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by Reason077 312 days ago
macOS has a built in "smart" battery management feature ("Optimize battery charging" in system settings -> battery -> battery health) that limits charging to 80% during times when it expects you to have the MacBook plugged in, but charges automatically to 100% when it thinks you'll be using battery power.

It's unreliable, however, especially if you don't have your MacBook plugged in on a fixed schedule every day.

It's good that there are more third-party tools to work around this long-standing macOS deficiency. I've been using another one, called "Battery Toolkit", which has been working well.

2 comments

macOS is unreliable period; mine gets charged to 100% immediately after a power outage of any kind, e.g., re-arranging the monitor/laptop, or an actual power outage.

Obviously, it'd be nice if it knew of power outages upfront, but charging to 100% after one, is kinda pointless.

Then it stays at 100% for several days, until discharging to 80% several days later.

It's supposed to be smart, but instead it causes the user to alter their own behaviour, e.g., not disconnect the USB-C when rearranging the desk, even if disconnecting would be far more convenient when doing a cleanup or re-arranging furniture.

I miss the time when Apple used to give you choices…

As said, latest OS does have a smart 80% limit built in. It's hard to find though (have to click the i for information in battery section).