How does the MacOS 26 public beta differ from the final release?
When Apple releases the beta to the public, it’s a sign that it believes the operating system to be stable enough to try out. But there are certainly still bugs, and the software may not be fully optimized. This means it could be a little slower and unpolished than the final version this fall.
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?
The final general release will launch in September 2025.
What should I do before installing the MacOS 26 beta?
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
The MacOS public beta comes with its own built-in Feedback Assistant app, which you can open from the dock. If you encounter something that doesn’t work, or you have feedback on any part of the OS, you can communicate directly with Apple via that app.
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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