Low Power Mode M2 Macbook Pro Extremely Laggy

hi Tony,

on macbook pro m2 when i use the low power mode seems that the monitor frame rate is changed automatically to save power ,but is extremely uncomfortable. The performance of laptop is ok my complaint is about the monitor frame rate , that seems to be lowered and there is no option to adjust. when you scroll a page or move the cursor is not a fluid image.

thanks,

Marco

Hello Tonyminator,

We noted that your post is tagged as using macOS 13.0. Currently the latest version is macOS 13.2, and updating will help ensure the latest improvements/fixes are applied to the device.

If needed, this page can help with updating: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

This page can help provide some helpful info and steps for saving energy on the Mac as well: Save energy on your Mac - Apple Support

Get the most from your battery

If you have a Mac laptop, you can change the options below to reduce energy use and optimize the lifespan of your battery.

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Battery  in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

2. Do any of the following:

•Click the pop-up menu next to Low Power Mode on the right, then choose “Always,” “Only on battery,” or “Only on power adapter.”

•Click the Info button  next to Battery Health on the right, then turn on Optimized Battery Charging and “Manage battery longevity.”

•Click Options on the right, then turn on “Put hard disks to sleep when possible” and “Automatic graphics switching.”

See Change Battery settings on a Mac laptop.

This page can provide some additional help with the Mac seeming to run slowly: If your Mac runs slowly - Apple Support

Cheers.

hello I wrote a post on exactly the same issue and also tried the suggestion from apple support to create a new profile. Please note that i have a macbook air M1 and seems that implementation is better on previous version cause don't impact the monitor frequency (keep 60hz) and battery life is extended. looks a minor problem but in this way is uncomfortable to use low power mode and battery fly down quicker.

I use the 13.1 version that is the latest available is spain

thanks Tony for sharing your issue

Marco

When the mode is on Automatic, the refresh rate of the screen varies between 24 and 120Hz. So while you are doing something it is at 120Hz which makes it look smoother. While you are on a not moving screen, it is set to 24 to preserve battery. When you set it to Low Power, the refresh rate goes to 60Hz and that’s why it seems laggy. Also I suggest upgrading to macOS 13.2. If you need further explanation, just ask.

hello,

thanks for detailed explanation. unfortunately the low power mode doesn't seems to be on 60Hz. In a mobile phone with 60hz refresh rate you don't appreciate the scrolling lag. also i have a macbook air and it works well in low power mode. Below you can find a video i did to show you the issue in detail

https://youtube.com/shorts/A6J2mUdLO1k?feature=share

I get you. I have the same display on my MacBook Pro from 2021 and I know that it seems laggier than the 60Hz on the iPhone, but it looks like that because of the rapid change from 120 to 60. And also there are differences between the animations on the iPhone and the Mac. If you want to preserve battery, there are many videos on YouTube on how to do this, but don’t limit yourself of ProMotion.