Information Technology Services (ITS) has learned that Apple determined the battery in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. Affected laptops were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017, and product eligibility is determined by the product serial number. The batteries have been recalled and require replacement.

With the holiday travel season approaching, Mac users need to be aware of the flight risk affected batteries pose and that laptops may be denied at airport security checkpoints. Last week, a Mason customer flying internationally was not allowed to board his flight with an unaffected MacBook Pro. Due to this occurrence, ITS is recommending that if users will be flying with any model of MacBook Pro, to visit the Apple Battery Recall site and determine if their computers are at risk. Following the assessment, ITS advises users to carry the confirmation that their Mac is unaffected with them while traveling.

Managed university-owned Apple laptops:

ITS assessed all managed MacBook Pro laptops and addressed those that were a risk.

Unmanaged university-owned or personal Apple laptops:

1. Check to see which 15-inch MacBook Pro you have. Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.
2. Visit the Apple Battery Recall site at https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall to enter your computer’s serial number and see if it is eligible for a replacement battery.
3. If your MacBook Pro laptop is eligible, please stop using it and contact the ITS Support Center for assistance.

If you have any questions, please contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or support@gmu.edu.