Apple's iPad Battery: A Powerful and Lightweight Lithium Battery

Apple's tablet computer, the iPad, has a number of performance features that have made it a bestselling product -- one of them being the capacity of its battery. Complex applications on the iPad drain a lot of power, so Apple designed the product with a powerful and lightweight lithium battery.


Advertised Battery Life

Apple claims that both versions 1 and 2 of the iPad can run for ten hours on their batteries with normal use. Normal use can include such activities as watching videos, surfing the Internet on a Wi-Fi network and playing music. If you use your iPad in connection with a 3G data network, it can run for about nine hours. Battery life will vary depending on what settings you use; running the screen at its highest brightness or volume at its loudest will drain the battery more quickly.

About Lithium-Polymer Batteries

The iPad uses internal rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries, the same type that Apple puts in its portable computers. Lithium is a light metal and holds a high power density, making lithium-based batteries lighter and more powerful than standard nickel-based batteries. You do not need to fully charge a lithium battery to keep it at peak performance.

Charging the Battery

The fastest way to charge an iPad is to connect it to its 10W USB Power Adapter and not use it while it is charging. You can also connect it to a high-power USB port on a computer, but it will not charge as quickly. If you connect it to a standard USB port, it will only charge while in sleep mode. Should you connect it to a computer, make sure the computer is on and not in sleep mode. Any time you plug it in, verify that the iPad is charging by the indicator in the upper right-hand corner of its screen. Some USB ports on older devices may not be able to charge the iPad. In this case the indicator will read "Not Charging" or the iPad will display a message that says, "Charging is not supported with this accessory."

How to Have a Longer Battery Life

There are several settings you can adjust and actions you can take to maximize the battery life. Adjust the screen to a low brightness setting and turn the volume down. Turn off any applications that might automatically drain the battery, such as location services that periodically update your location. Push notifications, email and other automatic updates also drain the battery. Turn of the 3G setting if you have access to Wi-Fi or if you are in a low-coverage area, as the iPad will automatically search for a connection. Finally, always ensure that you are using the latest software from Apple for optimal power performance.

Battery Lifespan

All rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan and will eventually wear down to the point where you cannot recharge them anymore. The iPad has a one-year warranty for the performance of its original battery, but you can extend the warranty to two years with the AppleCare Protection Plan. If you have your iPad for longer than your warranty lasts and the battery wears down, you can order a replacement battery from Apple.