macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 2 Rolls Out: How to Install and What to Expect

Apple is rolling out macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2. Before installing, users should consider the potential for bugs and instability. To install, enroll in the public beta program and follow the steps in the article. The new beta brings under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes, but users on older macOS versions will also see new features like the Liquid Glass look and desktop widgets.

Apple has announced the release of macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2, marking the second phase of the public beta testing program. This version comes with under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes, aimed at refining the user experience before the official release. Users on older macOS versions will also benefit from new features such as the Liquid Glass look and desktop widgets.

Installation Process

To install the macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2, users need to enroll in the Apple Developer public beta testing program. Once enrolled, they can follow these steps:

1. Backup: Before beginning any system software update, it is crucial to back up your Mac using Time Machine.
2. Enroll in the Public Beta Program: Users can enroll in the public beta program by visiting the Apple Developer website and following the instructions.
3. Download and Install: After enrolling, users can download and install the macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2 update from the "System Settings" menu. Go to "General" "Software Update" and select "Update Now" to download and install the beta.

Key Features

macOS Tahoe 26 introduces several new features and improvements, including:

- Liquid Glass Interface: The redesigned Liquid Glass interface appears shinier and more translucent, providing a modern look and feel.
- Folder and Icon Customizations: Users can now customize folder and icon colors in Finder.
- Spotlight Enhancements: Spotlight gains a clipboard manager and new features like launching tasks and a Launchpad-esque app launcher.
- Live Activities: Live Activities from iPhone appear on Mac, allowing users to track various activities such as ride arrivals, flights, and live sports games.
- Phone App for Mac: The Phone app is now available on Mac, enabling users to make phone calls through Wi-Fi calling and a connected iPhone.
- Journal App: The Journal app allows users to write journal entries and view them on a map, synced across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Potential Risks

While the new beta brings exciting features, users should be aware of potential risks such as bugs and instability. It is recommended to install the beta on a secondary Mac or within a virtual machine to minimize the impact on primary usage.

Release Timeline

Apple has indicated that the final version of macOS Tahoe 26 will be released in the fall. The public beta program is expected to continue until the official release, allowing for further refinement and testing.

References

[1] https://osxdaily.com/2025/08/05/macos-tahoe-26-beta-5-download-available-now-for-mac/
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/