Before reading, please note that both of these “Late 2013” and “Mid 2014” MacBook Pro versions are no longer available. We updated this Q&A to ensure that the important changes are included. They can be useful in helping users decide what they should purchase.
Based on a press release from Apple, the “Late 2013” 13-Inch MacBook Pro models such as the MacBook Pro “Core i5” 2.4 13”, “Core i7” 2.8 13” and “Core i5” 2.6 13”; including the 15-Inch MacBook Pro versions like the MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.0 15” (IG), “Core i7” 2.6 15” (IG), “Core i7” 2.6 15” (DG), and “Core i7” 2.3 15” (IG) feature a longer battery life as compared to their other predecessors.
As for the “Mid 2014” MacBook Pro lines like the MacBook Pro “Core i5″ 2.6 13”, “Core i5″ 2.8 13”, “Core i7″ 3.0 13”, “Core i7″ 2.2 15” (IG), “Core i7″ 2.5 15” (IG), “Core i7″ 2.8 15” (IG), “Core i7″ 2.5 15” (DG), and “Core i7″ 2.8 15” (DG) — these versions use the same batteries like that of the “Late 2013” breed.
Moreover, Apple also released an estimation for both versions saying that the 13-Inch models can stand up to nine hours with their battery life. This is a two-hour extension from the previous generation available. The 15-Inch lines, on the other hand, have up to eight hours of battery life. This is an hour allowance as compared to the old generation. This kind of estimation is the same for iTunes movie playback or even wireless web.
“Late 2013″ MacBook Pro — 13″ Left, 15” Right
Official Battery Life Testing Criteria
Apple has already explained the estimated battery life of its models in fine print. It was originally intended for the preproduction versions of the MacBook Pro “Core i5” 2.6 13”, “Core i7” 2.3 15” (DG), and the “Core i7” 2.2 15” (IG).
The “Mid-2014” versions utilized preproduction versions of batteries though in the MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.5 15” (DG), “Core i7” 2.2 15” (IG), and “Core i5” 2.8 13”.
Furthermore, Apple disclosed in detail that the company conducted wireless testing to measure the battery life of their products through browsing 25 well-known websites that feature a display brightness that may be set to 12 clicks or 75% adjustments, more specifically, the HD 720p content.
For the past couple of years, the official battery life of Apple has really improved. But, it should still be reasonable to conduct third-party tests to validate.
Summary of Battery Life
The estimated battery life for Apple’s 13-Inch and 15-Inch “Late 2013” and “Mid 2014” Retina Display MacBook Pro models are sound and reasonable. There are times when they are underestimated too. But, the life of their battery may usually vary based on the “real-world” tests conducted and administered for them.
The fact that the company glued its batteries in place shows that it will require effort to replace them. However, as far as the runtime is concerned, their battery performance is already impressive with their “Haswell” architecture that can provide this kind of power.
What is commendable about the Haswell-based MacBook Air models is that they offer a more useful battery life than the lines of the MacBook Pro. The batteries of the latter are also not attached or glued in a place, which can be more convenient because replacement may be more affordable in the future. However, users who give prioritize performance are expected to be delighted with MacBook Pro’s battery life; as for those who view battery life with high regard, the MacBook Air is definitely the ideal option.
