macOS Tahoe beta 2 showcases a new Finder icon and introduces a background toggle for the menu bar.
Apple’s macOS Tahoe has launched its second developer beta, revealing exciting visual updates.
On Monday, following the initial launch of macOS Tahoe developer beta 1, Apple released the second developer beta, increasing the build number from 25A5279m to 25A5295e.
Unlike its predecessor, macOS Sequoia, which emphasized improvements to Apple Intelligence, macOS Tahoe introduces a “Liquid Glass” design language applicable across all Apple devices. It also brings productivity features such as a new Clipboard History functionality.
Overall, this update enhances the experience of making phone calls on your Mac, improves Shortcuts, and adds native support for Linux containers. However, macOS Tahoe marks the final version for Intel Macs, affecting users with older hardware, alongside Apple’s removal of FireWire support.
The second developer beta builds upon the updates announced at WWDC on June 9, focusing on visual enhancements and new customization options.
Users can now enable the background of the macOS menu bar, which defaults to disabled.
The updated Finder icon in macOS Tahoe beta 2 with its classic color scheme.
Previously, users could modify certain elements in the menu bar, but there was no option to significantly change its background or appearance.
This change likely stems from the new “Liquid Glass” design language, as the menu bar is less prominent with the background disabled. When enabled, it returns to the familiar frosted look that Apple fans recognize.
With beta 2, Apple has also refined the Finder icon, reinstating the color scheme Mac users have appreciated for years.
In the first developer beta, the Finder icon featured an inverted color scheme, with blue on the right and white on the left. For over three decades, the colors have been reversed, leading to criticism of Apple’s design choice. Therefore, the company’s reversal isn’t unexpected.
Additionally, a new icon for the Migration Assistant app has been introduced, though significant changes beyond this are minimal in beta 2. Apple typically releases new developer betas for iOS and macOS every week or two, suggesting more features and adjustments may come in future updates.
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