Lithium-ion batteries offer significant advantages over traditional battery technology, charging faster, lasting longer, and providing higher power density.
This means more battery life in a lighter, more portable form.
Understanding a bit about how they work can help you get the most out of them.
Faster Charging and Longer Lifespan
Apple’s lithium-ion batteries charge quickly for convenience and more slowly to preserve longevity.
They use fast charging to reach 80% capacity, then switch to trickle charging.
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The time to reach that first 80% depends on your settings and the device being charged.
If battery temperatures exceed recommended levels, software may limit charging beyond 80%.
This approach not only allows you to charge quickly but also extends the battery’s overall lifespan.
Simplified Charging
You can charge your Apple lithium-ion battery anytime without waiting for it to fully discharge.
These batteries work through charge cycles.
One charge cycle equals using 100% of the battery’s capacity, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once.
For example, using 75% of the battery one day and 25% the next completes one cycle.
Though all batteries lose capacity over time, lithium-ion batteries are designed to retain 80% of their original capacity after many charge cycles, depending on the device.
This ensures long-term performance with minimal degradation.