Apple has finally added a long-awaited feature to macOS 26.4 Tahoe, which should allow MacBook users to extend the battery life of their devices. However, the developers behind apps like AlDente will now have to rethink.
MacBook users obsessed with extending their laptop’s battery life have long had to rely on third-party apps to enforce strict charging limits on their laptop. AlDente is perhaps the most respected app in this regard, and is available in both free and paid versions with additional features.
Finally, manage your MacBook battery without external apps
With the latest beta release of macOS Tahoe 26.4, it appears that Apple has dug a grave for apps like AlDente. For the first time, MacBook users can enforce charging limits within the System Settings app, though the lowest possible value is locked at 80%. And those who want lower numbers, for whatever reason, will still have to choose third-party solutions.
Previous versions of macOS had an enhanced charging feature that prevented charging beyond 80% based on usage schedules, but it was by no means a strict setting, and MacBooks (the Air is currently available for $850 on Amazon) would charge to full on many occasions even with the feature enabled. With the new charge limit feature, customers can finally set a hard limit between 80% and 100%.
Interestingly, iPhone users have been able to take advantage of the charging limit feature for a few years now, which makes the addition of this much-needed feature to macOS much less of a surprise. Lithium-ion batteries do not like to be completely drained, or fully recharged, and maintaining charge levels between 25% and 80% definitely increases battery life.
Keen users are urged to note that macOS 26.4 is still very much in Beta, with a public release likely coming a few weeks away.
