iOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, and iPadOS 26.2 betas are here: How to download

It's easy.
 By 
Alex Perry
 on 
Apple logo
You beta hurry up and download this. Credit: Giannis Alexopoulos / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Apple has fresh new software betas out for iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices, and you can try them now.

Earlier this week, Apple released developer betas for iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. Now, there are public betas for both, per MacRumors. On top of that, the first developer (meaning technically not public yet) beta for macOS Tahoe 26.2 is also here, according to 9to5Mac. There's a lot to dig into here, in other words.

It doesn't seem like there are a huge number of amazing new features in these updates just yet, though Apple generally adds to these betas over time. Still, if you want to hop in and test them out, here's how to do that.

How to download iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 public betas

First up are iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, the two betas that are available in public form, meaning you don't need to sign up for a developer account to access them. That said, you do need to sign up for Apple's beta program on its website, which is simple enough to do with your Apple Account (formerly known as Apple ID).

Once you've done that, you should be able to download the beta by simply going to the Software Update portion of the Settings app on each device. If you're signed up for beta updates, it should be available for you to download. Easy, right?

How to download macOS Tahoe 26.2 developer beta

Things are slightly more complicated on the macOS side of things because that beta isn't available in public form yet. However, even regular folks can download it as long as they know what to do.

First, you need to enroll in the free version of Apple's developer program. You can register on Apple's website. Then you go to Apple's developer website, log in with your Apple Account, and enroll in the beta program. After you've done all of that, you can download the beta by following these steps:

  1. Create a backup for your Mac

  2. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update

  3. Click the "i" icon next to Beta Updates

  4. Select "macOS Tahoe Developer Beta" from the drop-down menu

  5. Select "Done"

You should be all set after that.

journalist alex perry looking at a smartphone
Alex Perry
Tech Reporter

Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.

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