Apple fixes Bluetooth issue to avoid Mac battery drain

By Peter Hunt Szpytek February 11, 2022

A bug in the latest big MacOS Monterey update (12.2) was causing some battery life issues. But don’t worry, Apple has been swift to remedy the problem with the 12.2.1 update.

The update, which was pushed earlier this week, cited certain Bluetooth connections to be the source of the issue. When it comes to problems with battery life on Apple devices, there are often a handful of variables that could be impacting a user’s experience, such as battery health or age. With how many new issues had sprung up following the introduction of the MacOS Monterey 12.2 software update, however, it quickly became clear that it was the new software causing the problems.

The "About This Mac" page of the MacBook Pro.

In addition to fixing the bug that saw many devices’ batteries drain while asleep, the 12.2.1 update also “provides important security updates” that fixes a WebKit bug that could have allowed “maliciously crafted web content” to lead to “arbitrary code execution.”

The second MacOS 12.3 beta which also went live earlier this week has confirmed that it includes the battery fix, among other changes, as well such as the highly anticipated Universal Control. Universal Control was delayed many months from its initial launch timing in the Fall of 2021.

Anyone still experiencing battery drain issues when their Mac is in sleep mode should make sure to check that their laptop is up to date with the MacOS Monterey 12.2.1 update before looking into other possible variables.

Upgrading your Mac is as simple as clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner of your Menu Bar and clicking on About This Mac. From there, click on System Update, which will take you to the main Software Update window. You can see the available downloads to install and go from there.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Peter Hunt Szpytek

Mobile Writer

A podcast host and journalist, Peter covers mobile news with Digital Trends and gaming news, reviews, and guides for sites…

Computing

This hidden menu has forever changed how I use my Mac

A comparison of two images in macOS Ventura. The image on the left is the original, while the image on the right has had its background removed using a Quick Action.

The more you use Apple’s macOS operating system, the more you come across amazing little tools and features that you’ve somehow never heard of, yet which can totally blow your mind. I’ve been using Macs for over a decade, yet I just stumbled upon a killer feature I never knew existed -- and I absolutely love it.

That feature is called Quick Actions, and you’ll need macOS Mojave or later to give it a try. The name is pretty self-explanatory -- they’re a collection of lightweight tools and tweaks that can save you oodles of time. The reason I never knew about them, though, is they’re hidden away in the right-click menu. I use keyboard shortcuts all the time, so rarely open this menu. But Quick Actions are worth breaking your habits for.

Computing

Report: Apple’s 2024 MacBooks may face some serious shortages

Apple's John Ternus stands next to an image of the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023.

Looking forward to getting a new MacBook in the next year or so? You might have to wait longer than expected, as Apple chip supplier TSMC is reportedly struggling to get enough skilled workers for its forthcoming Arizona factory. That could mean we see serious shortages of Apple laptops and a struggle to get hold of stock.

The bad news comes from The Wall Street Journal. According to the outlet, TSMC has said that “people with expertise erecting semiconductor facilities were in short supply in the U.S.” As a result, the Arizona factory “would miss its target of starting mass production next year.”

Computing

The M3 MacBook Pro may launch sooner than anyone expected

Fortnite running on a Macbook M1.

Earlier this week, we learned that Apple’s next batch of Macs loaded with M3 chips could be set to launch in the fall. Today, a fresh report claims they could arrive ahead of schedule -- but there are reasons to be doubtful.

The idea comes from a paywalled DigiTimes report (via MacRumors), which cites “industry sources” to claim that Apple will introduce a new MacBook Pro -- complete with a 3-nanometer Apple silicon chip that will boast improved performance and efficiency -- as soon as the third quarter of 2023. That quarter runs from July 1 until September 30.