At the end of 2018, Apple announced that “limited number of 128GB and 256GB solid-state drives (SSD) used in 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) units have an issue that may result in data loss and failure of the drive”. A couple of months into this service issue (recall) by Apple, and I still come across Macbook users who do not know this is even a thing. So today’s post is a quick FYI for those with Macbook Pro (non Touch Bar) units, purchased between 6/2017 and 6/2018. Macbook Pro SSD Repair
So What Is The Issue With The MacBook Pro
According to Apple,
a limited number of 128GB and 256GB solid-state drives (SSD) used in 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) units have an issue that may result in data loss and failure of the drive. 13-inch MacBook Pro units with affected drives were sold between June 2017 and June 2018.
What that means in plain English. Every piece of hardware, inside of every computer, comes with a set of instructions called firmware. In the case of the MacBook Pro, that doesn’t have a Touch Bar, and does have either a hard drive of 128GB or 256GB, those instructions are screwed up. That mistake could cause the hard drive to not operate properly, which could cause you to lose data. Also keep in mind that the laptops in question were sold between June 2017 and June 2018.
NOTE: If you have a bigger hard drive then 256GB or if your MacBook has the Touch Bar, this issue is not for you.
So How Do I know If Its My MacBook Pro
If you want to see if you are affected, do the following.
1 – Click on the Apple icon on the top left of your screen -> and select About This Mac. Once that window opens, make a note of the serial number listed in the window
2 – Now visit the Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro (Non Touch Bar) Solid-State Drive Service Program page, and enter your serial number in the box about half way down, that says Eligibility.
3 – If your MacBook Pro is part of the service repair, you will see a message that reads
If you do get a message that your machine is affected. You can either take the machine to your local Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or Contact Apple Support (via phone / email) to arrange mail-in service.
What Do I Do Before Taking The Laptop For Service
This question is a simple yes or no, DO YOU HAVE A BACK UP OF ALL OF YOUR DATA? No matter what the answer is, MAKE ANOTHER BACK UP. The reason being, that during the firmware update, Apple will erase and bring your laptop back to factory default. So if you DO NOT HAVE A BACK UP, YOU WILL LOSE ALL OF YOUR DATA. Keep in mind, this issue aside, if you said NO to having a backup, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?????
How Long Will I Lose My Laptop
According to Apple, the update takes about 1 hour. So if you are at the Apple Store or an Authorized Dealer, you can just do some more window shopping for all those things you want to buy next, while you wait.
For Those Saying “My Laptop Is Running Fine”
Some of you may be saying, My laptop is fine. I don’t have any issues. The answer to you is yet!! This is a free program, and it addresses an issue that could happen in the future. It’s like your health. Do you want to deal with an issue now, when it’s no big deal or later after you are in critical condition?
Final thoughts
Like I just said, this is something Apple is acknowledging. It may not affect you now, but it the future you don’t know. This will mess with your data, if it does affect you. How import is your data? I know my data is very important to me. Lastly, reminder again BACK UP YOUR MACHINE, before you take it to Apple to get updated.
Source
Macbook Pro SSD Repair, Apple, Macbook Pro
