MacBooks have always had a Low Power Mode option that users can enable to cut back on some extra features and lower settings to save as much battery life as possible, but with the 2021 MacBook Pro 16-inch model with the M1 Max chip.
Apple has added a new option that’s designed more for those who use their MacBook as a desktop alternative to get serious work done: it’s called High Power Mode, which is basically the opposite of Low Power.
If that sounds like a perfect fit for your workload and you know you’ll be near an outlet to save battery, we’ll show you how to enable High Power Mode and what to expect from it.
What exactly does high power mode do?
Apple doesn’t provide all the details, but the High Power Mode is designed to allow the MacBook Pro to deliver higher performance for more intense workloads. Part of this involves increasing fan speeds to higher levels so the internal components will cool faster and become more efficient.
Apple recommends using this mode when working with high-end design work, such as color-graded 8K ProRes 4444 files and 8K DNxHR videos. High Power Mode is useful, Digitartlends reports.
Keep in mind that you’ll need the right MacBook Pro models to see this feature, it was first added with the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro, but only those using the M1 Max chip, not the M1 Pro chip, won’t work with the smaller 13-inch MacBook Pro or less chips, so you may want to check your configuration to make sure you have the correct model.
How to enable High Power Mode on MacBook Pro 16-inch
As always it’s a good idea to make sure macOS is up to date and your battery charged before you begin, High Power Mode can run on battery power or when connected to a power adapter, although it will drain the batteries more quickly.
Step 1: Sign in to your Mac and choose the Apple menu icon in the upper-left corner of the macOS home screen.
Step 2: Select System Preferences.
Step 3: When System Preferences opens, select the Battery icon.
Step 4: Look at the menu on the left side, and you will see options for both battery and power adapter.
This will control how your MacBook Pro behaves depending on its power supply. If you choose Battery, the settings you change will only apply to battery power, as will the power adapter option.
It is common practice to choose the high power mode of the power adapter only so that the risk of battery consumption is reduced, but you can choose either the power option or both.
Step 5: Find the section called Power Mode, and select the popup next to it. d If you have the right MacBook Pro model, you’ll see Low Power, Automatic, and High Power options. Select High Power to continue.
Step 6: Confirm and your MacBook Pro will now switch to High Power Mode.
You can switch back at any time from the menu or by choosing the Restore defaults button.
And if you’re not sure if your MacBook Pro is currently in High Power Mode, you can easily check by selecting the battery icon in the upper-right corner of macOS, your compatible MacBook Pro will have a High Power Mode section showing whether it’s on or off suspension.