macOS 26 Beta 5 Now Available: Here’s How to Download and Install It on Your Mac

Apple has released macOS 26 Beta 5 for developers. Here’s how to install the latest macOS Tahoe beta on your Mac, plus what to know before you upgrade.

How to Install macOS 26 Beta 5 on Your Mac

Apple has officially seeded macOS 26 Beta 5 (Tahoe) to developers, pushing its next-generation desktop OS one step closer to public release. If you’re a registered developer or an early adopter already running a previous beta, updating is quick and simple.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install macOS 26 Beta 5

If you’re enrolled in the Apple Developer Program (now free to join), you can install the latest macOS beta in just a few clicks:

1. Open System Settings
2. Navigate to General > Software Update
3. Wait for macOS 26 Developer Beta 5 to appear
4. Click Upgrade Now and follow the on-screen instructions

Tip: Make sure your Mac is compatible and your Apple ID is linked to your developer account. If you’re not yet enrolled, visit developer.apple.com to sign up and follow the instructions below:

1. Open System Settings on Your Mac

• Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Choose System Settings (formerly “System Preferences”).

2. Head to Software Update

• In the left sidebar, go to General.
• Then click on Software Update.

3. Enable Beta Updates

• You’ll see an option labeled Beta Updates near the top.
• Click on it and select macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta from the dropdown menu.
• You may be prompted to sign in with your Apple Developer credentials, go ahead and do that.

4. Download and Install macOS 26 Beta

• Once you’ve selected the correct beta channel, macOS 26 Beta will show up as an available update.
• Click Upgrade Now.
• Sit back (maybe grab a coffee) while your Mac does its thing.

What’s New in macOS 26 Beta 5?

While Apple hasn’t shared a detailed changelog, macOS 26 Beta 5 is expected to include:

• Continued performance optimizations
• Stability improvements across system apps and UI
• Fixes for bugs reported in Beta 4
• Minor visual refinements and smoother animations

Things to Know Before Updating

Before installing macOS 26 Beta 5, keep in mind:

• This is a developer beta, not a final release.
• You may encounter bugs, app crashes, or compatibility issues.
• Not recommended for daily-use machines.
• Always back up your Mac before upgrading.

If you’re not a developer or haven’t jumped on the beta train yet, you may want to wait for the stable version later this fall.

Final Thoughts

macOS 26 Beta 5 continues Apple’s developer-focused push toward the final release of macOS Tahoe 26. Whether you’re testing new app builds, evaluating performance, or exploring under-the-hood changes, this update is a valuable step in the beta journey.

For developers, it’s time to ensure app readiness. For everyone else, hang tight—the full release is inching closer.