Apple officially unveiled macOS 26 titled macOS Tahoe, at WWDC 2025 and has since been rolling out incremental updates to polish the experience. The latest is macOS Tahoe 26.5 Beta 2, and much like the previous beta, it is not bringing any big headline features.

Instead, the focus stays on bug fixes, performance improvements, and system stability, along with some under-the-hood framework tweaks and continued testing of app compatibility ahead of the final release.

If you are already running macOS Tahoe, here is what is new in macOS Tahoe 26.5 Beta 2 and how you can install it on your Mac.

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 26.5 Beta 2 on Mac

Before you can download and install the beta, you need to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program. Once enrolled, you’ll get access to beta updates directly from your Mac’s System Settings.

Follow these steps:

Open the Beta Software Program website and sign up with your Apple account.
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 Beta in the drop-down menu that appears, then click Done.
Click Update Now to start downloading the macOS Tahoe developer beta.
Click Agree and enter your administrator password to start the installation.

The installation process can take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your internet speed and Mac’s performance.

Should You Install macOS Tahoe 26.5 Beta 2?

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 stable release (Fall 2026). 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 26.5 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!

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