

This is exactly the value of a high-quality third-party battery: You keep safety and performance very close to the official level, but bring the budget down.

Is an Official Battery Always Safer?

When it comes to batteries, people usually worry about two things:

Will it swell?

Will it be a safety hazard?

Here’s the conclusion up front: An official battery is not absolutely safe, and a third-party battery is not automatically low-quality. The real key is: cells + protection board + workmanship + quality control.

1. Cell Quality

High-end battery manufacturers typically use cells from well-known brands (such as ATL, LG, Samsung, etc.).
Some very cheap batteries may use recycled cells or nameless cells — that’s where the real risk comes from.

For our own product selection, we focus on:

Whether the cells are brand-new, Grade A

Whether consistency testing is passed

Whether the rated capacity is honestly labeled

2. Protection Board and Safety Design (BMS)

Both Apple’s official batteries and high-quality third-party batteries should use a robust BMS (Battery Management System), which includes:

Over-charge protection

Over-discharge protection

Over-current protection

Short-circuit protection

Temperature protection, etc.

Whether these protection circuits are designed properly and whether components are reliably selected directly determines whether the battery can “protect itself” under extreme conditions.

3. Workmanship and Quality Control

In a proper battery factory, production will include:

Multiple charge–discharge cycle tests

High- and low-temperature tests

Capacity and internal resistance testing

Visual inspection and aging tests

So, when you choose a third-party battery, don’t just look at the price. Also check:

Is the compatible model list clearly provided?

Are the actual capacity and key specs clearly stated?

Is there a real, usable warranty and after-sales service?

If you choose the right brand and channel, a high-quality third-party battery can be very close to the official one in terms of safety.

Is an Official Battery Really “More Durable”?

A lot of users worry: “Will a third-party battery go bad quickly?”

We need to break that question down:

Single-Charge Battery Life

A well-designed third-party battery with a capacity matching or slightly higher than the original, and recognized correctly by macOS, can deliver similar or even slightly better battery life than the original—
especially if your original battery has already dropped below 60% health.

Cycle Life

Official batteries are often rated to retain about 80% of their capacity after 1000 cycles (under ideal conditions).
If a high-quality third-party battery uses cells of the same grade, its charge–discharge cycle life can be quite similar.

Of course, this also depends on you using it in a normal temperature range and with reasonable habits.

System Compatibility & Battery Indicator

A good battery should be properly recognized by macOS, with a stable battery indicator and normal sleep/wake behavior.

A poor-quality battery may cause battery percentage jumps, sudden shutdowns, etc. — these are the issues users feel most directly.

When Is It Worth Insisting on an Official Battery?

Not everyone is a good candidate for third-party batteries. If you match the situations below, an official battery can still be a top choice:

1. Your MacBook Pro is still relatively new and well within Apple’s official support window

2. You plan to keep it for another 3–5 years

3. You want all service history to remain within Apple’s ecosystem

4. You live somewhere with a convenient Apple Authorized Service and acceptable pricing

5. Plenty of Apple Stores or Authorized Service Providers nearby

6. Fast turnaround time and good service experience

7. You have a strong emotional or psychological preference for “all-Apple service”

Some users simply want: “Everything in my Mac has been serviced by Apple.”
If your budget allows, go with the option that makes you feel the safest. 

DIY vs. Professional Replacement: It’s Not Just About the Battery

No matter whether you choose an official or third-party battery, how it’s installed also affects safety and experience.

Official Channels

Pros: Performed entirely by trained technicians, with proper tools and procedures.

Cons: Higher cost and an appointment may be required.

Third-Party Repair Shops

Pros: Generally more budget-friendly; experienced technicians for common MacBook models.

Best for: Users who don’t want to DIY but still want a high-cost-performance replacement battery.

DIY Replacement

Best for: Users who are handy and familiar with electronics.

Important precautions:

Power off and disconnect from the charger before operation

Be careful with flex cables and connectors

Gently pry the battery and avoid damaging the battery casing with sharp tools

Touch a metal object beforehand to discharge static electricity

Keep your workspace dry, clean, and non-conductive

If you decide to replace the battery by yourself, it’s highly recommended to choose a complete kit that includes screwdrivers, pry tools, and a clear manual. That can greatly reduce the difficulty and the risk of mistakes.

Does Every Old MacBook Pro Need an Official Battery?

Not every old MacBook Pro is worth an official battery replacement.

If your MacBook Pro has served you for many years, has a low market value, but you still love using it, then a high-quality third-party battery is usually the most rational choice.

If your MacBook Pro is still relatively new, you plan to use it long-term, and you rely on Apple’s official service system, then upgrading to an official battery can bring extra peace of mind and service value.

If you’re considering a safe, cost-effective battery upgrade for your old MacBook Pro, you can explore reliable replacement options at Applebattery.com

Need more help deciding between official and third-party batteries, or tips on installation and care? Visit: applebattery.com/zh-hans/blogs/support for detailed guides and practical advice