Possibility to keep iPad battery at 50% when plugged in, instead of 100%?

Question

Possibility to keep iPad battery at 50% when plugged in, instead of 100%?

Hi! I‘m using my M1 iPad Pro mostly stationary at my office. Even when traveling, I hardly ever use the entire charge of its battery. For battery health, it would be better to have the battery charged to 50% all the time, when plugged in at home or the office, rather than 100%, which would only be needed before leaving for a business trip.

Is there a way to make the iPad only charge to 50%, rather than 100%, when plugged in?

On another note: Apple knows my calendar entries with their times and locations, as well as my current location and working habits, so they could automatically charge my iPad to 100% prior to travel/meeting abroad/trip. Why don‘t they put that knowledge to work for me and my device? If Apple reads this, please seriously consider this feature request for all Apple Silicon devices!

Thank you!

iPad Pro (5th generation)

Posted on Mar 21, 2023 3:51 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 21, 2023 4:11 AM in response to Flyingorlando

While Optimised charging can be enabled/disabled on iPhone, an equivalent setting doesn’t exist for iOS/iPadOS for iPad. iPad optimised charging for iPad is always active and will optimally charge the iPad battery - but differs from iPhone in that full charging to 100% is not delayed.

Your iPad will automatically regulate and optimise charging - and will not overcharge the battery. When connected to a Power Adapter for an extended period of time, such as when used in Kiosk or PoS (Point if Sale) applications, iPad will change its charge management strategy - and reduce the maximum battery charge level to about 80% of maximum capacity. This modified charging strategy is designed to reduce chemical ageing that might otherwise occur if 100% charge is maintained at all times.

Nominal 100% charging will be restored when a normal charge/discharge routine is restored.

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Answer 2

Mar 21, 2023 5:03 AM in response to Flyingorlando

I wasn’t suggesting that you are using your iPad for Kiosk or PoS purposes - but merely as examples. The example served to illustrate when you might see the iPad visibly modify its charging strategy. This visible change, limiting the battery to 80% charge, will only be seen if the iPad is connected to an external power source continuously - and without interruption - for a very long time.

You have no need for concern.

Your iPad will automatically regulate its battery charging. Many users (myself included) use their iPad at their desk and connected to the Power Adapter throughout the day - this being an entirely normal anticipated usage. The iPad will suffer no ill effect or detriment to the working lifespan of its battery when connected to its Power Adapter for extended periods.

The key to maximising the operational life of your iPad’s Li-ion battery is to minimise the number of charging cycles.

More information about caring for your iPad battery can be found here:

Batteries - Maximizing Performance - Apple

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Answer 3

Mar 21, 2023 4:34 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the insight. Unfortunately I cannot use Kiosk mode in my daily work as I have numerous apps in use in parallel. So, for now I plug in at 50% and unplug iPad at 60%, using a timer to remind me.

A sub-par way of optimizing battery health of an otherwise extremely powerful and advanced and energy saving super computer.

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Answer 4

Mar 21, 2023 9:56 AM in response to Flyingorlando

The passage that you quote specifically relates to recommendations for long-term storage. This advice is not intended to reflect “in use” conditions.

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Answer 5

Mar 21, 2023 9:43 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you for the link! It provides the reason for my question:

Do not fully charge or fully discharge your device’s battery — charge it to around 50%. If you store a device when its battery is fully discharged, the battery could fall into a deep discharge state, which renders it incapable of holding a charge. Conversely, if you store it fully charged for an extended period of time, the battery may lose some capacity, leading to shorter battery life.
Do not fully charge or fully discharge your device’s battery — charge it to around 50%. If you store a device when its battery is fully discharged, the battery could fall into a deep discharge state, which renders it incapable of holding a charge. Conversely, if you store it fully charged for an extended period of time, the battery may lose some capacity, leading to shorter battery life.

I‘m asking for a way to keep the battery at 50% while using the iPad. 50% is the recommended charging level for maximum battery life span.

Anybody having a good idea or similar thoughts?

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Possibility to keep iPad battery at 50% when plugged in, instead of 100%?

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