by , 7:55 AM EDT, April 30th, 2007

Apple Inc. released Battery Update 1.2 for Intel-based Mac laptops on Friday. The update is intended for MacBook Pro and MacBook models purchased between February 2006 and April 2007, and modifies the battery firmware and improves battery functionality. The update is free, and automatically installs on problem batteries after it has been downloaded. It is available through the Software Update application or as a downloadable installer from the Apple Support Web site.

The Update is compatible with the following Mac models:

• MacBook
• MacBook (Late 2006)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch Glossy)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch Core 2 Duo)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch Core 2 Duo)

Apple also launched a new battery replacement program for MacBook and MacBook Pro users that are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Battery is not recognized causing an "X" to appear in the battery icon in the Finder menu bar.
• Battery will not charge when computer is plugged into AC power.
• Battery exhibits low charge capacity/runtime when using a fully charged battery with a battery cycle count (as shown in System Profiler) of less than 300.
• Battery pack is visibly deformed.

Apple is stressing that none of these issues pose safety hazards. Additional information is available at the Apple Support Web site.

If your MacBook or MacBook Pro is exhibiting any of these issues, make an appointment to take your Mac in to your local Apple Store, or call Apple support at 1-800-275-2273 in the United States. Apple contact numbers are also available for customers living outside of the U.S.