Is Charging Your iPhone with a MacBook Bad for Battery Health?
Every tech enthusiast has pondered this question at some point: Can I use my MacBook to charge my iPhone, and if so, is it harmful to the battery?
No, It's Not Harmful
Let's address this question directly: No, it will not harm either device. There are several reasons why using your MacBook to charge your iPhone poses no threat to the longevity of your batteries.
MacBook on Battery: Faster Drain
When your MacBook is running on battery, charging your iPhone will contribute to a faster drain of its battery. However, this is a minor issue and does not affect the overall health of your MacBook or iPhone. Remember, your laptop will simply consume some of the charging electricity otherwise coming from the wall socket, making it slightly less efficient in its power consumption.
Smart Negotiation with Charging Technology
Modern devices like the iPad and Macs are equipped with advanced charging technology. They can negotiate how much current is sent to the device being charged, thanks to their ability to comply with the USB standard. If you have a higher Amp/Watt charger, it is indeed beneficial. Higher wattage chargers can negotiate for faster and more efficient charging speeds.
Adaptive Current Management
The iPad, iPhone, and other similar devices have a circuit in the battery management system. This system is designed to safely charge the battery by allowing only a certain amount of power to enter. When using a MacBook to charge your iPhone, the current is managed and adapted to ensure safe and efficient charging. This built-in protection ensures that no unnecessary stress is placed on your battery or device.
Advanced Safety Features in iPad Pro
The iPad Pro features hardware that helps prevent overcharging. It ensures that the device charges safely at a maximum of 18 watts, regardless of the charger's wattage. This is why, if you were to plug a USB killer into one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports on a newer MacBook, nothing would happen. The device can sense and regulate the charging current to prevent damage.
Official Apple Recommendations
Even though modern devices are designed to handle charging from non-original sources, it's always best to follow Apple's guidelines. For instance, the official instructions for charging the iPad Pro state:
To charge iPad Pro, connect the included USB-C cable to the device's USB-C port and to the included 18W power adapter. Then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. If you have a higher-wattage USB-C power adapter, such as the one that came with your Mac notebook, you can use it with iPad Pro and you might see faster charging. You can also charge iPad Pro by connecting it to the USB-C port on your computer.
In summary, charging your iPhone with your MacBook is not only possible but also safe. While your MacBook will draw some power to run and charge the iPhone, the devices are designed with the necessary safeguards to ensure that no harm is done to either the MacBook or the iPhone. Always prioritize safe charging practices, but feel free to use your MacBook as a convenient charger when needed.