Is It Worth Replacing an Old MacBook’s Battery in 2025? Evaluating Costs, Lifespan & Obsolescence

In 2025, with Apple having recently declared the 2015 MacBook Air (11-inch) and 2017 MacBook Pro (13- and 15-inch) models officially obsolete, MacBook users are at a crossroads. These models, no longer supported by Apple for hardware service or parts, raise pressing questions: Is replacing an aging battery still worthwhile—or is it time to upgrade?

Understanding When Replacement Is Justified

• Apple designs MacBook batteries to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after approximately 1,000 complete charge cycles.

• A battery reaching this threshold often shows significant reductions in runtime, overheating, or shutdowns—signals that a replacement may be necessary.

• When macOS displays the “Service Recommended” or similar notifications, it’s a clear prompt to consider replacement.

The Cost Factor: Apple vs. DIY

• In the U.S., Apple charges around $159 for MacBook Air and $249 for MacBook Pro battery replacements outside warranty.

• Alternatively, DIY options—such as iFixit kits—range from $80 to $130, offering savings of over $100 for many models.

• Since 2021, many MacBook models feature adhesive pull tabs, making self-replacement more accessible—though Pro models generally remain more complex than Airs.

Obsolete Models: Limitations and Risks

• Apple’s recent move to label these older models “obsolete” means that hardware service and parts—including batteries—may soon be unavailable.

• Even though Apple has allowed battery replacements for up to 10 years post-purchase, availability is not guaranteed, especially for devices now categorized as obsolete.

When Repairs Make Sense — and When to Upgrade

Replacement makes sense if:

• Battery health is visibly degraded (under 80% capacity).

• You primarily use the MacBook in portable settings.

• The rest of the laptop performs adequately.

Consider upgrading if:

• Your MacBook is obsolete or nearly so, risking security updates and serviceability.

• Overall performance (CPU, RAM) is lagging behind modern needs.

• Battery replacement cost approaches or exceeds the value of the device.

Note: According to MacKeeper, if your MacBook is over 8 years old, you may benefit more in the long term by investing in a newer model.

Community Insights

Reddit users offer practical, real-world advice:

“If you are skilled enough… this should cost about $70–90… If you don’t want to work on it yourself, local repair shops hover around $150.”
Another says: “Just replaced the battery… it’s easy to change it yourself.”

These anecdotes underscore that cost-effective DIY replacements are realistic for many users—provided they are comfortable with the risks.

Is replacing the battery of an old MacBook worth it in 2025?

Yes—if your device remains functional, you rely on portability, and battery replacement costs (Apple or DIY) are reasonable.
However, for models officially declared obsolete, or for systems with outdated performance and diminishing serviceability, upgrading to a newer Mac with better battery life (like M-series models with 15–20 hours of runtime) may offer more value and long-term peace of mind