Battery Level Reading

[AQ_OC]

I have my iPad New set to display a number representing the charge-level of the battery.

I was just using it downstairs and noted the level was at 97 %. I was getting ready to step out, so I decided to top it off right quick while I get ready. As soon as I plug it in to power, the reading jumps to 100%. Unplug it, back go 97%. Plug it in again, 100% again. Unplug, 97. Plug in one more time, 97% and charging.

What gives?

And my iPad is NOT overheating or getting hot.

 

[Skull One]

I have my iPad New set to display a number representing the charge-level of the battery.

I was just using it downstairs and noted the level was at 97 %. I was getting ready to step out, so I decided to top it off right quick while I get ready. As soon as I plug it in to power, the reading jumps to 100%. Unplug it, back go 97%. Plug it in again, 100% again. Unplug, 97. Plug in one more time, 97% and charging.

What gives?

And my iPad is NOT overheating or getting hot.

LOL... That is a neat feature of iOS 5.X. If the charging circuit determines you are within X percentage of full charge, it doesn't kick into Stage 2 or Stage 3 charging. It simply goes to Stage 4 charging which is a top off low current charge.

Same thing happens on the iPhones.

 

[AQ_OC]

Oh...ok...that's good to know...stage 4 charging...thanks.

 

[Skull One]

Oh...ok...that's good to know...stage 4 charging...thanks.

There is actually a pretty detailed specification for 4 stage and 3 stage charging of Lithium-Ion batteries. The 4 stage version really protects the anode from plating. Between that and one of the three chemical variations, you can get over 500 full cycle charges out of a battery. Which is pretty impressive considering we started out at below 300 just a few years ago.

 

[grouchomarx]

LOL... That is a neat feature of iOS 5.X. If the charging circuit determines you are within X percentage of full charge, it doesn't kick into Stage 2 or Stage 3 charging. It simply goes to Stage 4 charging which is a top off low current charge.

Same thing happens on the iPhones.

Thanks for the info. I get everything except it being a "neat" feature. What is so neat about it? 5% being 5% but if I want to be on the road and that 5% may give some peace of mind...

 

[Skull One]

It is neat because it protects the anode of the battery from plating. This means a much longer battery life for the consumer.

But I will agree it is annoying that there isn't a better way to communicate this to the consumer.

 

[grouchomarx]

Okay, I take the explanation.

I can also see people's eyes rolling when they hear this anode plating thingin...

 

[Skull One]

Okay, I take the explanation.

I can also see people's eyes rolling when they hear this anode plating thingin...

No doubt. No one should have to learn chemistry to use a dang cell phone or other portable device.

 

[AlexisW]

So, how long should an iPad last with the original battery? Is there a point that the battery will become useless?

 

[Skull One]

So, how long should an iPad last with the original battery? Is there a point that the battery will become useless?

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the battery setup in the iPad (1st Gen) and iPad 2 are both rated for 400 full cycle charges and still able to maintain 80% original capacity. So lets say you recharge it every day from 40% back to 100%.

400 charges * 100% = 40000%
40000% / 60% (per day) = 667 days or 1 year and 10 months roughly.

Now the odds of the average user doing that is pretty slim. That is why 2 to 3 years is the more commonly thrown around number.

With my iPad 2, I recharge every other day when it finally hits 40%. So for me that would be 3 years and 8 months roughly.

 

[seneca18]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the battery setup in the iPad (1st Gen) and iPad 2 are both rated for 400 full cycle charges and still able to maintain 80% original capacity. So lets say you recharge it every day from 40% back to 100%.

400 charges * 100% = 40000%
40000% / 60% (per day) = 667 days or 1 year and 10 months roughly.

Now the odds of the average user doing that is pretty slim. That is why 2 to 3 years is the more commonly thrown around number.

With my iPad 2, I recharge every other day when it finally hits 40%. So for me that would be 3 years and 8 months roughly.

Once again, great info Skull...

 

[AlexisW]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the battery setup in the iPad (1st Gen) and iPad 2 are both rated for 400 full cycle charges and still able to maintain 80% original capacity. So lets say you recharge it every day from 40% back to 100%.

400 charges * 100% = 40000%
40000% / 60% (per day) = 667 days or 1 year and 10 months roughly.

Now the odds of the average user doing that is pretty slim. That is why 2 to 3 years is the more commonly thrown around number.

With my iPad 2, I recharge every other day when it finally hits 40%. So for me that would be 3 years and 8 months roughly.

Are you saying that I just spent a ton of money for a product that will only last for approx 3 years?

 

[Skull One]

Are you saying that I just spent a ton of money for a product that will only last for approx 3 years?

No I am not. I am saying the battery has an expected operational life. In 3 years the battery will only be 80% as powerful as the day you bought it. But it will still work properly.

Think of it this way. If you get 10 hours of usage per 100% charge today, in three years you will only get 8 hours per charge. In 6 years your battery might only give you 5 hour of usage per 100% charge. And yes, the battery will eventually fail. At that point you have two choices. Buy the iPad (9th Gen) or buy a new battery, if you can find one

 

[Seadog]

There is an issue reported about issues with the battery indicator on the new iPads. It sounds like a software tweek will come out in the near future to fix it. MacRumors has the story.

 

[grouchomarx]

Are you saying that I just spent a ton of money for a product that will only last for approx 3 years?

If your battery is weak, Apple has a program to swap you a refurbished iPad for $99 if you don't have Applecare. It of course cannot an upgrade.