Apple has just rolled out the second developer beta of macOS Tahoe 26, and it brings several small but impactful changes that refine the user experience and prepare macOS for a more intelligent, customizable future. From visual tweaks to powerful new features for AirPods and developers, Beta 2 fine-tunes what was introduced in the first release and introduces a few surprises along the way. Read on to unravel all the notable features and changes:
1. Menu Bar Transparency Option Returns
As part of macOS Tahoe’s new “Liquid Glass” interface, Apple initially removed the frosted glass background from the menu bar. However, the second beta reintroduces this look as an option.
- A new toggle labeled “Show menu bar background” is now available in System Settings > Menu Bar, allowing you to choose between a frosted or transparent appearance depending on personal preference.
2. Classic Finder Icon Makes a Comeback
One of the most noticeable changes in Beta 2 is the reversal of the controversial redesign of the Finder icon. In the first beta, Apple flipped the classic color scheme—placing blue on the right and white on the left—which disappointed many long-time users.
With the second beta, Apple has returned to the iconic design with blue on the left and white on the right, responding to community feedback.
3. Migration Assistant Icon Refreshed
Apple has also updated the Migration Assistant app icon in macOS Tahoe Beta 2. While the functionality remains unchanged, the new design aligns better with the system’s overall modern aesthetic and the refreshed app icon style introduced in macOS Tahoe.
4. AirPods Beta Firmware Support on Mac
In a notable move, macOS Tahoe Beta 2 allows users to opt in to beta firmware updates for AirPods directly from a Mac.
- After connecting AirPods, users can access the new option under Bluetooth settings by clicking the (i) icon next to their AirPods and scrolling down to find the “AirPods Beta Updates” toggle.
- Currently limited to developers, this feature will expand to public beta testers in July, starting with AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
5. AirPods Beta Firmware Support Unlocks Some Notable Features
The support for the AirPods beta firmware on Mac has opened the game for some pretty cool features.
- Improved audio quality during calls and video chats
- Studio-grade audio capture for podcasts, interviews, and recordings
- The ability to use AirPods as a remote shutter for the Camera app
- Intelligent audio pausing when sleep is detected
6. Improved Software Update Transparency
A new “Your Mac has been updated” notification has been added to improve update transparency.
7. Test Your Apps Without Rosetta 2
Apple is encouraging developers to begin preparing their apps for a future without Rosetta 2, which will be deprecated starting with macOS 28.
8. Apple Intelligence Now Works from External Drives
Another subtle but significant improvement: users can now boot macOS Tahoe from an external drive and access Apple Intelligence features by default. Previously, this required a manual workaround using Terminal commands. This change simplifies testing and deployment for developers and advanced users.
9. New Recovery Assistant for Troubleshooting
The second beta also introduces a Recovery Assistant—a tool designed to help users recover their Macs if they fail to boot correctly. It diagnoses issues and attempts to resolve them automatically, echoing a similar feature added in iOS 26.
Wrapping up..!
And that’s about it! macOS Tahoe 26 Beta 2 is a thoughtful step forward, balancing cosmetic fixes with deeper system-level improvements. Whether you’re a developer looking to prepare for Apple’s AI future or an everyday user who appreciates classic macOS design, there’s something in this update for everyone. As we edge closer to the public release, expect further refinements and enhancements in future betas.
