Apple has finally introduced a Low Power Mode option in the macOS 15.1 battery icon, allowing for quick access to energy-saving features.
On the iPhone, users who wish to enable Low Power Mode can simply add it to the Control Center for easy access. However, macOS also offers a Low Power Mode, but activating or deactivating it requires navigating through System Settings to the battery options, which can be somewhat cumbersome for users looking for a quick toggle.
This situation has changed with the release of macOS 15.1 Beta 5. In this latest update, Apple has added a Low Power Mode option directly within the MacBook's battery icon.
Now, users looking to conserve battery life on their device can simply click on the battery icon and enable Low Power Mode. Once activated, the macOS battery icon will turn yellow, similar to iOS, indicating that Low Power Mode is in use.
For users desiring more control over Low Power Mode, further customization is still available in System Settings, such as automatically entering Low Power Mode when the MacBook is unplugged.
With Low Power Mode enabled, Apple restricts background app refresh. For example, the Mail app, which typically checks for new messages every 15 minutes, will pause its automatic checks, potentially delaying email notifications.
Thus, users can decide whether to activate Low Power Mode based on their current battery level and needs, switching to regular mode when the battery is full and enabling Low Power Mode as the battery depletes to extend device battery life.