Battery Not Covered Under Supplemental 3 Year Warranty

Question

After 889 cycles my MacBook battery died, but that was a few months short of the end of my 3 year warranty. I was dismayed to be told that I'd have to pay $150 Canadian to get it replaced, though I was still within my warranty period. So I asked if I could get some expected times for other components to expire, such as the screen display but didn't get what sounded like a straight answer. In the end I was told that if I replaced the battery that my MacBook would "probably" last another year or two. This idea that the battery is "a consumable" seems more than a bit of a stretch, considering the replacement cost and its essential nature. I'm shocked with this shabby warranty coverage, and especially perturbed that THE SAME POLICY APPLIES TO MY NEW MACBOOK PRO even though the battery is an integral part of the newer machine, requiring the machine to be taken apart for replacement. This is the kind of "read the fine print" behaviour that gives business a bad name.

Answer 1

Hi ncmm,
All of the specifics for the AppleCare coverage is itemized on their page and in documentation that is mailed to you when you active the plan on your computer. It is your responsibility to read it and understand it, if you didn't agree with it or found something in error then it is also your responsibility to contact Apple regarding it. So let's take it from the top...
*Under Section 1, Paragraph B (Limitation), Line item IX*
+(ix) Consumable parts, such as batteries, except in respect of battery coverage under APP for iPod or unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials and workmanship;+
*http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html*
+Your one-year warranty includes replacement coverage for a defective battery. You can extend your replacement coverage for a defective battery to three years from the date of your notebook purchase with the AppleCare Protection Plan. However, the AppleCare Protection Plan for notebook computers does not cover batteries that have failed or are exhibiting diminished capacity except when the failure or diminished capacity is the result of a manufacturing defect. Apple offers a battery replacement service for MacBook Air and all MacBook Pro notebooks with built-in batteries. You can purchase replacement batteries for late models of Apple notebooks directly from the Apple Store.+
*http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html*
+For Apple notebooks with removable batteries — such as previous generation MacBook and MacBook Pro computers — a properly maintained battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 300 full charge and discharge cycles. You may choose to replace your battery when it no longer holds sufficient charge to meet your needs.+
While it's very fun to be told that you need to spend more money on an expensive computer that you purchased AppleCare for, it's also important to understand what you're entitled to and what isn't covered before proceeding.