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2 OWC vs iFixit Batteries: Which is better?
When you can no longer buy a battery from Apple, which is the best source, OWC or iFixit? I found mixed messages on the web shown below, so I’m not sure.
Concerns about iFixit: Posts from around the Web
- “Be wary of ifixit batteries,” (Reddit.com, August 1, 2018.)
- OWC or Apple Replacement Battery? (Forums.MacRumors.com, March 3, 2018.) LarryJoe33’s post (July 17, 2017) says his iFixit battery drops from 65% to 7% consistently. He said iFixit was unresponsive, and accused iFixit of sending him a battery that which today sells on Amazon for $37.99. He says the battery was a replacement not OEM.
Concerns about OWC
- OWC, you've lost me. This is a long thread in 2014. The gist is that somebody who used to be happy with OWC had a bad experience with a replacement battery.
Concerns about iFixit and OWC
- '''User''' '''JPack''' in the March 3, 2018 MacRumors.com post above, says that the only place you can buy an OEM battery outside of Apple is from Rewa. He says, “You're wasting your time (and money) with iFixit, OWC, and B&H. They're often selling B-grade batteries that have been rejected. Hence your 65% -> 7% experience. You might as well buy from AliExpress as the sellers source the same B-grade batteries.”
Positive Posts about OWC
- Newertech NuPower Mac Laptop Batteries – Review. OWC sells Newertech batteries, hence the review. This guy gave them 9/10 for a rating.
crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0
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crwdns2944067:07crwdne2944067:0
Do keep in mind no one sells a OEM battery! Apple does not allow its suppliers to sell batteries or parts outside of them.
What you can encounter is internal parts stripped from a working system and resold as OEM parts which they are! But! Batteries from stripped systems are very rare! The demand is too great and besides I would be concerned if the battery was removed properly without damaging it in the process so I wouldn't be so quick to buy a stripped system battery.
Only Apple installs OEM batteries as they have the access unlike 3rd party repair centers or directly to you via iFixit or other seller of parts.
One of the action items with in the Right to Repair movement is the ability to get parts directly from the makers so they then are truly OEM.
The 'right to repair' movement wants you to be able to fix your own stuff
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Dan crwdne2934271:0
What do you think about the poster’s comments about buying directly from Rewa. Do you think those are OEM?
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Damian crwdne2934271:0
I don't see how.
Apple has their suppliers locked in with contracts and if they are found to have sold parts through the back door they will loose the contract. Don't forget Apple is very watchful on not letting parts out unless they sell them as part of the repair.
If you are so keen on having a REAL Apple battery I think you'll need to setup an appointment with Apple at one of the Apple Stores or authorized service centers.
Or... Get what you think is the best choice for you of the 3rd parties.
Again, there is no such thing as a 3rd party OEM battery, only one that meets the same specifications as the original battery. Review the iFixit part info MacBook Pro 15" Retina (Mid 2012-Early 2013) Battery
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Dan crwdne2934271:0
I agree with @danj , some suppliers, especially chinese ones, are very easy in adding OEM or "genuine" to their spares. If one has enough technical knowledge te tell the difference usually ends up discovering there's absolutely nothing genuine, original or OEM in what has been delivered. Sometimes the outer shell looks perfect though..
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 arbaman crwdne2934271:0
I came across this YouTube vid Real or Fake? Trying to Replace my iPhone Battery in Shenzhen, China. While its about an iPhone battery you might find it humorous when he visits the market where the vendors apply all sorts of labels on the batteries they sell including the Apple Logo! Which is not legal as they are not original parts from or for Apple!
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Dan crwdne2934271:0
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