Apple's latest iOS, macOS, and iPadOS betas bring a host of exciting changes and improvements. Here's a breakdown of five key features you should know about:
Charging Limits for MacBooks: macOS 26.4 introduces a slider to manually limit your Mac's battery charge percentage, ensuring your battery's longevity. This feature, similar to iOS, allows users to specify a maximum charge limit, adjustable in 5% increments from 80 to 100%.
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The Return of the 'Compact' Safari Tab Bar: Safari 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 bring back the 'compact' tab view, an optional setting that combines tabs and the address bar for more screen real estate. This change addresses the radical redesign attempt in 2021, which ultimately reverted to the previous design.
On-by-Default Stolen Device Protection: iOS 26.4 enables Stolen Device Protection by default, enhancing security for users whose phones are stolen. It requires biometric authentication to access sensitive information, ensuring that even if your phone is removed from familiar locations, your data remains secure.
Rosetta's End Approaches: macOS 26.4 introduces user-facing notifications about the end of Rosetta support, scheduled for macOS 28 in 2027. This transition ensures that Intel-native apps will eventually be updated to support Apple Silicon, marking a significant shift in Apple's hardware ecosystem.
These updates showcase Apple's commitment to innovation and user experience, offering a mix of practical improvements and long-awaited features. Stay tuned for further developments as Apple continues to refine its operating systems.