BOOST YOUR BATTERY LIFE
Discover how to improve the performance of your MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch batteries — plus maintain their health
BY NICK PEERS
Are you getting the maximum use out of your mobile devices’ batteries? Despite all the technological innovations of the past few decades, your Apple devices — from the Watch all the way up to the MacBook — rely on a type of battery first used in commercial products back in 1991. That said, today’s lithium–ion batteries are a far superior beast to their predecessors, and with each successive generation Apple finds ways to improve them further.
But they’re not perfect. Batteries don’t last forever, for starters, and rarely achieve the maximums quoted in the promotional literature. But, armed with our tips and techniques, you can improve the performance of all your Apple devices to deliver longer use between charges, and to maintain your battery’s overall health for longer.
In this feature you’ll discover what power–sapping settings to disable, plus how to properly manage your battery to lengthen its lifespan. We’ll also reveal the various options available to you when your battery finally reaches the end.
Finally, what about those times when you’re unable to connect your phone or MacBook to a power outlet for an extended period? If you frequently run out of juice on the road, then check out our picks of the best mobile power banks and battery add– on packs. Ready to add hours to the life of your battery on a day–to–day basis? Read on…
Boost your iPhone/iPad battery
Give your battery a health check, then make it last longer between charges
How to make your Watch last longer
You can improve your Watch’s battery in the following ways… Choose a minimal watch face design (or switch off Display & Brightness > Always On). Enable Reduce Motion under General > Accessibility. Connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth for connectivity. Follow the same suggestions for your iPhone — minimize app and email notifications, reduce brightness, and so on. Cut down on effects and colorful screens to get more battery life.