macOS 26.5 fixes M4 Mac mini power

Apple on May 11 released macOS Tahoe 26.5 and added a new way to start certain desktop Macs without touching the physical power button. Apple’s support documentation says users can configure eligible machines to turn on automatically when power is connected, a change that applies to the Mac mini introduced in 2024 or later, the Mac Studio introduced in 2025 or later, and the iMac introduced in 2024 or later. (support.apple.com) (developer.apple.com) Apple described the feature as useful when the power button is hard to reach. That wording matters for the latest Mac mini because the machine’s power button placement had drawn complaints from some users running headless systems, under desks, or in rack-style installations. (support.apple.com) Apple’s support page does not mention those complaints directly, but it says the feature helps “when you don’t have easy access to the computer’s power button.” ### Which Macs get the new startup option? Apple’s support page says the setting requires macOS Tahoe 26.5 or later and one of three hardware groups: Mac mini introduced in 2024 or later, Mac Studio introduced in 2025 or later, or iMac introduced in 2024 or later. (developer.apple.com) Older desktop Macs are not listed in the system requirements. The May 11 publication date on that support page matches Apple’s release listing for macOS 26.5, which shows build 25F71. Apple’s broader update page for macOS Tahoe 26 also lists 26.5 as the current release and says it includes enhancements, bug fixes and security updates. (support.apple.com) ### Where is the setting, and what does it do? Apple says users can find the option in System Settings, under Energy, where a menu labeled “Start up when power is connected” can be set to “Always.” Once enabled, the Mac will automatically turn on whenever power is connected, including when a user plugs it into an outlet or restores power through an external power switch. (support.apple.com) Apple also says the same setting allows the Mac to start automatically after a power failure. The company notes one limitation: if the computer has remained connected to power since shutdown, users should wait about 30 seconds between disconnecting and reconnecting power so the power supply has time to discharge. (developer.apple.com) ### Why does this matter for Mac mini owners? Apple’s own explanation points to setups where the button is physically inconvenient to reach. That includes headless deployments, shelf installations and rack-mounted systems, where a machine may be controlled remotely and power-cycled from a switched outlet or power distribution unit rather than by hand. (support.apple.com) The support page extends the feature beyond the Mac mini to newer Mac Studio and iMac models, suggesting Apple treated it as a desktop Mac behavior change rather than a single-product patch. (support.apple.com) Apple did not frame the addition as a hardware redesign; it documented it as a software-controlled startup setting in macOS Tahoe 26.5. ### What else changed in macOS 26.5 for business users? Apple’s enterprise release notes for macOS Tahoe 26.5 list several fixes alongside the startup change. The company said it resolved an issue where some Macs could start to a black screen after a software update, fixed certificate updates during renewal of enrollment in a device management service, and addressed unexpected restarts while mounting SMB shares. (support.apple.com) Apple’s enterprise notes also list fixes for smart card login behavior, Safari autofill controls under device management, and X11 app display issues after window resizing. (support.apple.com) Those items were published in a separate support document dated May 14. ### How do users get it now? Apple says macOS updates are available through Software Update on compatible Macs, and its release listings show macOS 26.5 has been available since May 11. Users who want the new startup behavior need both supported hardware and macOS Tahoe 26.5 or later, according to Apple’s support documentation. (support.apple.com) (developer.apple.com)