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Is MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta Worth the Risk? Easy Steps to Install and Key Features

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

Categories Apple

Should You Try MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta Now? Simple Guide, Requirements, and Cautions

MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta brings a fresh look and new tools. The Liquid Glass interface makes everything smooth. The Phone app now works on Mac. Spotlight can do actions, not just searches. Apple Intelligence adds smart features. There’s a new Games app. Messages get backgrounds, which is fun if you like WhatsApp. Live Activities from iPhone show up on Mac. There are more changes, but these stand out.

Is MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta Worth the Risk? Easy Steps to Install and Key Features

Supported Macs

Check if your Mac can run Tahoe 26 Beta. Here’s the list:

  • MacBook Air (2020 and newer)
  • MacBook Pro (2020 and newer)
  • MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019)
  • MacBook Pro 13-inch Intel (2020)
  • iMac (2020 and newer)
  • Mac mini (2020 and newer)
  • Mac Studio (2022 and newer)
  • Mac Pro (2019 and newer)

Older Macs won’t work. Intel Macs are almost out. M-series Macs are fine.

What You Need

  1. A Mac from the list above.
  2. Apple ID in the Developer Program (free at developer.apple.com).
  3. Internet connection.
  4. At least 40 GB free space.
  5. Time Machine backup (highly recommended).

Beta software can break things. It’s buggy and not stable. Only do this if you’re okay with problems.

How to Install MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta

Follow these steps:

  1. Sign up your Apple ID for the Developer Program.
  2. Back up your Mac with Time Machine.
  3. Open the Apple menu.
  4. Go to System Settings.
  5. Click General.
  6. Click Software Update.
  7. Find Beta Updates. Click the (i) next to it.
  8. Pick “MacOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta.”
  9. Click Upgrade Now.

The update downloads and installs. Your Mac restarts. Tahoe 26 Beta loads up after that.

Other Ways to Install

You can also:

  • Download the full installer for MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta.
  • Use the IPSW file.
  • Make a boot disk.
  • Do a clean install.
  • Use a virtual machine.

These methods are for advanced users. The steps above are simplest.

What to Watch Out For

  • Beta software has bugs.
  • Some apps might not work.
  • You might lose data if you skip backups.
  • Downgrading is easier if you back up first.

Other Device Betas

If you like testing, you can also try:

  • iOS 26 Beta (iPhone)
  • iPadOS 26 Beta (iPad)
  • watchOS 26 Beta (Apple Watch)
  • tvOS 26 Beta (Apple TV)
  • visionOS 26 Beta (Apple Vision Pro)

Trying MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta is exciting. The new look and tools can make your Mac feel fresh. But remember, beta means bugs. If you use your Mac for work or school, think twice. If you like testing new things and can handle problems, go ahead. Just back up first and follow the steps.