Apple today provided public beta testers with the first release of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.4 update for testing purposes. The public beta comes a day after Apple provided the beta to developers.


After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section in the System Settings app.

‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 includes several new features. The Compact tab layout has been reimplemented in Safari for those who missed having the option in earlier versions of ‌macOS Tahoe‌, and there is a new Charge Limit feature that lets Mac users select a maximum charge level that ranges from 80 percent to 100 percent.

Apple silicon Mac users will see now see warnings about apps that are still using Rosetta 2, because Apple is phasing out Rosetta after macOS 27. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ is also the final version of macOS that will run on Intel-based Macs, and Apple is working to remove all lingering Intel features.

We could see additional features in upcoming versions of ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4, such as new emoji characters. Apple is expected to test the update for the next several weeks, with a launch planned for the spring.
This article, "Apple Releases First macOS Tahoe 26.4 Public Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta that Apple released today includes a Charge Limit feature for the Mac. There is a new slider bar that lets Mac users select a charge level from 80 percent to 100 percent.


The Charge Limit is a setting that's available in addition to Optimized Battery Charging, and it can prevent a Mac from ever charging to 100 percent.

Apple's existing Optimized Battery Charging feature keeps a Mac from charging to 100 percent until it's needed for use, with the option using your daily charging routine to determine when to charge to full. While Optimized Battery Charging can help preserve battery life, it still regularly allows a Mac to charge to 100 percent.

The new Charge Limit feature is a hard restriction that keeps a Mac's battery at 80 percent, 85 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, or 100 percent, giving users more control over the Mac's maximum charging level. Keeping a Mac's battery at 80 percent could increase battery longevity by preserving battery health over time.

Charge Limit can be enabled by opening up the System Settings app, going to Battery, and clicking on the "i" button next to Charging.

Apple's iPhones have had a charge limit feature since the iPhone 15 lineup launched in 2023.
This article, "Apple Brings iPhone-Style Battery Charge Limits to the Mac in macOS Tahoe 26.4" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 betas that Apple released today reintroduce a compact Safari Tab Bar option for those who prefer that view option.


Apple removed the compact tab bar option with the launch of ‌macOS Tahoe‌ and iPadOS 26, but there were Mac and iPad users who missed it.

The Safari app on Mac and the Safari section of the Settings app on ‌iPad‌ both now feature an option to toggle on the Compact Tab Bar as an alternative to the standard Separate Tab Bar.

‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 are limited to developers right now, but Apple should release public betas soon. The software is expected to launch in the spring.
This article, "Compact Safari Tab Bar Returns in macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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