Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

HBOC

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 14, 2008
2,497
234
SLC
Over the last 14 years, I have had a 2008 MBP, early 2011 MBP, mid 2011 iMac and currently use a mid 2015 MBP. All of them I have used as a desktop, and other than recalls on all my MBPs, it has worked.

I ask this question because my current MBP is suffering from the 2nd swollen battery. I paid for the first one, even though it was recalled. I "waited too long" is what Apple told me. Apple stated that i shouldn't leave the computer plugged in 100% of the time, which I have always done. I went from 2015 until 2020 w/o issues leaving the computer plugged in all the time. Seems in the last few years, the batteries have had issues.

My question is are the new ones the same way? I run 2 monitors, 2-3 hard drives (one has external power, the other two are USB powered), so if i leave the computer unplugged, i get like 4 hours run time. Usually I am running inDesign, Bridge, PS, amongst other apps.
I can change my use habits, and perhaps i am naive when it comes to the lithium battery performance, but was never told not to leave it powered all the time when I paid $3k on my last one.

For those that use a MBP in this way, what do you do to prevent this?
 

Sterkenburg

macrumors 6502a
Oct 27, 2016
556
553
Japan
Apple's optimized charging works pretty well nowadays, it will learn your usage habits and limit charging to 80% when you keep the Mac plugged. Otherwise, if you have an irregular usage schedule use AlDente to force a limit.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.