Apple has released macOS 26.4 beta 2 for developers, keeping the 26.4 beta cycle moving. It arrives about a week after the first developer beta landed, and it continues Apple’s spring test run ahead of the public release.
This second beta is now available through Software Update for Macs enrolled in developer betas. The build number for beta 2 is 25E5218f.
If you install it, expect the usual beta trade-offs. You get early access to changes, but you also take on the risk of bugs, app issues, and battery quirks, so a current backup matters before you start.
How to update macOS 26.4 beta 2
- Open System Settings
- Go to General > Software Update
- Tap the Beta Updates option and select the developer beta for macOS
- Download and install macOS 26.4 beta 2
Changes in macOS 26.4
macOS 26.4’s headline additions showed up in beta 1, and beta 2 continues that path with more fixes and polish. Here are the changes most users will notice while testing.
Charge Limit for MacBook battery health
macOS 26.4 adds a built-in Charge Limit setting that lets you cap charging between 80% and 100%, which helps reduce long-term battery wear if you stay plugged in often.
Safari’s compact tab bar option returns
Apple has brought back the compact tab bar option in Safari settings, giving you a familiar layout choice if you prefer a tighter browser UI.
More visible Rosetta 2 warnings
Apple is starting to surface warnings tied to the future of Rosetta 2, the translation layer that helps Apple silicon Macs run Intel-based apps. The message is simple: check which apps still rely on Rosetta, and plan updates.
Apple will keep iterating through more betas before macOS 26.4 ships broadly in the spring. If you spot changes in beta 2 that are not listed here, share what you’re seeing in the comments.
