CultCast #294 - Snag your free MacBook Pro!

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This week: 

• Parts shortages force Apple to start handing out free MacBook Pros, and everyone on the internet wants a piece of the action.
• You knew Jony Ive designed some of Apple’s most iconic products, but did you know he also helped craft one of Star Wars most nefarious light sabers?  
• Apple discontinues two of their most iconic products.
• And stay tuned for all our favorite new stuff in another episode of What We’re Into!  

  This episode supported by   BlueApron - a better way to cook! Get your first 3 meals free with free shipping at BlueApron.com/CultCast   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   Shortages force Apple to swap old MacBook Pros for new models https://www.cultofmac.com/494546/supply-shortages-force-apple-swap-old-macbook-pros-new-models/

• Apple has been forced to swap old MacBook Pros in need of repair with new models due to severe component shortages. It means some lucky customers are getting a free upgrade to the latest machines when in need of service under warranty.
• A common fault with any laptop after regular use is that its battery loses its ability to charge. The cells can only withstand so many cycles before they no longer perform as intended. Fortunately, Apple will replace them for free under warranty.
• MacRumors reports that the company is currently facing “a severe constraint of top case assemblies with integrated batteries” for 15-inch MacBook Pros released in mid 2012 and early 2013 — and this is expected to last until September.
• As a result, Apple is said to have instructed its Genius Bar employees and Authorized Service Providers that they can temporarily swap affected notebooks for a newer, “functionally equivalent” model.
• If your MacBook Pro is still covered by the one-year manufacturer warranty, or an extended AppleCare plan, the cost of a battery replacement (or upgrade were eligible) is completely free. If your warranty has expired, the fee is $199.
• However, Apple has been waiving this fee for customers who are willing to wait for new batteries to arrive, rather than taking an upgrade for $199.

    Apple No Longer Replacing Some MacBook Pros Needing Battery Service With Newer Models https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/26/apple-ends-macbook-pro-battery-exchanges/

• Apple's memo says, effective July 26, service inventory of top case assemblies with batteries is now available for new repairs.
• For all new repair requests, Apple advises Genius Bar employees and Apple Authorized Service Providers to order the necessary inventory. Apple advises its service providers to