Apple has announced a free battery replacement program for select 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models. These are the units that are affected by an issue preventing them to get charged beyond the 1% mark. The team has also received a new macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina software update that should fix the issue for most of the users without any need for replacement.

If you are one of the users who are affected by the issue even after update installation, you could be eligible for getting your MacBook Pro battery replaced for absolutely free. Apple says battery health status for such units will show a "Service Recommended" message. Additionally, your particular unit will also get checked and verified by Apple Store staff before approving it for the free replacement.

Here is the list of eligible MacBook Pro models for free battery replacement:

• 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)

If you are wondering how to check your MacBook Pro's battery health status, it is very easy to do so. For macOS Big Sur users, the process includes clicking the Apple menu followed by System Preferences -> Battery -> Battery (in the sidebar) -> Battery Health. Those who are using macOS Catalina or earlier, simply need to hold the Option key and then click the battery icon in the menu bar to access battery health status.