macOS 26.4 introduces a convenient charging feature that Windows laptops have offered for years.
The update includes a "Slow Charger" warning that notifies you when your MacBook is not receiving sufficient power.
Apple’s latest macOS update brings several small but significant changes to the MacBook range. One of the key features is the Charge Limit option, which allows you to restrict charging between 80 and 100% to maintain long-term battery health. However, that's not the only charging-related adjustment included in this release.
What else is included in macOS 26.4?
As reported by 9to5Mac, macOS 26.4 introduces a new “Slow Charger” indicator that appears when your MacBook connects to a power adapter that is not providing enough wattage. This warning can be found in the battery status menu and in the battery settings, making it easy to identify any issues with your charging setup.
Apple
Windows laptops have had a solution for this for some time, but identifying slow charging on a MacBook has not always been straightforward. You might be using a low-wattage adapter, a non-certified cable, or a USB-C hub that restricts power delivery, without a clear system-level alert highlighting the problem. The new indicator removes any confusion, notifying you when the charging does not meet the necessary power levels.
What to do if you encounter the “Slow Charger” warning on your Mac
Apple's support document explains that “Slow Charger” will show up in the battery menu and above the battery level graph in settings when macOS detects inadequate power delivery. If the warning appears on your Mac after updating, Apple advises switching to a charger and cable that fulfill the minimum wattage requirements for your specific model. You can find those specifications on Apple’s website.
While the Slow Charger indicator may not represent a major upgrade, it is a valuable addition that should simplify the process of diagnosing charging issues.
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macOS 26.4 introduces a convenient charging feature that Windows laptops have offered for years.
macOS 26.4 introduces a new "Slow Charger" notification that informs you when your MacBook is plugged into a low-powered adapter or cable, simplifying the process of identifying slow charging problems.
