UMVA has learned that Apple has quietly introduced a game-changing feature in its latest macOS update, addressing a long-standing frustration for desktop Mac users.
In macOS 26.5, Apple has added a new option that allows Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Studio owners to automatically power on their devices when connected to an electrical source, eliminating the need to fumble with hard-to-reach power buttons.
This innovation is particularly significant for Mac mini users, who have often struggled with the device's underside-mounted power button, requiring them to lift or reposition the computer to turn it on or off.
The new feature, found in the Energy section of System Settings, enables users to bypass this inconvenience entirely, with their Macs springing to life as soon as they're plugged in or powered up via an external switch.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that this update also opens doors for users relying on assistive accessories, offering them a more seamless way to control their Mac's power state.
For unsupported Mac models, the familiar "Start up automatically after a power failure" option remains, but this latest addition marks a clear step forward in Apple's commitment to accessibility and user experience.
To access this feature, users must first install the macOS 26.5 update through System Settings, a process that requires a restart and takes several minutes to complete.
