How to Easily Install macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta on Mac and What Should You Watch Out For?

Are You Ready for the Exciting Changes in macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta? Learn How to Try It (and Avoid Trouble)!

Installing the macOS Tahoe 26 public beta puts your computer on the cutting edge, letting you try features before everyone else. Before you start, it’s important to know what you need, what could go wrong, and how to stay safe.

What’s New and Exciting in macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta

• Fresh look: Liquid Glass makes windows shiny and easy to see through.
• Icons: Change how your app icons look, your way.
• Spotlight: Search is faster, can do simple tasks, and even finds things from your iPhone.
• Clipboard: Now you can see what you copied before.
• Live Activities: See updates, like timers or food deliveries, straight on your Mac, just like you do on your iPhone.
• Journal app: Write notes, keep memories, or plan your day.
• Phone app: Listen to voicemails or call people, right from your Mac.
• Smarter Mac: Apple Intelligence helps your Mac learn and support you even better.

Is the Beta Right for You?

The public beta is open for anyone who wants to try it. But, the beta version is not perfect. There can be bugs, things might crash, and some apps might not work like they usually do. That’s why:

• Only install on a Mac that you don’t use for important things every day.
• Even better, try it in a virtual machine with apps like UTM or tart. This means your regular Mac is safe, because the beta runs in a sandbox.

Which Macs Can Run macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta?

You need a recent Mac. Here’s a simple list:

• MacBook Air (Apple Silicon, 2020 and newer)
• MacBook Pro (Apple Silicon, 2020 and newer)
• MacBook Pro 16-inch (Intel, 2019)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (Intel, 2020, only with four Thunderbolt ports)
• iMac (2020 and newer)
• Mac Mini (2020 and newer)
• Mac Studio (2022 and newer)
• Mac Pro (2019 and newer)

Older Macs can’t run Tahoe 26.

How to Install macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta

Step 1: Back up your Mac

Use Time Machine. This saves your files and lets you go back if you change your mind.

Step 2: Sign up for the public beta

Go to beta.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID and enroll.

Step 3: Open System Settings

1. Click the Apple logo.
2. Go to “System Settings.”
3. Click “General,” then “Software Update.”

Step 4: Find the Beta Option

1. Look for “Beta Updates.”
2. Click the little (i) information button.
3. Pick “macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta.”

Step 5: Install the Beta

1. After you pick the beta, wait for the update to appear.
2. Click “Upgrade Now” when you see it.
3. Your Mac will download, install, and then restart.
4. Once it turns back on, the beta is ready.

For later updates, just check “Software Update” again. You’ll get new beta versions the same way.

What About Going Back to Your Old System?

If you decide the beta isn’t for you, use your Time Machine backup to return to your old Mac setup. The backup is your safety net.

Important Reminders

• Beta software is not finished. Bugs and crashes are normal.
• Some apps might not work, and you could lose unsaved data.
• Always back up before you start.
• If you want to try the beta but don’t want any risk, use a virtual machine.

Trying the beta is fun, but it’s sometimes frustrating if things break. If that would upset you, it’s best to wait for the final version in the fall.

If you want to download the installer or IPSW file directly, Apple’s beta site and trusted macOS communities offer safe downloads.

Let others know what you think! If you also use iPhone or iPad, you can look into their public betas too.