Choosing the Right Replacement Battery for Your 2016-2020 13-inch MacBook Pro
The Fancy Buying A1713/A2171 battery targets a specific generation of 13-inch MacBook Pros with butterfly keyboards and Touch Bar. This aftermarket replacement serves multiple model years, but compatibility verification is crucial since Apple made subtle changes between the A2159, A2289, and A2338 models.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Verify your exact MacBook Pro model number (like A2159 or A2289) matches the compatibility list, as physical fit doesn't guarantee proper communication with the System Management Controller (SMC).
- Expect potential calibration requirements; third-party batteries often need 1-2 full charge cycles before macOS accurately reports remaining capacity.
- Consider your MacBook's age: for 2016-2017 models, this battery replacement can significantly extend usable life, but for 2020 models, it may indicate premature original battery failure.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality indicators include clear documentation of cycle count reset capability and inclusion of necessary pentalobe screwdrivers. Genuine reviews often mention initial capacity readings around 95-98% of the designed 58.2Wh, which is normal for aftermarket cells.
Batteries Market Context
Market Overview
The market for 2016-2020 MacBook Pro batteries is active due to Apple's discontinued repair program for these models and the high cost of Apple-authorized replacements. Third-party options range from $50-150, with significant quality variation in cell sourcing and controller chips.
Common Issues
Common problems include inaccurate battery percentage readings, thermal sensor mismatches causing fan behavior issues, and batteries that fail to hold calibration after sleep cycles. Some replacements use lower-grade lithium-polymer cells that degrade faster than Apple's original specifications.
Quality Indicators
Look for batteries specifying Japanese or Korean cell manufacturers (like LG Chem or Panasonic), not just 'high-quality cells.' Better units include SMC-compatible controllers that properly report health status to macOS's System Information.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B with 15% estimated fake reviews suggests generally authentic feedback but with some promotional padding. The drop from 4.00 to 3.70 when adjusting for suspicious reviews indicates the genuine satisfaction rate is solid but not exceptional.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on verified purchase reviews mentioning specific model compatibility (like 'A2289') and long-term performance (2+ months). The one-star reviews likely reveal genuine failure patterns worth examining closely.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews discussing installation experience with the 2019-2020 models specifically, as these have tighter SMC requirements. Look for mentions of 'battery health' in macOS System Information rather than just 'it works.'
Expert Perspective
This battery's 3.70 adjusted rating suggests it's a competent but not premium replacement option. The broad compatibility across six model years is both a strength and potential weakness—while convenient, it may not optimize performance for each specific MacBook Pro variant. The high number of verified purchases (1216 reviews) provides substantial real-world data, though the authenticity grade indicates some review manipulation exists. For 2016-2017 models nearing end-of-life, this represents reasonable value; for newer 2020 models, the longevity concerns warrant careful consideration.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh your MacBook's residual value against this battery's cost—for older models, this $60-80 investment makes sense, but for 2020 machines, consider whether an Apple-authorized repair preserves more long-term value. Installation requires careful handling of the battery adhesive strips, which many reviews mention.
Comparing Alternatives
Compare with batteries specifically marketed for your single model year, as they may have better-tuned controllers despite narrower compatibility.
