macOS Beta: What is the newest macOS beta and how one can get macOS 26 beta

Abstract created by Sensible Solutions AI

Table of Contents

In abstract:

Macworld gives directions for putting in the macOS 26 beta, which gives early entry to new options by Apple’s developer or public beta packages.
Customers want macOS Sequoia and both a free Apple Developer account or public beta registration to entry the beta variations.
Important precautions embody backing up your Mac and avoiding set up on major units on account of potential instability. Detailed directions are offered under.

Yearly, Apple updates the Mac working system. The present model of macOS is macOS 26, and Apple runs a beta program, which suggests builders and registered public testers can check out new options earlier than they’re launched to most people later within the 12 months.

The beta course of doesn’t cease with the complete launch of macOS within the fall. After macOS 26 Tahoe arrived on Macs in September 2025, growth continued with new options rolled out each couple of months.

On this article, we’ll clarify what that you must do to get your palms on a duplicate of the brand new beta of macOS 26, how one can set up it, and what you need to keep in mind if you wish to keep away from issues. (In case you would favor to make use of the newest official launch of macOS, right here’s how one can replace macOS in your Mac.)

Replace February 23, 2026: Apple launched the macOS 26.4 beta 2.

macOS beta: Newest model

The latest model of the macOS 26 Tahoe developer beta is model 26.4. It was launched on February 16, 2025.

Following WWDC 2025 on June 9, the macOS 26 developer beta is now obtainable to obtain for these signed as much as this system. The “macOS 26” identify is a part of a coherent annual naming system together with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.

Foundry

macOS beta: Subsequent beta replace

New betas are inclined to arrive each one to 2 weeks, and extra regularly as the complete launch knowledge approaches.

The beta testing program will proceed to run after the brand new macOS 26 software program launches in September or October 2025, with Apple persevering with to roll out new options.

get the macOS beta

To get the developer model of the macOS 26 beta, that you must be operating macOS Sequoia and be registered for Apple’s developer program, both having paid $99/£79 to enroll in Apple’s Developer program (right here) or with a free developer account (observe the directions under for how one can register for that).

Alternatively, if it’s the general public beta you might be after, you simply want to enroll in the Public Beta program on Apple’s beta webpage, signal the NDA, and enroll your Mac. Particulars of how to do this are under.

So long as you’re a registered developer or enrolled within the public beta program, when the related macOS Beta turns into obtainable, it would additionally present up in your Mac.

Earlier than you obtain the beta, just a few warnings:

We strongly advise that for those who aren’t a developer, you don’t obtain the developer beta.
We additionally strongly suggest that you just again up your Mac earlier than you improve to the macOS beta.
We suggest that you don’t run the macOS beta in your major Mac; ideally, run it in a separate quantity. This could reduce any dangers to you.

get a free Apple developer account

In case you simply need a free Apple Developer account so you’ll be able to entry the beta, you will get this by way of Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Right here’s how one can do it by way of the Apple Developer app on an iPhone:

Get the Apple Developer App from the App Retailer.
Open the app in your iPhone.
Faucet on Account.
Faucet on Signal In.
Check in utilizing your normal Apple ID.

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In case you want to really publish functions to the App Retailer or obtain help, you’ll have to pay $99/£79 per 12 months for a paid account. You’ll be able to examine the free and paid accounts right here.

register for the macOS public beta

The macOS public beta is accessible to anybody with a legitimate Apple ID.

To register, go to the Apple Beta Software program Program web page.
Choose the “Signal Up” choice.
Check in utilizing your Apple ID.
Observe the on-screen prompts to finish the registration course of.
Enrol the Mac you want to run the beta on by way of this Apple web page.

obtain macOS beta

Open Software program Updates in your Mac. (System Settings > Common > Software program Updates.)
You must see two choices: Computerized Updates and Beta Updates. Click on on the (i) beside Beta Updates.
Now you can activate Beta Updates (in the event that they weren’t already on).
Select the beta you need to obtain: public or developer.
In case your account is tied to a unique Apple ID than your normal one, you’ll be able to change that right here.
Click on Finished.
Now your Mac will test for updates and finally present the newest macOS Beta as an improve. Click on on Improve Now.

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Do I want the macOS Beta Entry Utility?

Solely if you’re operating macOS Ventura 13.3 or earlier.

Apple modified the way in which it delivers betas in Ventura 13.4. In case you aren’t but operating that model of macOS you will have to obtain the macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility or macOS Public Beta Entry Utility as a way to obtain betas.

In case you had been already operating an earlier macOS Public Beta you’ll discover the brand new macOS beta as an improve by way of Software program Replace. Simply click on on Improve Now. You’ll have to replace to the newest model of your present beta earlier than you are able to do so, if not observe the steps under to get the beta entry utility.

In case you are enrolled within the Developer Program, go to Apple’s beta obtain web page. Click on on Set up Profile to obtain the brand new macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility to your Mac.
In case you are enrolled as a public beta tester, obtain the macOS Public Beta Entry Utility.
Go to Downloads in your Mac and click on on the macOS Beta Entry Utility to open it.
Double-click on the dmg file and the installer will run.
As soon as the brand new macOS beta is put in Software program Replace will test to see if there are any updates. Click on Replace and the newest model will obtain.
You’ll see a immediate to put in the newest macOS beta, click on on Proceed.
Comply with the Ts&Cs (extra on them under).
Click on Set up.

As soon as you might be operating the beta, the updates will come by to your Mac mechanically; you simply have to click on to put in.

You’ll obtain a notification when the following replace to the beta is accessible.
Updates might be obtainable by way of Software program Replace (in System Settings/System Preferences)

FAQ

Who can run the macOS beta?

Anybody can run the macOS beta, however to take action, you do have to register for both the developer beta, the pubic beta, or each.

Apple gives each developer and public beta packages for macOS, enabling all customers to check pre-release variations of the working system. Whereas each betas present early entry to new options, they cater to completely different person profiles primarily based on technical experience and danger tolerance. Beta software program tends to be buggy so the extra steady public beta model could also be preferable, however even that won’t be bug-free.

Prior to now, the developer beta was solely obtainable to builders who had paid to affix Apple’s Developer Program (which prices $99/£79). Nonetheless, for a few years now, Apple has opened up the developer beta to registered builders with free developer accounts. We clarify how one can get a free developer account under.

In case you determine you not need to run the beta model of macOS learn this: take away the macOS beta.

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macOS public beta vs developer beta

Since 2023, the Developer Beta has been obtainable to anybody who registers as a developer, even when they aren’t a paid-up member of Apple’s Developer Program. In consequence, folks with a primary free developer account can obtain the brand new macOS developer beta (we present you how one can register under).

Whether or not you need to obtain the developer beta for those who aren’t a developer is one other query. We don’t suggest you put in the developer beta for those who aren’t a developer. As an alternative, our advice is to make use of the general public beta (the primary model of which normally arrives in July).

There are just a few variations between the general public and developer betas. The general public beta just isn’t the identical because the beta that’s launched by the developer program. The general public beta sometimes launches after the developer beta has undergone preliminary testing and refinement

Builders get updates to their beta first, and probably extra regularly. However you need to remember the fact that betas are by nature not steady, and since the general public beta comes after the developer beta it may very well be just a little safer to put in.

Probably the most vital distinction might be the motive of the testers: Builders normally have the purpose of guaranteeing their apps work when the up to date macOS is launched to most people, whereas public beta testers are primarily serving to Apple detect bugs and providing suggestions on the options. Due to this, builders might get to check new options not obtainable within the public beta.

If you wish to get the general public beta the very first thing that you must do, for those who haven’t already, is be part of Apple’s beta packages learn this for extra info: turn into an Apple beta tester.

Is the macOS beta steady?

By its nature, a beta has the potential to be unstable. Due to this fact, it’s not suggested that you just set up it on a Mac that you just depend on. In case you have a second Mac that isn’t mission-critical, then set up it there. We strongly suggest that you just don’t danger all by placing the macOS beta in your major macOS, particularly not within the early days of the beta growth.

In case you don’t have a second Mac, there are a few methods you might run macOS beta in your Mac with out operating the chance of shedding knowledge or discovering your Mac stops working:

We talk about the security of the macOS beta and the dangers you may be taking in additional element in a separate article.

If the soundness of the beta worries you, then you might be in all probability higher off ready till the ultimate model is out, or no less than ready till testing has been occurring for just a few months earlier than getting the beta.

put together your Mac for the beta

Replace your software program: We suggest you could have the newest full model of macOS put in, though Apple says that the macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later.

Make house: We’d suggest no less than 15GB of obtainable house as a result of the macOS betas are typically very giant. If you find yourself requiring more room, learn: release house on Mac. Word that we at all times suggest that you’ve no less than 10% house free in your Mac at any time, so for those who don’t have that, anticipate issues!

Again up: Prior to installing a beta in your Mac, you need to make a backup of your knowledge and recordsdata. You’ll find out how one can use Time Machine to again up your Mac. We even have a round-up of appropriate backup options.

ship suggestions to Apple

Do you have to come throughout an error or a bug, you need to use the Suggestions Assistant app to supply suggestions to Apple. Launch the app and observe the suitable steps, deciding on the world about which you’re offering suggestions after which any particular sub-area. Then describe your situation in a single sentence, earlier than offering a extra detailed description, together with any particular steps that reproduce the problem. You’ll additionally be capable to connect different recordsdata.

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You’ll even have to present permission for the Suggestions Assistant app to gather diagnostic info out of your Mac.

It received’t at all times be apparent whether or not one thing is a bug or simply not as simple to make use of as you might need hoped. Both means, in case your suggestions is that one thing seems to work in an illogical means, Apple will need to know that.

In case you are having hassle with a third-party app, you’ll be able to let Apple know by reporting it by the Third-party Utility Compatibility class within the Suggestions Assistant. Nonetheless, we’d recommend that you just additionally present suggestions to the app’s developer, who will little doubt be grateful.

Will I be capable to replace from macOS beta to the ultimate model?

Beta customers will be capable to set up the ultimate construct of the OS on launch day without having to reformat or reinstall.

Can I discuss in regards to the beta publicly?

In response to Apple and the license settlement all beta testers should comply with, the beta is “Apple confidential info”. By accepting these phrases, you agree to not talk about your use of the software program with anybody who isn’t additionally within the Beta Software program Program. Which means you’ll be able to’t “weblog, submit screenshots, tweet, or publicly submit details about the general public beta software program.”

Nonetheless, you’ll be able to talk about any info that Apple has publicly disclosed; the corporate says that info is not thought-about confidential.

downgrade from the macOS beta

You’ll be able to at all times revert to an earlier model of macOS, although relying on the way you again up, it’s not essentially a painless course of.

Begin by ensuring the info in your drive is backed up, then erase the drive and set up the newest public model of macOS. Once you first begin up your Mac, you should use the Migration Assistant to import your knowledge from the backup. Right here’s a extra detailed tutorial on downgrading from the macOS beta and we even have a tutorial on downgrading to an older model of the Mac OS.

macOS Sonoma beta timeline

To get an concept of what to anticipate for the macOS 26 beta timeline, right here’s how the macOS Sequoia beta rolled out in 2024.

The primary model of the macOS 15 Sequoia developer beta arrived after the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2024.
Beta 2 arrived on June 24.
The primary public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 15, 2024.
Developer beta 4 was launched on July 23. The second public beta additionally arrived on July 23, 2024.
Developer beta 5 arrived on August 5 adopted by the third public beta.
Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 6 on August 12. The fourth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 13, 2024.
Developer beta 7 and the fifth public beta of Sequoia had been launched on August 20.
On August 28, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 beta 8 and the sixth public beta of Sequoia. The discharge candidate of Sequoia arrived on September 9. The total model of Sequoia arrived on appropriate Macs on September 16.

There have been really two variations of the developer beta operating concurrently. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta included Apple Intelligence options which can be solely obtainable on M-series Macs (a iOS 18.1 beta was additionally in growth individually with Apple Intelligence options for appropriate iPhones).

Apple began work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta on July 29.
macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta 2 arrived on August 12.
macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta 3 was launched to builders on August 28.

Initially, this beta was just for builders, however Apple launched a macOS Sequoia 15.1 pubic beta on September 19, 2024, following the discharge of Sequoia to most people. Finally, the macOS Sequoia 15.1 launch candidate was launched on October 21, and a second launch candidate 2 was launched on October 24. The ultimate model of macOS Sequoia 15.1 arrived on appropriate Macs on October 28.

After the macOS Sequoia full launch, the beta continued:

macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta – arrived September 19, 2024
macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta- arrived October 23, 2024. Together with a second set of Apple Intelligence options. The official launch of 15.2 was on December 11.
macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta – arrived December 16, 2024. Together with the power to create Gemoji. Launch Candidate obtainable on January 2.
macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta – arrived on February 19, 2025. Included Mail updates and Proximity Pairing with the iPhone. Launch Candidate obtainable on March 28.
macOS Sequoia 15.5 beta – arrived April 2, 2025. Apple launched the Sequoia 15.5 beta 1 to builders. Out Might 12, 2024.

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