How to Set a Charging Limit on Your Mac - Just Like iPhone

Key topic

• How to set a MacBook charging limit (to protect battery lifespan) using macOS’s built-in charging protections—similar to iPhone.

Where to find the feature (tutorial steps)

1. Go to System Settings → Battery → Charging.
2. The video notes the feature is new and requires macOS updates:
   • Check About / General and ensure macOS is at least 26.4 (macOS Tahoe 26.4+)
   • Use Software Update to update the Mac if needed.

Charging features explained

Charge Limit (new)

• Adds a slider (recommended set point: 80%).
• When enabled, the Mac charges only up to 80% and stops, helping prevent long-term time spent at high charge levels.

Optimized Battery Charging (older feature)

• Works automatically by learning your charging routine.
• Typically charges to 80%, then may later allow reaching 100% depending on the schedule.
• The video frames it as less effective than a strict charge limit because it may still spend time at full charge.

Battery health reasoning / best practice (as described)

• The video states that charging above 80% stresses/degrades lithium batteries.
• The worst scenario described is:
  • Charging past 80% and keeping it plugged in at 100% for long periods.
• Using Charge Limit at 80% is presented as the best protection and the main recommendation.

Important note about “Charge Limit” behavior

• Even with charge limit enabled, the Mac may temporarily go above 80% (up to 100%) every few weeks to calibrate the battery.
• The video says this behavior is normal and should be allowed.

Myth/incorrect advice addressed

• The speaker criticizes the advice that the “best” approach is to always keep the MacBook plugged in like a desktop.
• Instead, the video emphasizes:
  • You can use the Mac unplugged or plugged in, similar to an iPhone.
  • The key is limiting charge to 80%.

Main speaker/source

• The About Tech (channel presenter: “everybody… you’re watching The About Tech”)