MacOS Tahoe 26.4 Update Released with New Emoji, Bug Fixes, Security Patches
MacOS Tahoe 26.4 has been released as a software update for all Mac users running the Tahoe operating system. The update includes a few mission critical new Emoji icons like the cryptid Bigfoot, and some unspecified bug fixes, along with security updates, and is therefore recommended for all macOS Tahoe users to install. There are a few minor new features and changes too, including the return of a compact Safari tab bar option for Mac users, and some battery charging options, though neither of these are mentioned in the Tahoe 26.4 release notes which are included in full further below.
For Mac users not running Tahoe, you will instead find MacOS Sequoia 15.7.5 or macOS Sonoma 14.8.5 as an update available.
Separately, Apple has also released iOS 26.4 for iPhone, iPadOS 26.4 for iPad, watchOS 26.4 for Apple Watch, and tvOS 26.4 for Apple TV, along with some updates for other Apple devices as well.
How to Download & Install MacOS Tahoe 26.4 Update for Mac
Always backup the Mac with Time Machine prior to starting any system software update.
- From the Apple menu, go to “System Settings”
- Select “General” and then go to “Software Update”
- Select to “Update Now” to download and install macOS Tahoe 26.4 update
The update for macOS Tahoe 26.4 is a hefty 18GB, which is basically like downloading the entire Tahoe OS again, so expect the download and update to take a bit particularly if you’re on a slower internet connection and/or a slower Mac. The Mac must reboot to finish installation.
macOS Tahoe 26.4 Direct Download Links
Direct download links for the macOS Tahoe 26.4 installer package and the macOS Tahoe 26.4 IPSW firmware file are below, via Apple CDN servers:
You can use these installer files and IPSW files for various purposes, including making Tahoe bootable installer drives, an easy Tahoe virtual machine, clean installs, updating multiple Macs on a single download, and much more.
MacOS Sequoia 15.7.5 & MacOS Sonoma 14.8.5 Direct Download Links
Direct download links for MacOS Sequoia 15.7.5 and macOS Sonoma 14.8.5 via Apple CDN servers:
macOS Tahoe 26.4 Release Notes
Release notes included with Tahoe 26.4 are non-specific, mentioning new emojis and unspecified bug fixes and security updates. If you were hoping for more information than what Apple has provided you’re certainly not alone, but here is what is presented:
macOS Tahoe 26.4
This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100.
Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. To learn more, please visit: apple.com/macos/feature-availability.
Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: support.apple.com/125039.
Don’t forget to update all of your other Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices and hardware, since just about everything received an update today.
