How to install the MacOS 26 beta on your Mac (and which models support it)

How do I install the MacOS 26 public beta?

Once Apple releases the public beta of MacOS 26, you will not need to go through the above steps to to test the developer beta. Instead, you can enroll your Apple ID in Apple’s Beta Software Program and:

1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Click “Beta Updates” and select “MacOS 26 Public Beta.”
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install.

Then you’ll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest public beta version of MacOS 26.

Which Macs are compatible with MacOS 26?

You’ll need a Mac with Apple Silicon (not Intel) running MacOS 15, which is generally from after 2020. Here’s the complete list of compatible models: 

• MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (16‑inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (2020 and later)
• Mac mini (2020 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)

My Mac isn’t on that list, but I’m running Sequoia. Is it compatible?

Unfortunately, some Macs from 2020 or before that are compatible with Sequoia won’t work with MacOS 26. The following models fall into that category: 

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac mini (2018)

When will MacOS 26 release?

Apple released the developer beta series during WWDC 2025 and seeded beta 3 (build 25A5306g) on July 7, 2025. The public beta is expected to drop in July, with the final general release launching this September.

What should I do before installing the MacOS 26 beta?

You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of MacOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind:

Also: MacOS 26 envy? 4 best features that Windows PC users can already use

• Back up your device and personal information.
• Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday Mac. 
• Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve MacOS.

How to submit feedback to Apple

By the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions: MacOS 26 public beta and MacOS 26 developer beta. Both betas come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app. Whenever you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.

Also: Your Mac is about to get a huge Spotlight upgrade – finally

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2025. It was fact-checked and thoroughly updated on July 8, 2025.

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