The OS recommends battery service. My cycle count is only 98. I do keep it connected to the charger all the time since it functions as a desktop. I keep the lid closed and I use two monitors, a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Do I really need service?
MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 13.5
Completely agree with @ku4hx. If the battery is still performing to your expectations, then just ignore the "Service Recommended" condition until the battery no longer functions to your expectations. The "Service Recommended" condition is triggered when the battery's Full Charge Capacity (FCC) drops below 80% of its original Design Capacity which is a point where many people who use the laptop on battery power all the time will start to find the battery is no longer meeting their expectations.....others may be fine until the FCC reaches 75% or even 70%. The 80% point is also when Apple will allow for an official battery replacement.
The "Service Recommended" condition can also be triggered if macOS detects a hardware issue with the battery, but there is no easy way for a user to determine if this is the case. Usually if there is a hardware issue with the battery, then most times you will see the charge level drop significantly when using the battery. Most times this will be noticed when the charge level is around 20% remaining although the chances of seeing the laptop power off at 10% is much more common, but these sudden drops can occur at any charge level.
Since you use the laptop with the power adapter, then there doesn't seem to be any reason to worry about the battery at this time unless you actually notice a problem such as the battery swelling, or the laptop not running on battery when you need it.
Completely agree with @ku4hx. If the battery is still performing to your expectations, then just ignore the "Service Recommended" condition until the battery no longer functions to your expectations. The "Service Recommended" condition is triggered when the battery's Full Charge Capacity (FCC) drops below 80% of its original Design Capacity which is a point where many people who use the laptop on battery power all the time will start to find the battery is no longer meeting their expectations.....others may be fine until the FCC reaches 75% or even 70%. The 80% point is also when Apple will allow for an official battery replacement.
The "Service Recommended" condition can also be triggered if macOS detects a hardware issue with the battery, but there is no easy way for a user to determine if this is the case. Usually if there is a hardware issue with the battery, then most times you will see the charge level drop significantly when using the battery. Most times this will be noticed when the charge level is around 20% remaining although the chances of seeing the laptop power off at 10% is much more common, but these sudden drops can occur at any charge level.
Since you use the laptop with the power adapter, then there doesn't seem to be any reason to worry about the battery at this time unless you actually notice a problem such as the battery swelling, or the laptop not running on battery when you need it.
Cycle count has no bearing on the need to replace the battery.
It's your property, but if you want a fully competent Mac you'll need to replace the battery.
If you feel it's running fine as is, then don't. But when you begin to experience problems, suspect the battery first as the culprit.
Additionally, you can get the free app Coconut Battery which can give you a handle on your battery's health.
Battery Service Recommended
