macOS 26.4 introduces load limiting for Mac Apfelpatient

With the latest beta version of macOS 26.4, Apple is introducing a new feature previously only available on the iPhone: a fixed limit on the maximum battery charge. For the first time, macOS 26.4 allows users to manually specify the maximum percentage to which their Mac should be charged. A new slider enables users to define a maximum charge level between 80 and 100 percent. This expands Apple's existing battery optimization options with an additional, clearly controllable setting.

Lithium-ion batteries age faster when they are constantly fully charged. Devices that are frequently plugged into the mains, in particular, regularly reach 100 percent charge. This can affect battery capacity in the long run.

Apple has offered the "Optimized Battery Charging" feature for some time now. This analyzes charging patterns and prevents the Mac from immediately charging to 100 percent. Instead, it delays the full charge until it is expected to be needed. The goal is to reduce the time the battery remains at 100 percent.

However, despite this optimization, the Mac still regularly recharges completely. This is precisely where the new feature in macOS 26.4 comes in.

The new loading limit in macOS 26.4 in detail

In macOS 26.4, in addition to optimized battery charging, an extra option is now available: the so-called "charge limit". This is a fixed limit on the maximum charge level. A slider allows you to select one of five levels:

80 percent
85 percent
90 percent
95 percent
100 percent

Once one of these limits is set, the Mac will not charge beyond the chosen value. Unlike the existing optimization feature, this is not a time-based adjustment, but a permanent upper limit.

For example, if 80 percent is selected, the battery will remain at that level as long as the device is powered on. This can help keep the battery in a more gentle charging range over a longer period.

Difference to optimized battery charging

Optimized battery charging works dynamically. It adapts to your daily charging routine and decides when a full charge to 100 percent is beneficial. The Mac can be kept below 100 percent temporarily to conserve battery power, but will ultimately charge fully when the system deems it necessary. The new charge limit in macOS 26.4 works differently. It sets a fixed limit that cannot be exceeded. This means:

Optimized battery charging controls the timing of full charging.
The charging limit determines the maximum achievable state of charge.

Both functions can exist in parallel. The charging limit complements the existing optimization and provides additional control over the maximum charge level.

Activation of the function

The charging limit can be activated directly in the system settings. The path to get there is clearly structured:

Open System Preferences
Select the "Battery" section
Click the "i" button next to "Load".
Use the slider to set the desired maximum charging limit.

The limit is taken into account immediately after the selection is made.

Familiar technology from the iPhone

A similar feature has existed at Apple since 2023. With the introduction of the iPhone 15 series, a charging limit was introduced for iPhones. There, users can also specify that the device will only charge to, for example, 80 percent.

With macOS 26.4, Apple is now transferring this concept to the Mac, thus unifying power management across different devices.

How macOS 26.4 protects battery life

macOS 26.4 expands the Mac's battery settings to include a fixed charging limit between 80 and 100 percent. This feature complements the existing optimized battery charging and provides additional, permanent control over the maximum charge level.

Especially with frequent use of mains power, a reduced charging limit can help preserve battery life in the long run. The integration into system settings is clearly implemented and easily accessible. With this, Apple is responding to the growing interest in sustainable battery usage and greater control over device management. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apfelpatient)