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What’s New in macOS Tahoe Developer Beta 2

June 23, 2025 IOS, News


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.

Finder application icons in blue and black, with smiley faces, alongside a magnifying glass icon.
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.

See also  How to Utilize Visual Intelligence in iOS 26

Visual Intelligence is a powerful feature in iOS 26 that enhances user experience through advanced image recognition and processing capabilities. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Enable Visual Intelligence

Ensure that Visual Intelligence is activated in your device settings. Go to Settings > Privacy > Visual Intelligence, and toggle it on.

2. Camera Integration

Use the camera app to access Visual Intelligence features. It can identify objects, landmarks, and even text in real-time. Simply point your camera at the subject you want to analyze.

3. Photos App

Explore your photo library through the Photos app. Visual Intelligence can automatically tag and categorize your images, making it easier to search for specific memories.

4. Accessibility Features

Utilize Visual Intelligence to assist with accessibility. It can describe visual content for users with visual impairments, providing detailed information about the surroundings.

5. Third-Party Apps

Take advantage of compatible third-party apps that harness Visual Intelligence for enhanced functionalities such as image editing, augmented reality, or shopping.

6. Continuous Learning

Engage with Visual Intelligence regularly, as it learns from your interactions. The more you use it, the smarter and more tailored it becomes to your preferences.

By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate Visual Intelligence into your daily iOS 26 experience, unlocking a new level of convenience and efficiency.

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.

Notice any changes in the new build? Connect with us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @MarkozNewz, or send an email to Marko at marko@AppleInsider.com.