Apple unveiled the upcoming major release of MacOS, named MacOS Tahoe, numbered as MacOS 26, during WWDC 2026. The first beta version is now available for download.

Developers enrolled in Apple's beta testing program can immediately download MacOS Tahoe 26 beta 1 using the standard software update method, or obtain a full installer package directly from Apple. Alternatively, they may also download an IPSW file version.

MacOS Tahoe 26 features a new Liquid Glass interface with increased transparency and redesigned glossy icons. It also adds several enhancements such as actionable commands in Spotlight, the ability to search your iPhone content from Mac, Live Activities from iPhone extended to Mac, expanded Apple Intelligence functions, the introduction of the Phone app on Mac, inclusion of the Journal app, and various other refinements and additions.

MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta Now Available to Registered Developers

To access and download MacOS Tahoe 26 beta, you must be a registered Apple developer. Registration is done via developer.apple.com using your Apple ID, and it’s free if you haven’t already signed up.

Keep in mind that early beta versions are usually unstable and prone to bugs, so they're not suitable for casual or average users. If you're interested in trying out the MacOS Tahoe beta, consider setting it up in a virtual machine, installing it on a secondary Mac, or wait until the public beta becomes available next month, which tends to be more stable than the initial developer builds.

Installing beta software is not recommended for regular users.

Is My Mac Compatible with MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta?

The hardware requirements for MacOS Tahoe 26 are stricter compared to Sequoia. The following Mac models are compatible:

• MacBook Air, all Apple Silicon models from 2020 onward
• MacBook Pro, all Apple Silicon models from 2020 onward
• MacBook Pro 16″ Intel model from 2019
• MacBook Pro 13″ Intel model from 2020 featuring four Thunderbolt ports
• iMac from 2020 onwards
• Mac Mini from 2020 onwards
• Mac Studio from 2022 onwards
• Mac Pro from 2019 onwards

This list comes straight from Apple. Note that many Intel-based Macs are no longer supported under MacOS Tahoe. This will likely be the final MacOS version to support Intel processors.

How to Download MacOS Tahoe 26 Beta 1

Before proceeding, back up your Mac using Time Machine. Beta software is inherently unstable and could lead to data loss without a backup. Assuming you've already joined the developer program with your Apple ID, follow these steps:

1. Open the ? Apple menu and go to “System Settings”

2. Navigate to “General”

3. Click on “Software Update”

4. Tap the (i) icon next to “Beta Updates”

5. Choose “MacOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta” from the list (if unavailable, restart System Settings or verify your developer account status)

6. Select “Upgrade Now” to begin downloading and installing the MacOS 26 beta

Once initiated, the system will automatically download the installer and apply the update like any typical macOS update. After installation completes, your Mac will reboot into MacOS Tahoe beta.

Future updates to the Tahoe beta will be delivered through the Software Update settings as usual.

macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta 1 Installer & IPSW File Direct Links

Below are direct links to the official MacOS Tahoe beta files hosted on Apple's CDN servers:

• MacOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta 1 InstallAssistant.pkg
• MacOS Tahoe 26 developer beta 1 IPSW

The InstallAssistant package is ideal for bulk installations, offline setups, backups, and creating bootable USB installers.

The IPSW file is useful for restoring the beta OS on Apple Silicon Macs or for setting up a virtual machine using apps like UTM, Parallels, VirtualBuddy, VMware, or similar tools.

In addition to MacOS Tahoe 26 beta 1, Apple has also released the first betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

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