Is it a good idea to load my iPad Pro via the MacBook Air?
Intention: Connect iPad Pro via USB-C to MacBook Air while the MacBook is also connected to the power.
Is this reducing the long time life span of the MacBook or iPad?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.4
Hi all,
I am answering my own question after calling support.
Result:
Loading iPads with MacBook is possible however, it is not recommended doing this all the time to not deteriorate the battery life span of MacBook quicker than w/o additionally loading the iPad.
Same answer also for iPhone.
Same answer for any device even while having the MacBook connected to its power supply.
When the MacBook gets connected to the power supply, the internal battery of the MacBook loading is prioritised higher than connected devices.
Personal conclusion for best practice:
While on the way, it is OK loading iPad or iPhone from the internal battery but I will use this only when really necessary.
But when at home, I will not load any devices via MacBook, not even the iPhone. I will also not use the MacBook as "bridge". I will connect them to the power supplies directly instead.
Hi all,
I am answering my own question after calling support.
Result:
Loading iPads with MacBook is possible however, it is not recommended doing this all the time to not deteriorate the battery life span of MacBook quicker than w/o additionally loading the iPad.
Same answer also for iPhone.
Same answer for any device even while having the MacBook connected to its power supply.
When the MacBook gets connected to the power supply, the internal battery of the MacBook loading is prioritised higher than connected devices.
Personal conclusion for best practice:
While on the way, it is OK loading iPad or iPhone from the internal battery but I will use this only when really necessary.
But when at home, I will not load any devices via MacBook, not even the iPhone. I will also not use the MacBook as "bridge". I will connect them to the power supplies directly instead.
Assuming you can "charge" your iPad Pro, you can do it, and it shouldn't damage the battery of the MacBook, but it will charge much faster if you use use a wall charger as opposed to the USB-C port on the Mac.
It's generally fine to charge your iPad Pro from your MacBook Air occasionally, but it's not recommended as a regular practice. It shouldn't significantly impact the lifespan of either device if done infrequently.
There are no ill-effects to the Mac's battery.
The iPad will charge when connected to the Mac, albeit slowly.
click here ➜ Charge the iPad battery - Apple Support
If the Mac is not plugged in to power, the iPad will drain the Mac's battery adding cycles to it, which in turn reduces the life span of the battery. This however should be very minimal if you don't do this very often.
As I said, in general doing it infrequently when there's no other choice is fine.
Thank you for your answer. I agree with both of your aspects in your answer.
However, my question was about how healthy it is for the battery of the MacBook Air.
Are there any recommendations from Apple?
Thank you, Phil.
Do you have a reference on anything official from apple?
Is it healthy for my MacBook Air battery to charge my iPad from it?
