Ultrathin atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings were found to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Previous studies have demonstrated that $LiCoO_2$ cathode powders coated with metal oxides with thicknesses of $sim100-1000{AA}$ grown using wet chemical techniques improved LIB performance. In this study, $LiCoO_2$ powders were coated with conformal $Al_2O_3$ ALD films with thicknesses of only $sim3-4{AA}$ established using 2 ALD cycles. The coated $LiCoO_2$ powders exhibited a capacity retention of 89% after 120 charge-discharge cycles in the 3.3~4.5 V (vs. $Li/Li^+$) range. In contrast, the bare $LiCoO_2$ powders displayed only a 45% capacity retention. This dramatic improvement may result from the ultrathin $Al_2O_3$ ALD film acting to minimize Co dissolution or to reduce surface electrolyte reactions.