Is there an app to restrict charging to 80% on older macbooks?

My M3 MBA of course has the battery optimizer function, but my 2013 MBA/Mojave of course doesn't. I keep that old workhorse plugged in 24/7 because it does grid computing (BOINC -- World Community Grid, etc.), and that's all it does; and it really requires a small amount of the computer's capabilities. I just installed a new battery (it's 3rd...or maybe 4th?) and I'd like to preserve as much of it as I can, but I haven't found any way to do that, at least as far as apps go. I've not seen any that work for OS older than Big Sur. And I can't do code; somebody has to give it to me to c&p in Terminal or something.


I've seen conflicting opinions about whether the battery saver functions make much of a difference anyway, but then conflicting opinions about battery health and preservation has always been a staple of community battery discussions. Maybe it would be easier to just keep replacing batteries? Though my big fingers have a real hard time with those tiny screws.


So...any insights, links, suggestions would be great. Thanks all.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 5, 2025 11:42 PM

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3 replies

Aug 6, 2025 09:22 AM in response to Rudegar

Thanks Rudegar, I'll check'em out. What's your opinion on the value of the battery-saving thing? The battery I just replaced I installed in Feb. 2022, so it lasted 3.5 years, almost all of that time plugged in and at 100% charge.


I'm running an app called Amphetamine, which lets the computer run when the lid is closed, so it's never sleeping. (The BOINC workload is really minimal and often there's no work at all -- I haven't noticed it getting warm or the fan working hard. I have Amphetamine going on all 3 computers.)

Aug 6, 2025 10:49 AM in response to Rudegar

OK, looked at all those. The most mentioned aftermarket app is Al Dente, but my 2013 MBA/Mojave is too old for that. That Apple Community discussion got a bit contentious, but it focused mainly on the silicon Macs. I think I'll just schedule myself to unplug the computer on Sunday nights and let it run all night on battery, then plug it in again on Monday morning. Thanks again.

Is there an app to restrict charging to 80% on older macbooks?

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