What Will Happen to an iPad if Left in the Cold?
By James Wright
The iPad, like most other battery-powered mobile devices, has certain limitations on its operating conditions. Temperature is a big factor when it comes to mobile devices, and most will caution you against using an iPad or leaving one in places that are too hot or cold. Cold weather can drain battery life.
Battery Type
The iPad uses a lithium-polymer battery, which allows for plenty of energy storage in a small and light compartment. LiPo batteries are similar to the lithium-ion batteries used in laptops and are relatively low maintenance without the self-discharge issues of nickel-cadmium batteries.
Cold Weather Effects
If the weather is cold enough, the chemical reaction of a LiPo battery slows down. The battery uses more energy to perform the same tasks, making the battery's life shorter. This effect is generally temporary, but long-term exposure to cold weather can reduce the life of your iPad battery overall. This can also happen if your iPad is operated in below-freezing temperatures. The iPad's minimum operating ambient temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit while its minimum nonoperating and storage temperature is minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solutions
If your iPad has been left in the cold, let it warm up to room temperature before charging or turning it on. If you must store your iPad in cold weather, discharge the battery to about 50 percent before putting it away.
References
Writer Bio
Based in California, James Wright has been writing since 1998. Wright's articles have been published on various websites with a focus on technical fields such as computers and the Internet, and were also featured in a now-retired publication for an online artistic community. Wright studied English, journalism, politics and psychology at Riverside Community College.