How do you replace the "non-upgradable" batteries in the "Mid-2009" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? Is doing so a "hack"?

Replacing the battery in the "Mid-2009" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models is probably too simple to really refer to it as a "hack", but these batteries are not designed to be replaced by end users and Apple does not support end user replacement either.

Officially, when the battery no longer holds a sufficient charge it is necessary to provide Apple with the entire notebook to have the battery replaced. Apple has posted complete details on the company website -- and the price varies in different countries -- but in the US it costs US$129 to have the battery replaced in the 13-Inch and 15-Inch models and US$179 to have the battery replaced in the 17-Inch models. Those who live near an Apple Store can have the battery replaced the same day with an appointment or opt for service by mail which takes 3-4 days.

However, the always excellent iFixit disassembled the 13-Inch "Mid-2009" MacBook Pro and confirmed that like the 17-Inch "Late 2008/Unibody" MacBook Pro before it -- which also has a "non-upgradable" battery -- it is not particularly challenging to replace.

Photo Credit: iFixit (13-Inch MacBook Pro, Removing the Battery)

iFixit's "Teardown" provides all the details -- replacing the battery simply requires the removal of twelve screws (ten to remove the bottom case and two to remove the battery) -- but Apple has used "tri-wing" screws to attach the battery to the case to discourage end user replacement. The 17-Inch model uses three "tri-wing" screws rather than two, but the process is essentially the same.

Ultimately, those with some technical skills need not worry about replacing the battery in the "Mid-2009" MacBook Pro models themselves should they choose to do so.