Apple has quietly introduced one of its most requested battery features to the Mac. With the first beta of macOS 26.4, users can now set a charging cap on their MacBook, something that was earlier limited to the iPhone and iPad. The move is aimed at improving long term battery health, especially for users who keep their laptops plugged in for extended periods. In addition to this, Apple is also expanding the feature to the Shortcuts app, allowing automation around charging behaviour. Here is a closer look at what is new and why this update could matter for everyday Mac users.
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macOS 26.4 introduces Charge Limit support directly within the Mac’s Battery settings. Until now, this feature was available only on the iPhone and iPad, where users could cap charging at 80 percent to reduce battery wear. With newer software versions, Apple expanded that flexibility to allow limits between 80 percent and 100 percent. Now, Mac users get the same control.
Once enabled, the MacBook will stop charging a few percentage points before the selected limit. Now, if you keep your MacBook’s battery at 100 percent for long periods, it can strain it over time. But by capping the charge, users can potentially extend the overall lifespan of their battery. Apple does mention that the system may occasionally charge to 100 percent to maintain accurate battery health readings.
To enable the feature, you can head to Settings, open the Battery section, and tap on the information icon next to Charging. From there, the preferred charge cap can be selected.
Apple is also extending Charge Limit controls to the Shortcuts app in both iOS 26.4 and macOS 26.4. This means users can automate how and when their device adjusts its charging cap.
For example, someone who works at a desk throughout the week could set an automation that limits charging to 80 percent during office hours. On weekends or travel days, the limit could automatically shift closer to 100 percent for longer battery life on the go. This kind of flexibility makes the feature more practical rather than just a static setting buried inside system preferences.
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