macOS 26.4 is the latest Mac software update, adding three new battery-related features along with new emojis and the Compact Tab Bar option in Safari. Here’s how to use these features.

#1: Charge Limit

Batteries degrade over time. Therefore, in recent years, Apple introduced a 'Charge Limit' feature that allows you to set a maximum limit below 100% for the iPhone. This can help extend the battery's lifespan.

With macOS 26.4, the Charge Limit is now available on the Mac as well.

To find the Charge Limit, open System Settings ⇾ Battery and click on the 'i' icon next to the 'Charge' option.

According to Apple's support document:

By using the Charge Limit, determine the limit your Mac considers as fully charged. Your Mac will charge to within a few percentage points of the charge limit, then stop charging and display the message “Charged to [%] Limit” in the battery status menu. If the battery charge level drops more than 5% while connected to the power source, charging will resume and charge again to within a few percentage points of the limit.

Apple allows you to set the maximum charge of your MacBook between 80% and 100%. While it is not certain how much of a difference the Charge Limit will make in the lifespan of a Mac battery, it is believed that a lower charge limit will lead to a healthier battery over time.

#2: ‘Slow Charger’ Indicator

Another new feature you will find in macOS 26.4 is the ‘Slow Charger’ indicator in System Settings ⇾ Battery.

Essentially, if your MacBook is connected to a charger that provides low charging speeds, your Mac will notify you. The ‘Slow Charger’ message will appear in the battery status menu and in System Settings.

If you see the message and want to resolve the charging issue, you will need to get a new charger for better speeds.

Apple provides an official support document that specifies the recommended minimum charging wattage for each Mac. The recommendations for the latest Macs are as follows:

  • MacBook Neo: 20W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charging Cable
  • MacBook Air: Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter (only 13 inches), 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter, 67W USB-C Power Adapter, or 70W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
  • 14-inch MacBook Pro: Apple 67W, 70W, or 96W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
  • 16-inch MacBook Pro: Apple 140W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable

You can purchase official Apple chargers from the company’s website, but in most cases, this 100W Anker power adapter is a more affordable alternative that will do the job.

#3: Automate Your Battery Charge Limit with Shortcuts

The ‘Charge Limit’ is new with macOS 26.4, but Apple also provided the ability to change your Mac's limit through the Shortcuts app.

In the Shortcuts app in macOS 26.4, there is a new action called ‘Set Battery Charge Limit’ that you can use.

If you are somewhat familiar with the Shortcuts app, you know there are many ways to use this new action.

For instance, you can create single-action shortcuts that change your Charge Limit with a specific keyboard shortcut. Or you can incorporate the ‘Set Battery Charge Limit’ action into complex, multi-step shortcuts.

I believe the new action is particularly powerful when automated. The Mac's Shortcuts app has newly added the Automation tab that has been available on iPhone and iPad for years.

With the Automation tab, you can set it to automatically update your Charge Limit based on the time of day.

Are you planning to use any of the new battery features in macOS 26.4? Let us know in the comments.

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