macOS 26.4: Charge Limit Now Available for Mac & Shortcuts | 9to5Mac
- Apple has expanded its battery health management features to macOS with the introduction of a Charge Limit setting in the first beta of macOS 26.4.
- Charge Limit is a system-level setting that restricts how fully a device’s battery will charge.
- Apple notes that even with Charge Limit enabled, the system may occasionally charge the battery to 100% to “maintain accurate battery state-of-charge estimates.” This ensures the operating system...
Apple has expanded its battery health management features to macOS with the introduction of a Charge Limit setting in the first beta of . Previously exclusive to iPhones and iPads, this feature allows users to cap the maximum charge level of their Mac’s battery, aiming to reduce battery degradation and extend its overall lifespan.
What is Charge Limit?
Charge Limit is a system-level setting that restricts how fully a device’s battery will charge. Instead of consistently topping off to 100%, which can contribute to long-term battery wear, users can now set a limit between 80% and 100%. When enabled, the Mac will cease charging within a few percentage points of the selected limit. This approach minimizes the time the battery spends at full charge, a known contributor to battery aging.
Apple notes that even with Charge Limit enabled, the system may occasionally charge the battery to 100% to “maintain accurate battery state-of-charge estimates.” This ensures the operating system can reliably report the battery’s remaining capacity.
How to Enable Charge Limit
The feature is accessible within the System Settings app. Users navigate to the Battery section and then click the “info” symbol next to “Charging.” This reveals the Charge Limit setting, allowing for adjustment of the maximum charge level.
Expanding Control: From 80% to 100%
The evolution of Charge Limit is noteworthy. Initially introduced with a fixed 80% limit on iOS devices, Apple broadened the options with , allowing users to choose any percentage between 80% and 100%. The macOS implementation mirrors this expanded flexibility, providing a more tailored approach to battery management.
Automation with Shortcuts
Apple’s commitment to automation extends to Charge Limit. With the release of the and betas, the feature has been integrated into the Shortcuts app. This allows users to create automated workflows that adjust the Charge Limit based on specific conditions, such as time of day or location. For example, a user could create a Shortcut that automatically sets the Charge Limit to 80% when connected to a power adapter at their home office, and then raises it to 100% when the Mac is disconnected.
Why This Matters for Mac Users
The introduction of Charge Limit to macOS is particularly relevant for MacBook users who frequently operate their devices while plugged in. Unlike iPhones and iPads, MacBooks are often used in stationary setups where they remain connected to a power source for extended periods. Constantly charging to 100% in these scenarios can accelerate battery degradation. Charge Limit provides a proactive solution, allowing users to prioritize battery health without sacrificing usability.
Optimized Battery Charging, an existing macOS feature, already attempts to mitigate battery wear by learning a user’s charging habits and delaying charging to 100% until just before it’s needed. However, Optimized Battery Charging doesn’t offer the same level of granular control as Charge Limit. Optimized Battery Charging still allows the battery to reach full charge regularly, whereas Charge Limit provides a hard cap, giving users direct control over the maximum charge level.
The ability to set a custom charge limit—whether at 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%—allows users to balance battery longevity with their individual usage patterns. Users who prioritize maximizing battery lifespan can consistently maintain a lower charge level, while those who occasionally need the full capacity can easily adjust the setting as needed.
This feature builds on Apple’s broader efforts to improve battery health across its product ecosystem. By extending Charge Limit to macOS, Apple is empowering users with more tools to manage and protect their device’s battery, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and long-lasting user experience.