You're charging it wrong | The "SAFE" in MagSafe

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores battery performance issues with MacBook Pros, particularly the M1 and M2 models. They discuss factors affecting battery life, including the use of high-power mode, energy-draining apps like VS Code and Chrome, and the impact of charging methods. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using the MagSafe adapter to potentially improve battery health and longevity, sharing personal experiences and monitoring results. Viewers are encouraged to consider their usage habits and charging practices to optimize battery performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many users experience lower battery life on M1 MacBook Pros, with some reporting only 3.5 hours under heavy usage.
• 🔋 Running multiple resource-intensive applications, such as VS Code and Chrome with many tabs, significantly drains battery life.
• 💻 VS Code has been identified as a major battery drain, with some plugins causing memory leaks.
• ⚡ Users should consider turning off extensions in VS Code if they're experiencing rapid battery drain.
• 🔍 A user found that while their M1 Max MacBook always lasted long enough, its battery capacity dropped from 100% to 87% in eight months.
• 🔌 Using the MagSafe adapter is recommended for charging, as it may provide better battery health over time compared to USB-C hubs.
• 🔄 When using a lower wattage USB-C hub, the battery may deplete while charging if the power demand exceeds supply.
• 🧪 Testing revealed that switching to MagSafe may improve battery longevity, a theory supported by some user comments.
• 📊 Tracking battery usage over time helps users understand their MacBook's performance and health.
• 👥 The speaker encourages community feedback and support, inviting viewers to subscribe for updates on their findings.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding MacBook batteries mentioned in the transcript?

The concern is whether not using the MagSafe adapter could be damaging the MacBook batteries over time.

What battery life is Brian experiencing on his M1 MacBook Pro?

Brian is experiencing about three and a half hours of battery life.

Which applications are identified as major battery drainers?

Google Chrome and VS Code are highlighted as major battery drainers, particularly due to multiple tabs and extensions.

What was the author's own experience with battery life on their MacBook?

The author initially thought their MacBook lasted all day but discovered through testing that it lasts about five hours before depleting to 24%.

What did some users suggest might cause battery drain related to VS Code?

Users suggested that certain plugins or the settings sync feature in VS Code might cause memory leaks and increase battery drain.

How does the author's charging method potentially affect battery health?

The author theorizes that using a USB-C hub with lower wattage might lead to unnecessary charge cycles, negatively impacting battery health, compared to using the MagSafe adapter.

What does the author plan to change regarding their charging habits?

The author plans to primarily use the MagSafe adapter for charging to see if it improves battery health over time.

What were the power specifications compared between different charging methods?

The USB-C hub delivers 60-80 watts, while the MagSafe adapter provides 140 watts, which may better support the power needs of the MacBook during heavy tasks.

What is the author's maximum cycle count and battery capacity after usage?

The author's cycle count is at 14, with a maximum battery capacity reported as 100%.

What additional resource did the author mention for further reading on this topic?

The author referenced a Stack Exchange post discussing whether Thunderbolt should be used instead of MagSafe for charging and the safety of lower power charging options.