Apple officially unveiled macOS 26, titled macOS Tahoe, at WWDC 2025. With a glass-inspired redesign and exciting additions like new Continuity features, an all-new Journal app, Spotlight upgrades, and more, macOS Tahoe marks a significant leap in Apple’s desktop OS.
If you’re a developer eager to optimize your apps for the upcoming release—or simply an enthusiast excited to try out the latest features before anyone else—you can install the macOS Tahoe developer beta right now.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Things to Consider Before Installing Beta Updates
Before jumping in, keep these important points in mind:
- Ensure your Mac is compatible with macOS Tahoe (most Apple Silicon and select Intel Macs).
- Developer betas can be unstable and are not meant for your primary machine. Back up your data before proceeding to avoid losing important files. Use Time Machine or an external drive to create a backup before proceeding.
- As macOS downloads can range from 10 to 20 GB, make sure there is at least 25 GB of free space on your Mac.
How to Install macOS Tahoe Developer Beta on Mac
Before you can download and install the beta, you need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program. Once enrolled, you’ll get access to beta updates directly from your Mac’s System Settings.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the Apple Developer Program website, sign in with your Apple Account and enroll.
- On your Mac, open Settings and click on General in the sidebar.
- Click on Software Update.
- Click the i button next to Beta Updates.
- Click the drop-down menu button next to Beta Updates.
- Select macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta in the drop-down menu that appears, then click Done.
- Click Update Now to start downloading the macOS Tahoe developer beta.
- Click on Agree and enter your administrator password to start the installation.
The installation process can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your internet speed and Mac’s performance.
Should You Install macOS Tahoe Developer Beta?
If you’re a developer or a tech enthusiast using a secondary Mac, this is a great opportunity to explore macOS 26 before its public release.
However, if your Mac is your daily driver, it’s better to wait for the Public Beta (July 2025) or the stable release (Fall 2025). Developer betas may include bugs, battery drain issues, or app compatibility problems that could disrupt your workflow.
Next Stop: macOS Tahoe
And that’s it! Now you know how to install macOS Tahoe developer beta on your Mac. If you’re also testing across devices, consider installing the iOS 26 developer beta on a spare iPhone to experience the full range of new Continuity features across the Apple ecosystem.
Will you be installing macOS 26 on your Mac? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
