MacOS Tahoe 26 Release Candidate Download Available Now
Apple has released MacOS Tahoe 26 as a release candidate build (build number 25A5353) for users participating in the developer beta and public beta programs. The RC (release candidate) build for Tahoe comes alongside RC builds for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26 too. RC builds are often the final version released to the general public if no major bug or issue is found, and typically indicate the end of the beta testing cycle.
MacOS Tahoe 26 introduces the new Liquid Glass interface appearance to Mac which features more translucency and shinineness with less contrast. You’ll also gain new icon customization choices, new wallpapers, new screen savers, some newly redesigned icons, and other little changes for the interface. Additionally, MacOS Tahoe 26 includes a handy clipboard history feature within Spotlight, Launchpad has turned into an app launcher within Spotlight, Messages app gains background customizations and group chat polls, Phone app with voicemail comes to Mac, Journal app comes to Mac, and many other smaller features and changes.
When will macOS Tahoe 26 final be available for everyone and out of beta?
The final version of MacOS Tahoe 26 will be available for all Mac users on September 15, according to Apple.
Any Mac user with a MacOS Tahoe 26 compatible Mac can intall the RC build right now by either method of installing the Tahoe beta, be it the developer beta or public beta.
How to Download & Install MacOS Tahoe 26 Release Candidate
Always backup Mac with Time Machine before installing any system software update.
- Go to “System Settings” from the ο£Ώ Apple menu
- Select “General”, and then choose “Software Update”
- Choose to “Upgrade Now” or “Update Now” for MacOS Tahoe 26 to download and install the RC build
- Let the Release Candidate build download and install
The Mac must restart to finish installation.
Direct Download Links for macOS Tahoe 26 Release Candidate Installer & IPSW
Full installers and IPSW files for macOS Tahoe RC can be downloaded from Apple CDN with the following links:
If you’re curious to try out Tahoe but don’t want to commit to a full system update, you can run MacOS Tahoe 26 RC in a virtual machine rather easily.
Similarly, the full installer file can be used for creating Tahoe boot installer drives, updating multiple Macs, archival purposes, and more.
We also maintain an list of all available MacOS installers alongside a specific list of MacOS Tahoe 26 installers IPSW files.
