Chosen Solution
I’ve a Macbook Pro 2012 that I’ve mostly had sat on my desk plugged into a monitor and keyboard. Even away from the desk it’s pretty rare I’m not plugged into mains power. So, the cycle count is 50 or something close. I also don’t use the trackpad, I use a mouse. I’ve just noticed that that the built in trackpad isn’t clicking too well. I suspected it was the battery bulging and, sure enough, if I remove the battery the trackpad is fine. This might have been happening for a year or a month, I’ve no way to know. I’ve little doubt I need a new battery. But I was curious, I’d have described the battery as being in excellent condition given the low cycle count. I’m guessing my experience is pretty standard? That after 7 years it’s just physics and chemistry? And my apparently careful battery use counts for nothing? Just curious really, I’m about to order a new battery (from iFixit!)
And my apparently careful battery use counts for nothing? Well like Apple will say, over time batteries age and their battery life degrades over the years. This occurs even when the battery is rarely used due to aging of the chemicals in the battery cells which lose their efficiency. Since removing the battery made the trackpad work like normal I would assume the battery must of bulged slightly.
