Laptops

Apple’s new MacBook update will shrink your battery life by default

Will target devices that are always plugged in

Published

April 17, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

Do you remember Apple’s battery-gate scandal a few years ago? Unbeknownst to their users at the time, Apple slowed down their older phones to allegedly preserve battery life. After a clamor of dissent, the company eventually apologized and instated some compromises. Since then, the scandal quietly dissipated into the night.

However, Apple still hasn’t lost its weird ways. Starting today, the company is rolling out a new feature for current MacBooks. Called “battery health management,” the feature will limit the amount of charge the battery takes. By reducing charge, the battery decreases chemical aging and extends its lifespan.

A good number of laptops already have a similar limiting feature. In these devices, the battery doesn’t charge all the way to 100 percent. It stops at either 80 percent or 90 percent. However, in Apple’s case, the feature is on by default, potentially obscuring the limit from undiscerning users. Further, affected devices will not show any limit. In their perspective, the battery is still at 100 percent, despite charging at a lesser clip.

The feature is also ambiguously applied. Not everyone will trigger the setting automatically. According to Apple, the update will discern whether the device needs a limit. If you always have your laptop plugged in, the feature will likely turn on.

If you don’t want the feature, you can turn it off in the device’s settings. Still, as we know by now, opt-out (rather than opt-in) features will always incite controversy.

The feature, packaged in the macOS Catalina 10.15.5 update, will roll out for MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3, including MacBook Pros made in 2016 or later and MacBook Airs made in 2018 or later.

Related Topics:Apple MacBook Air MacBook Pro

Buyer's Guide

2026 MacBook Neo vs Air vs Pro: Buyer’s Guide

Which MacBook Should You Buy in 2026?

Published

May 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

Apple’s MacBook lineup has never offered more choice.

From the $599 MacBook Neo to the ultra-powerful MacBook Pro, there’s now a MacBook for almost every kind of user.

But, are you overwhelmed and torn buying between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the all-new MacBook Neo?

Watch our 2026 MacBook Buyer’s Guide to find your GadgetMatch!

Laptops

The Googlebook is the next evolution of the Chromebook

Notebooks are coming later this year.

Published

May 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Chromebooks did not become the go-to alternative for laptop users on a budget. Given how the market looks today, it could have been a matter of “right place, wrong time.” Today, Google is trying again with the new Googlebook lineup.

The Googlebook is different from the Chromebook. Though both platforms allow Android apps to run natively, the Googlebook will focus more on building a foundation on Gemini Intelligence.

Of course, the Android ecosystem is still a focal point. The Googlebook can run apps from the ecosystem and can connect seamlessly with Android phones. Specifically, users can access their phone’s apps and files directly from the notebook without waiting for transfers.

As for the Gemini part, the Googlebook starts by reinventing the cursor. The new Magic Pointer brings the wonder of Gemini to your mouse. A wiggle of the cursor wakes the software, which contextualizes anything it’s pointed to. For example, pointing at a date will ask you if you want to schedule a meeting. Pointing at two photos might merge the two into an AI-generated mashup.

Additionally, Create a Widget will allow you to customize software to perfectly tailor to your needs. Using Gemini, the Googlebook can collate everything you need on your dashboard.

Currently, there are no official models set to come out just yet. However, Google has confirmed that Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo have committed to bringing out the Googlebook this fall. Naturally, each of these brands will have their own take on lineup, but the one thing uniting them will be a unique glowbar to set them apart from other notebooks.

Laptops

Spotlight: ASUS Zenbook A16

The first Windows laptop that feels different

Published

May 7, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

The ASUS Zenbook A16 is one of the most interesting Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops right now, but how does it actually perform?

After two weeks of traveling to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Manila, Los Angeles and back to New York, here’s THE Michael Josh covering the Zenbook A16’s battery life, performance, OLED display, and real-world use.

This is the first Windows laptop that feels different.

Check further:

> Zenbook A16

> Zenbook A14