Always on Processor

[kagharaht]

I’ve been behind. My last 2 devices for laptops are MBP 2008 and MBA 2017. I got my wife MBA 15” M2 and just learned that it has “Always On Processor”. So if you shut down and open the lid it Turns on automatically. So the CPU never turns off? I guess that’s good but not sure what the point is other than it turns on the MBA automatically.

 

[Bigwaff]

what the point is other than it turns on the MBA automatically.

There are certain operating system and user tasks that can happen.. such as responding to sensors (opening the lid), location services (FindMy), network packets or events, fetching mail, etc. M-series chips also support hibernation, a low power sleep mode. I think you'll find the battery life is barely impacted by these tasks performed by the "always on processor".

 

[kagharaht]

There are certain operating system and user tasks that can happen.. such as responding to sensors (opening the lid), location services (FindMy), network packets or events, fetching mail, etc. M-series chips also support hibernation, a low power sleep mode. I think you'll find the battery life is barely impacted by these tasks performed by the "always on processor".

You are right about battery life. The thing has been sleeping for days and barely used the battery! She keeps Mail App open when putting it to sleep so its check mail while sleeping.