The 16-inch MacBook Pro brings a whole new class of performance to the notebook. Thanks to a more advanced thermal design, the Intel Core i9 processor with up to 8 cores and 16 threads of processing power sustains higher performance for longer periods of time — and delivers up to 2.1 times the performance of a quad-core MacBook Pro. Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro debuted in November 2019 with a Magic Keyboard and updated processors. A new high-end graphics option was added in June 2020. Learn about the smaller 13-inch MacBook. Apple has also released a macOS update that prevents this issue from happening to other 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro computers. Please update to macOS Big Sur 11.2.1. I have the 13' MBPR (Early 2015, 2.9 GHz i5) of my 78 year old father here, which is kind of dead after he – if he recalls correctly – performed an update from Big Sur 11.x to Big Sur 11.y (he grabs every update he gets offered, so unfortunately he doesn't pay much attention to the details). Let’s call this MacBook A.
A very small number of customers with 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro computers have experienced an issue with the battery not charging past 1%.
The battery health status on these devices will also indicate 'Service Recommended.' If the status indicates that your battery is Normal, your battery is not affected by this issue.
If your 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro exhibits these behaviors, contact Apple to get your battery replaced, free of charge. Your computer will be examined prior to service to verify that it is eligible for the free battery replacement.
/GettyImages-626970014-5bec36ff46e0fb005184ebe3.jpg "System Update Macbook Pro")
Apple has also released a macOS update that prevents this issue from happening to other 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro computers. Please update to macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 or later or install the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 supplemental update.
Below we are listing down some of the common MacBook Pro problems and their solutions. These possible problems and solutions are applicable for all the MacBook Pro models of MacBook Pro 13″, MacBook Pro 15″, MacBook Pro 17″. We hope this post will give you a brief idea about the most common MacBook Pro problems and possible fixes.
Check battery health
To determine if your battery needs service, check the battery health:
- In macOS Big Sur, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Battery, select Battery in the sidebar, then click Battery Health.
- In macOS Catalina or earlier, hold the Option key and click the battery icon in the menu bar to reveal the battery status menu.
Update macOS
Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates. Look for macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 or later or macOS Catalina 10.15.7 supplemental update.
Identify your computer's model
Choose Apple menu > About This Mac. 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models are listed below:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
Many 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks have two graphics processors (GPU)—a discrete GPU and an integrated GPU. The discrete GPU provides substantial graphics performance but uses more energy. The integrated GPU optimizes battery life by using less energy.
System Update Macbook Pro Keyboard Cover
Check if the discrete or integrated GPU is in use
System Update Macbook Pro Specs
To see which graphics cards are in use, choose Apple () menu > About this Mac. The graphics cards currently in use appear next to Graphics. Learn which integrated GPUs your Mac might have.
Check if an app is using the dedicated GPU
To see if an app is using the higher-performance discrete GPU, open Activity Monitor and click the Energy tab. If you don't see the Requires High Perf GPU column, your computer only has one graphics processor.
In this example, iMovie and Final Cut Pro are using the higher-performance discrete GPU:
Learn more
Here are a few examples of apps and accessories that use the higher-performance discrete GPU:
- iMovie
- Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign
- An external display
Learn how to use an external graphics processor (eGPU) with your Mac.
Learn how to set the graphics performance on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Pro with Retina display computer.