Need a battery replacement for your MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody? We carry out this work in-house at our London workshop, with a fixed quote before we start.
The A1278 battery is screwed in with tri-wing screws rather than glued, so replacement is clean and quick. Many are now swollen, which lifts the trackpad and stops it clicking. We fit a new cell pack, check the charging circuit and calibrate it. Our fixed price covers the part and fitting.
About this model: The 13-inch unibody MacBook Pro (A1278) is one of the most repairable and long-lived Macs Apple ever made. It has a user-accessible hard drive and two RAM slots, a removable optical drive and a screwed-in battery.
Signs it needs a battery replacement
- Trackpad hard to click (swelling beneath it)
- ‘Service Recommended’ warning
- Shuts down at 20–30%
- Battery not charging
How we do it
First we confirm the battery really is the problem: cycle count, reported condition, and a check of the charger and charging circuit.
On this model the battery is screwed in rather than glued, which makes replacement clean and low-risk.
We then calibrate the new battery, confirm it charges from every port, and dispose of the old cells through a proper battery recycling route.
At a glance
| Years | 2009–2012 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Screwed in (no glue) |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
Back up your data if you can, note roughly how long a charge lasts now, and bring the charger too, so we can rule it out as the cause.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody (2009–2012) (MacBookPro5,5 / 7,1 / 8,1 / 9,2; A1278). Look under Apple menu > About This Mac, or check the small print on the bottom case for the A-number. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
Battery replacement: From £150 + VAT supply and fit. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
How long will the new battery last?
A new battery should give you close to the run time it had when new, and typically lasts several years with normal use. Keeping it away from long periods at 100% charge and high heat helps it age more slowly.
Can you fit an SSD while it’s here?
Yes. This model uses a standard sata drive, and swapping to an SSD at the same time is often the best-value upgrade you can make.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, our repairs come with a warranty on the work and parts. Ask us for the terms that apply to your repair.
Book a repair
For a free, no-obligation quote, call 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london.
Book online
Fill in our online booking form and you get your job number by email straight away. Not sure what you need? Call 020 7394 2528 for free advice.