How Long Does MacBook Battery Last?

Apple is known for making durable and advanced tech gadgets. One such gadget is a MacBook. MacBook is a laptop known for its fast processor and advanced features. However, MacBook is notorious for its battery life from day one.

The battery is one of the most important aspects when deciding on a laptop and MacBook is no exception. A device that prioritizes portability and performance is usually the top choice for users. However, Apple users wonder how long does MacBook battery lasts. If you are also thinking of buying a new MacBook, it is pertinent to know the battery life of MacBooks.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long does MacBook battery lasts.

Battery Life of MacBook Models

MacBook comes in different models, with different processors each having different battery capacity and usage time. It is difficult to put a clear-cut battery time on a MacBook as it completely depends on your usage. However, a model usage time is provided in this article.

MacBook Air

Firstly let us discuss the MacBook Air. This particular model of MacBook is known for its impressive battery efficiency. The MacBook Air comes in two processing units i.e. M1 and M2, with excellent power-saving features.

• MacBook Air M1: Offers up to 18 hours of video playback or 15 hours of web browsing, depending on usage patterns.
• MacBook Air M2: Slightly more power-efficient, providing around 18 hours of usage, with small improvements in real-world tasks.

MacBook Pro

Then comes the MacBook Pro series. The Pro version is more powerful and power-consuming as compared to other models. However, it offers a good battery life, especially in the 13-inch and 16-inch models. In the Pro series, there are M1 Pro and M1 Max chips which are designed for extreme applications without compromising the power levels. Here’s the battery life of MacBook Pro models:

• MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1): Offers up to 20 hours of video playback.
• Macbook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch M1 Pro Max: These models can last around 17 to 21 hours under light usage such as surfing the internet. But if you use heavy apps or operations like video editing, the battery usage decreases accordingly.

Old MacBooks

Older models of MacBook, especially the ones that do not have Apple Silicon (like the Intel-powered ones) generally have lesser battery life when compared to the newer M1 and M2 models. Usually, these devices would last about 8 to 12 hours depending on physical condition, the number of battery cycles performed, and the specific operating system version.

Here are all the recent models of MacBook and its battery usage described in the table.

Model	Battery life per charge
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)	Up to 18 hours
MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)	Up to 20 hours
MacBook Air (M2, 2022)	Up to 18 hours
MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022)	Up to 20 hours
MacBook Pro (16-inch M2, 2023)	Up to 22 hours
MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023)	Up to 18 hours
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M3, 2023)	Up to 22 hours
MacBook Pro (16-inch, M3, 2023)	Up to 22 hours
MacBook Air (13-inch, M3, 2024)	Up to 18 hours
MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024)	Up to 18 hours

 

How Much Battery Life Does Apple Claim?

When Apple release a MacBook, it discloses the battery life of that particular model. However, it should be noted that while calculating the battery performance of its MacBooks, Apple tests in specific testing conditions. However, these conditions are not reflected in real life.

Claiming, for instance, that the product can last for ‘up to 18 hours’, is a result of tests done in controlled settings with few or no background applications running, and at very low screen brightness. However, when we use a MacBook, the conditions can vary significantly, depending on factors like software load and internet connectivity.

Even though practical testing may exhibit realistic use patterns, the battery life estimate can also vary greatly depending on a particular person’s usage. For example, browsing the internet usually consumes less battery than video editing. Watching videos reduces the battery by around 20-30% compared to basic web browsing.

How long does a MacBook battery last in its lifetime?

Apple gives an idea about the lifetime battery of a MacBook by the concept of battery cycle. The concept of battery cycles is important for assessing battery health and predicting long-term battery life.

Apple defines a battery cycle as a complete discharge of 100% of battery capacity. Most MacBooks are built to endure around 1,000 cycles while retaining about 80% of their original capacity. If you charge your MacBook from 50% to 100%, that’s counted as half a cycle.

How to Check Cycle Count

Here’s how to check your battery cycle of your MacBook:

• Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
• Select About This Mac > System Report > Power.
• Look for the “Cycle Count” field under Battery Information.

Knowing your cycle count can give insight into how much life is left in your MacBook’s battery and help you determine when to replace it.

How to Prolong Your MacBook Battery Life?

Do you feel that your MacBook is draining fast, and providing very less battery life? Well, there are certain things that you can do.

• Display Brightness: This is one of the simplest and most effective ways of conserving power. If possible, it is recommended to keep it at about 50% or lower.
• Keyboard Backlight: If you are in a bright environment, you should turn off the battery backlight of your MacBook.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: If these features are constantly enabled, they consume a considerable battery. So, turn off these features when not in use.
• Close Unnecessary Apps: The more the apps, the quicker the battery drains. Avoid leaving apps open that you’re not using.
• Limit Background Activity: Some background processes, such as automatic updates, consume battery power. Change these preferences under System Preferences > Battery.
• Lower Refresh Rate (Pro Models): For the MacBook Pro, if not using the device for high-end editing, consider reducing the display’s refresh rate. This option is available in System Preferences > Displays.
• Regular Update: Keeping your MacBook updated is the most important step to conserve your battery. Software updates contain efficiency improvements and security patches that ensure the system is optimized for battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that you can refer to in case of doubts.

Can I replace my MacBook battery?
After using your MacBook for a long time, the battery life depletes and its discharges very quickly. However, you have the option to get your MacBook battery replaced by the authorized Apple service centre.

Does leaving my MacBook plugged in affect battery life?
Leaving it plugged in occasionally won’t harm it, but keeping it plugged in all the time may reduce the battery’s long-term health. So, it’s better to unplug the MacBook if charged fully.

What is the best way to store my MacBook if I don’t use it regularly?
If storing for long periods, charge the battery to around 50%, power off, and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid fully depleting or fully charging the battery when storing.

Conclusion

That’s how long your MacBook battery lasts. To give you a general answer, the fully charged battery will give you 10-18 hours of screen time of mediocre usage. The more the usage, the lower the battery time. If you are getting lower battery life than this, maybe you should get straight to the service centre.