A method is described for managing an operating state of a battery energizing a mobile device. Active elements of a “gas gauge” IC component of the mobile device are configured or programmed based on instructions related to tracking capacity aging of the battery. An event is targeted based on the configured or programmed instructions. The targeted event corresponds to reaching an end of a discharge state of the battery, or to reaching a midpoint (relative to full charge) of a charging state of the battery. A relaxation state is induced in the battery upon the targeted event occurring.