Apple adds remote power-on feature for Macs, addressing long-standing user needs beyond Mac mini button complaints
By
speckx
Master baker tier. Every paragraph earns its place on the tray.
Summary
Apple has introduced a new feature allowing Macs to be powered on remotely without pressing the physical power button. While media coverage frames this as a response to complaints about the M4 Mac mini's poorly placed power button, the author argues the feature addresses more significant long-standing pain points: the ability to wake a Mac from sleep remotely (Wake on LAN, available since 2005) and the need to reboot after power failure without physical access. The article explores these use cases and the technical evolution behind remote Mac management.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledApple FINALLY lets you turn on your Mac remotely, without having to press the power button.
While I agree the M4 mini's power button is in a really dumb spot, that's not why I care about this feature.
The two bigger use cases for me have been a pain for years.
Macs gained 'Wake on LAN' support in Mac OS X 10.4, released in 2005.
This setting allows you to wake a Mac from sleep remotely, by sending it a magic packet.
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