There are many contradicting answers to this question online. I wanted to know from Apple itself--is it better to keep your macbook plugged in even if it's already 100% charged? That way, battery cycle count won't be affected...?
Leroy has given you excellent links to Apple recommendation. The battery has technology that prevents it from overcharging.
Ignore some third-party sites that tell you to "calibrate" you battery. Apple ceased recommending that about ten years ago. Also avoid routinely running the battery to zero. Once or twice won't hurt it but don't make it a habit.
Apple once recommend using the computer on battery about once a week to keep it healthy, but that was before they "dumbed-down" most of their support articles. Therefore no one here (we are end users like you) knows whether Apple no longer recommends this, or it was simply considered "too much info" and was deleted as part of the support document overhaul.
Me? I run my 2012 MBP once a week on battery because that fits my workflow. One day a week I work away from home and there is a shortage of power outlets at the remote site. After six years of use the original battery still retains over 90 percent of its original capacity. Those ~3-hour sessions on battery use about 40 percent of the charge so it still delivers good runtime.
My impression from participating here many years is that batteries that last the longest are the ones that see some regular use.
Best practice: don't obsess over your battery.
Leroy has given you excellent links to Apple recommendation. The battery has technology that prevents it from overcharging.
Ignore some third-party sites that tell you to "calibrate" you battery. Apple ceased recommending that about ten years ago. Also avoid routinely running the battery to zero. Once or twice won't hurt it but don't make it a habit.
Apple once recommend using the computer on battery about once a week to keep it healthy, but that was before they "dumbed-down" most of their support articles. Therefore no one here (we are end users like you) knows whether Apple no longer recommends this, or it was simply considered "too much info" and was deleted as part of the support document overhaul.
Me? I run my 2012 MBP once a week on battery because that fits my workflow. One day a week I work away from home and there is a shortage of power outlets at the remote site. After six years of use the original battery still retains over 90 percent of its original capacity. Those ~3-hour sessions on battery use about 40 percent of the charge so it still delivers good runtime.
My impression from participating here many years is that batteries that last the longest are the ones that see some regular use.
Best practice: don't obsess over your battery.
when AC power is available, use it with the power adapter.When AC power is not available, use its internal battery.
Three micro-controllers are working together at all times to keep the power in your Mac optimal. Your Mac will NEVER over-charge. They have the power issue covered. Use your personal energy for your work-- not anguishing over this issue.
Use it as you see fit— you have ~1000 cycle count.
Your Mac is not going to over charge, read up on cycle count— a 100% battery does not affect the cycle count
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About Mac notebook batteries - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204054
Determine battery cycle count for Mac notebooks - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585
Batteries - Maximizing Performance - Apple
Is it better to keep your macbook plugged in
