Everything New in macOS 26 Beta 2: Features and Changes

Apple has officially rolled out the second developer beta of macOS 26—also known as macOS Tahoe—alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26 beta 2.

While this update doesn’t introduce sweeping changes, it fine-tunes what was unveiled at WWDC 2025 and subtly prepares the Mac for a smarter, more integrated future. Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s new in macOS 26 Developer Beta 2.

Frosted Menu Bar Background Toggle Returns

In Beta 1, the menu bar remained fully transparent, allowing wallpapers to show through, which often compromised readability.

Beta 2 adds a much-needed toggle under Settings > Menu Bar called “Show menu bar background.” When enabled, it applies a frosted glass blur, making the menu bar feel cohesive with Apple’s new Liquid Glass design while improving visibility.

Classic Finder Icon Restored

Apple sparked a wave of confusion in Beta 1 by flipping the iconic Finder icon’s color scheme for the first time in decades.

In Beta 2, Apple wisely reverts to the familiar blue-left, white-right design, restoring visual consistency and pleasing long-time Mac fans.

Refreshed Migration Assistant Icon

The Migration Assistant app also got a fresh look. Apple has updated its icon to better match the current macOS design language. There are no functionality changes, but the updated icon helps it feel more modern and in line with other system apps.

All-New Recovery Assistant

One of the most important additions in macOS 26 is the Recovery Assistant. If your Mac doesn’t boot normally, this tool automatically diagnoses and attempts to fix issues—no need to enter recovery mode or use Terminal. It’s a game-changer for casual users who may not be comfortable with advanced troubleshooting steps.

Foundation Models Framework for AI-Powered Apps

For developers, macOS 26 now includes the Foundation Models framework. This allows apps to tap into Apple’s on-device large language models (LLMs)—the same ones behind Apple Intelligence.

These models can perform tasks like summarizing text or generating responses without needing an internet connection. Developers can build smarter, AI-powered features while still keeping things private and on-device.

Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the Mac App Store

macOS 26 enhances App Store transparency with Accessibility Nutrition Labels, helping users quickly see which features—like VoiceOver or Dynamic Text—each app supports.

This change empowers users with disabilities to make more informed download decisions.

Linux Container Support Arrives

macOS 26 adds native support for running Linux containers. This is useful for developers, testers, and power users who want to build or deploy Linux-based tools directly on their Mac. It makes workflows simpler and removes the need for third-party virtual machines in many cases.

iMessage and Phone App Improvements

In Beta 2, iMessage gets a useful upgrade that lets you create and vote in polls directly within group chats. This makes it easy to gather opinions or make group decisions without sending multiple messages back and forth.

On the other hand, the Phone app on the Mac becomes more powerful with the addition of Hold Assist. This feature can stay on the line for you during a call and alert you when someone picks up, saving you time. It also introduces Live Translation, allowing you to translate conversations in real time while you’re on a call—perfect for multilingual communication.

Bug Fixes and Visual Tweaks

This beta squashes several bugs and refines the experience:

• Finder now respects Dark Mode, properly displaying icons and color schemes.
• Notes and Mail no longer display menu glitches.
• Messages correctly re-translate edits.
• Siri’s visual responses no longer get stuck behind translucent UI.
• Full-screen layout issues in some apps are resolved.
• Undo stack bugs in TextEditor are fixed.
• ABC-India keyboard users now see the ₹ symbol by default. The backtick is still available using Option + key.

What’s Next?

Apple hasn’t published a full changelog for Developer Beta 2, but most changes are focused on polish, visual consistency, and backend preparation for public release. The public beta is expected in July, likely with Beta 3 or 4.

macOS 26 isn’t just about flashy features—it’s about slowly shifting how we use the Mac. With tighter iPhone integration, smarter tools, and a final nod to Intel, this beta sets the stage for what the future of macOS looks like.

Related articles worth reading:

• Everything New in iOS 26 Developer Beta 2
• iOS 26 Beta 2 Hints at New Ultra-Slim iPhone 17 Air Size
• How to Install macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta on Your Mac
• 10+ New Safari Features in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe