Apple has released Battery Update 1.2, and in typical fashion has limited the description of what exactly it does to the concise “improves battery functionality.” If you’re wondering if you need the update, it supports the following models of MacBook and MacBook Pro:

MacBook
MacBook (Late 2006)
MacBook Pro (15-inch)
MacBook Pro (15-inch Glossy)
MacBook Pro (15-inch Core 2 Duo)
MacBook Pro (17-inch)
MacBook Pro (17-inch Core 2 Duo)

The AC adapter must be plugged in to run the update, and one cool feature is that after running the updater, any subsequent batteries used in the MacBook or MacBook Pro will automatically have the update applied to them, too.

If you’re wondering whether this update addresses some of those serious battery problems affecting some MacBook Pros, this is still unknown. The fact that the update automatically updates all batteries used in machine in perpetuity shows a somewhat uncharacteristic dedication on Apple’s part to thoroughly disseminating an update, meaning Apple might believe it could prevent some serious problems. At any rate, if after installing the update you notice certain symptoms, you can simply replace the battery. The signs to look out for, according to Apple, are:

Battery is not recognized causing an “X” to appear in the battery icon in the Finder menu bar.
Battery will not charge when computer is plugged into AC power.
Battery exhibits low charge capacity/runtime when using a fully charged battery with a battery cycle count (as shown in System Profiler) of less than 300.
Battery pack is visibly deformed.

For more information on the MacBook and MacBook Pro battery program, check out Apple’s website.

Filed under: MacBook News, MacBook Pro News, Troubleshooting