iPad Now Allows... Battery Health Check
Unlike iPhones, which Apple has allowed users to monitor battery health easily for years, iPad tablets were slow to offer the same feature.
The US company did not provide an official reason for this delay, but according to a report by the tech site PCMag, the likely explanation is that iPads are not used as intensively as smartphones on a daily basis, leading many users to either not care about battery degradation or not even notice it.
Furthermore, the larger battery size of the iPad theoretically gives it a longer single-charge lifespan compared to phones.
Nevertheless, Apple has recently made it possible to check battery health and usage history, but only on newer models, specifically the iPad Pro with the M4 chip, the iPad Air with the M2 chip, the iPad Mini with the A17 Pro chip, and the iPad with the A16 chip, along with subsequent releases. On these devices, users can navigate to Settings, then the Battery section, to see the last charging time, current charge level, and daily usage rate. They can also tap on “Battery Health” to view more detailed information, such as whether the battery is operating at its normal capacity, its maximum remaining capacity, the number of charge cycles it has undergone, as well as an option to set a charging limit at 80 percent, the battery’s manufacturing date, and its first-use date.
Owners of older models than those mentioned have only two options to check their battery status: either download a third-party app designed for this purpose, or contact Apple Support directly. According to the report, citing members of Apple forums, the best way to obtain an accurate diagnosis without relying on additional software is to call Apple Support, explain the issue (such as the battery not holding a charge or slow charging), and request a remote diagnostic that details the battery’s condition and helps determine whether the device needs a battery replacement or even an upgrade to a newer model.
Alternatively, users can download third-party apps like CoconutBattery, designed for macOS, which allows checking battery health not only on iPads but also on Macs and iPhones. After installing the software and connecting the device via a USB-C port, users can view battery charge details, its current health status, its actual remaining charging capacity, the number of charge cycles, and even the battery’s current temperature.
Regarding general battery longevity, the report highlighted a set of practical tips, the most prominent of which include:
• Using original or Apple-approved cables and adapters, avoiding exposing the device to direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions, and ensuring the operating system is kept up to date.
• Avoiding leaving the screen on when not in actual use, relying on a stable Wi-Fi network, enabling Airplane Mode in case of poor cellular coverage, and preferring wireless accessories over wired headphones, which consume additional power from the charging port.
The report concluded that following these simple practices helps maintain battery performance for a longer period, regardless of the device model used.
