Battery draining after macOS 26 / 26.2 update (MacBook Air)

macOSuser22 wrote:

Earlier, battery life for my laptop was 12-14 hours with Browser plus spreadsheet uses plus some work related software but it has come down to 6 hours after 26.2 update

The best way to check is by following the steps by HWTech to post the EtreCheck report. Not all third files/processes installed on a previous OS version will be Optimized for Tahoe.

• If your Browser is Chrome, that is a big red flag as far as being a resource hog.
• Apps built with the Electron Framework have caused severe lag and battery draining. Many users have no idea what Electron is, but it is a third party Framework that some cross platform apps use and it was found that Electron had been using a Private API that should never be used by a developer and caused problems. Electron has since admitted to their mistake and provided a fix for their Framework, but every app that uses it needs updating. More information here with the status of those affected in case you need to update an identified app.

https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/11/macos-26-tahoe-electron-gpu-slowdown-bug-fix-rollout/

I would refer to this post - I would refer to this post - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256139706?sortBy=rank

For me having mac battery on automatic just made it overheat and drain within 3 hours, putting it in low power has not affected my performance and battery has returned what seems to be back to normal. I have tested this on a 14 inch M2 Macbook Pro and 14 inch M4 Max Macbook Pro both on Tahoe 26.2 and seems to have done the trick, but its also ridiculous this has not been rectified since its such a pressing issue as "automatic" you would think would be well optimised.

Anonymous981 wrote:

Did anyone find a solution for this? I was even ready to go back to Sequoia

Battery drain has a direct correlation to the work being done by third party apps.....some of which are constantly running in the background. Another reason can be due to compatibility issues with third party apps, so make sure they are all completely up to date. Other common causes are syncing files to the cloud.

Run the third party app EtreCheck and post the full report here. It would be best if you started a new thread because it is hard to help multiple people in a single thread since each case may have a completely different cause for the problem.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

Also, use the power adapter whenever you can as it won't harm the battery since Optimized Charging is enabled by default to maintain battery health.

Edit: forgot to include a copy of their post for easy reference.

Read If your Mac battery runs out of charge quickly - Apple Support,

tornike81 wrote:

Hello all, also I have same problem , we need 26.2 fix update :(

Did you read the posts here for the information you would need to provide if you are looking for a solution. Pay particular attention to the links that show you how to provide the free EtreCheck report and also the link that explains why users are experiencing lag and battery drain with any app built using the Electron Framework.

You will find the "me too" posts have very little value and you will not find a solution. That is why many you see here were only replied with "same problem = same answer", because nobody provided any information or read any of the other posts.

Earlier, battery life for my laptop was 12-14 hours with Browser plus spreadsheet uses plus some work related software but it has come down to 6 hours after 26.2 update

ohh my god me too...i regret it so bad now....is there no way to go back????

i really want to go back as how it was

there is also heating problem like what my laptop never did that but this update is ruining it for me

i shouldn't have updated this

I have the same all issues you highlighted but on M3 Pro macbook pro.

Did anyone find a solution for this? I was even ready to go back to Sequoia

Same here.

curefinder wrote:

Same here.

Same answer.

Im having the same problem and have found no fix. i have a M4 24gb/512gb

Razzleberryss wrote:

Im having the same problem...

... same answer.

Hello all, also I have same problem , we need 26.2 fix update :(