Apple has released second Release Candidate builds of macOS Tahoe 26.7 and macOS Sequoia 15.8 to developers for testing. macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC 2 carries build number 25G224, while macOS Sequoia 15.8 RC 2 uses build 24H20. Both arrive one week after the first RC builds, which carried build numbers 25G220 and 24H16, respectively.
The new builds remain focused on security fixes, bug fixes, and final stability work rather than user-facing features. Apple is currently concentrating its major feature development on macOS 27 Golden Gate, which is moving through its own beta cycle ahead of its public release.
How to update to macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC 2 or macOS Sequoia 15.8 RC 2
Registered developers with beta updates enabled can install the latest Release Candidate directly through System Settings.
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- Open System Settings on your Mac.
- Select General from the sidebar.
- Click Software Update.
- Click the information button next to Beta Updates if the RC does not appear automatically.
- Select the appropriate macOS developer beta channel for your Mac.
- Click Done and return to Software Update.
- Wait for macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC 2 or macOS Sequoia 15.8 RC 2 to appear.
- Click Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.
Backing up important files before installing prerelease software remains recommended, particularly when installing an RC on a primary Mac.
All changes in macOS Tahoe 26.7 and macOS Sequoia 15.8
Apple has kept the release notes for these updates short, and the current testing cycle has concentrated primarily on security and maintenance changes. The company did not release a normal sequence of numbered 26.7 and 15.8 beta builds before moving to the Release Candidate stage.
- Security improvements: macOS Tahoe 26.7 includes security fixes for Mac users, while macOS Sequoia 15.8 includes important security fixes recommended for users. More detailed security information should become available around the public releases.
- System stability: The second RC gives Apple another opportunity to address issues discovered in the first Release Candidate before releasing the updates publicly.
- No major new features: Apple has not announced new user-facing features for either update. macOS Tahoe 26.7 is primarily a maintenance release as development shifts toward macOS 27 Golden Gate.
- First RC builds replaced: The original macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC arrived as build 25G220, while macOS Sequoia 15.8 RC carried build 24H16. RC 2 moves those numbers to 25G224 and 24H20, confirming that Apple made additional changes before the expected public release.
- References to unreleased Apple hardware: The first macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC contained internal references connected to several unreleased Apple products, including future iPhones, Macs, home devices, iPads, and camera-equipped AirPods. It also contained a demonstration asset related to AirPods using cameras with Visual Intelligence.
The arrival of a second Release Candidate suggests Apple is continuing final testing before macOS Tahoe 26.7 and macOS Sequoia 15.8 reach all compatible Macs.
If you’ve already installed the update, let us know your experience in the comments.
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