Apple’s macOS 26.4 beta cycle is moving quickly. One day after the second developer beta arrived, Apple has now started rolling out macOS 26.4 public beta 2 to public testers.
This update uses the same build as the developer release, so public testers should see build 25E5218f once the install finishes.
As with any beta, expect the usual trade-off: early access to changes, plus the risk of bugs. If you rely on your Mac for work, a full backup before updating is still the safest move.
How to update in short steps
- Back up your Mac (Time Machine or your preferred backup method).
- Open System Settings.
- Go to General >Â Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates, then select the public beta channel if you have not already.
- Download and install macOS 26.4 Public Beta 2 and follow the prompts.
If you have not yet enrolled your Apple ID in the public beta program, you will need to sign up through Apple’s beta site, then return to Software Update.
Changes in beta 2
One of the biggest additions in macOS 26.4 is a new battery charge limit option for MacBooks. It lets you cap charging between 80% and 100%, which can help reduce long-term battery wear if you keep your Mac plugged in for long stretches.
Apple is also starting to warn users about Intel-only apps that rely on Rosetta translation. In this beta line, the warning appears as an alert when you open certain Intel apps, part of Apple’s broader shift away from Intel compatibility.
On the app side, Safari changes continue as well. macOS 26.4 brings back an option related to Safari’s compact tab bar, giving users another layout choice in settings.
If you spot anything else that changed in public beta 2, share what you are seeing in the comments.
