According to people familiar with the new-generation notebook,
there are no special tools or knowledge required to swap out the MacBook Air's
battery, which Apple has billed its "thinnest ever" in a product. Instead,
the process requires a single size-0 type philips screwdriver and some
diligence. Once flipped upside down, the MacBook Air's bottom cover is easily
unscrewed and removed, providing immediate access to the battery cavity. From
there, the battery can be unscrewed from the chassis with the same screwdriver
and unplugged from the circuit board with a simple tug -- it's not soldered to
the board. The entire process, according to those in the known, can be
completed by any service technician in as little as three minutes. For its
part, Apple has announced its intent to offer a MacBook Air Out-of-Warranty
Battery Replacement Program, which promises authorized replacements for US $129.
The mail-in repair process normally takes 5 business days, the company says.
Given the simplicity of the upgrade, however, it's possible that Apple will in
time offer the service on-demand at its retail stores. Similarly, third parties
could also offer in-home do-it-yourself kits should they be able to acquire
battery cells that meet Apple's standard for the MacBook Air.