Apple has officially released macOS Tahoe Beta 2 (Build 25A5295e) to developers, marking a significant step forward in refining the next generation of macOS. With visual polish, functional improvements, and critical bug fixes, Beta 2 offers a clearer picture of what users can expect from macOS 26 when it launches publicly this fall.
Here’s everything new and noteworthy in macOS Tahoe Beta 2.
ZEERA MacForge Studio：CNC Aluminum Cooling Case for Mac Studio
CNC Aluminum Cooling Case for Mac Studio with Mac Pro Enclosure Design
Shop NowWhen Will Public Beta Be Available?
Apple is expected to release the macOS Tahoe Public Beta in July 2025, giving a broader audience access to test the new features before the final release in the fall. If the current pace holds, Beta 3 should land in early July.
🎨 Visual Changes: Classic Finder Icons and Liquid Glass Refinement
macOS Tahoe introduces a bold new design language called Liquid Glass, featuring translucent menus, frosted windows, and soft edges. While the initial beta sparked mixed reactions, Beta 2 makes several welcome adjustments:
1. Finder Icon Restored
The classic blue-and-white Finder icon is back, undoing the controversial inverted color scheme introduced in Beta 1.
Credit by: MacRumors
2. New Migration Assistant Icon
A redesigned icon brings better visual consistency to system apps.
Credit by: MacRumors
3. Menu Bar background Toggle
Apple added a new setting called “Show menu bar background” under System Settings → Appearance, allowing users to restore a semi-transparent background for improved readability.
ZEERA Aluminum Alloy MagSafe Kickstand Cooling Case
ZEERA Aluminum Alloy MagSafe Kickstand Cooling Case: Featuring a Futuristic Mechanical Aesthetic for iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop Now⚙️ System Features and Enhancements
macOS Tahoe Beta 2 continues to expand functionality with useful additions:
-
Recovery Assistant: A new utility to help users recover from failed boots or corrupted installs, similar to features coming to iOS 26.
-
AirPods Firmware Beta Support: Developers can now install beta firmware updates to AirPods directly through a connected Mac.
-
External Drives with Apple Intelligence: Macs booted from external drives can now access on-device AI features (Apple Intelligence), including local text generation and image tools.
ZEERA MacForge Gen2 CNC Aluminum Case for 2024 Mac Mini M4
Protect your Mac Mini M4 with this CNC aluminum case designed for improved cooling and a professional, sleek aesthetic.
Shop NowMajor Bug Fixes
Several bugs reported in Beta 1 have been resolved:
-
Erase All Contents and Settings now works without boot issues.
-
Hardware security key sign-in issues have been fixed.
-
Siri’s “Talk to Siri” feature now respects parental and Screen Time restrictions.
-
Keychain Access no longer opens with a blank screen.
Platform Support: The Final Version for Intel Macs
macOS 26 (Tahoe) is confirmed to be the last version that supports Intel-based Macs. Starting in 2026, all macOS updates will require Apple Silicon chips.
-
Beta 2 still runs on supported Intel Macs with 9th-gen Intel Core CPUs or newer, but Apple’s messaging is clear: the future is Apple Silicon.
-
Developers and power users relying on Intel hardware should plan ahead for this transition.
Featured Accessories for macOS Tahoe Users
Looking to elevate your Mac setup alongside macOS 26? Here are two premium aluminum enclosures that not only protect your device but improve thermals and aesthetics — perfect for long-term macOS use.
🖥 For Mac Studio Users:
Zeera MacForge Studio CNC Aluminum Cooling Case
A fully CNC-machined aluminum case inspired by the Mac Pro, with improved airflow, passive + thermal pad cooling, and enhanced cable management. A must-have for performance-heavy workflows.
💻 For Mac Mini M4 Users:
Zeera MacForge Gen2 CNC Aluminum Case for 2024 Mac Mini M4
Turn your Mac Mini into a mini Mac Pro. With top-mounted SSD compartment, seamless screw-free design, and massive thermal improvements, it's both functional and stunning.
Final Thoughts
With Beta 2, Apple is clearly responding to user feedback. Whether you’re drawn to the refined Liquid Glass UI, curious about Apple Intelligence integration, or simply ensuring your workflow runs smoothly, macOS Tahoe Beta 2 is a promising evolution of the Mac experience.
If you're a developer or early adopter, now’s the time to test it out — and prepare for what may be your last macOS update if you're still using an Intel Mac.
