TL;DR
Apple has issued the second developer beta of macOS Tahoe 26.3 alongside beta 2 builds for iOS and iPadOS. Early notes indicate few visible changes in the macOS build, with the release identified as 25D5101c and installation available via the System Settings beta menu.
What happened
On Jan. 12, 2026 Apple pushed macOS Tahoe 26.3 beta 2 to developers as part of the company’s 2026 beta cycle, coinciding with second beta releases for iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3 and other platforms. Early coverage of the seed suggests this macOS update is light on new features and substantial code changes compared with recent iOS betas, which are receiving work related to EU notification-handling rules and new wallpaper options. The build number for this macOS beta is 25D5101c. Apple provides the developer beta through the Software Update pane in System Settings; users are advised to back up their Mac first, then select the macOS Developer Tahoe Beta under the Beta Updates menu before installing. Observers and testers are being asked to report any discoveries or behavior changes as the cycle proceeds.
Why it matters
- A relatively feature-free beta indicates Apple may be focusing on stability and minor fixes for macOS rather than large new additions.
- Developers running the seed can test compatibility and report issues ahead of wider releases.
- The simultaneous rollouts across iOS and iPadOS highlight Apple’s coordinated beta schedule for early 2026.
- The build identifier (25D5101c) helps testers track this specific iteration during debugging and feedback.
Key facts
- macOS Tahoe 26.3 beta 2 was released to developers on Jan. 12, 2026.
- The build number for this release is 25D5101c.
- Apple released beta 2 versions for iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 at the same time.
- Early reports indicate the macOS beta introduces few visible new features or major code changes.
- Instructions to install: back up your Mac, open System Settings → General → Software Update, tap the 'i' icon next to Beta Updates, pick macOS Developer Tahoe Beta from the dropdown, and confirm.
- The article contrasts the quiet macOS beta with more active iOS work, including changes tied to EU notification requirements and new wallpapers.
- The publisher asked readers to report any changes they find in the beta.
What to watch next
- Whether subsequent macOS 26.3 betas add new features or only deliver bug fixes and stability improvements — not confirmed in the source.
- If any macOS-specific changes are introduced to support EU notification-forwarding rules (the source confirms iOS groundwork but does not confirm macOS changes).
- Community reports and developer feedback on stability and compatibility as the beta cycle continues.
Quick glossary
- Beta: A pre-release version of software provided to testers and developers for feedback before general availability.
- Developer beta: A beta release intended primarily for registered developers to test apps and system integration against upcoming OS changes.
- Build number: An identifier assigned to a specific compiled version of software that helps track and reference exact releases during testing.
- EU third-party notification forwarding: A regulatory-driven capability referenced in reporting about iOS betas that enables certain cross-vendor notification handling; specifics vary by platform and implementation.
Reader FAQ
Who can install macOS Tahoe 26.3 beta 2?
Developer beta builds are aimed at registered developers; the article describes the developer release channel.
How do I install this beta on my Mac?
Back up your Mac, open System Settings → General → Software Update, tap the 'i' icon by Beta Updates, select macOS Developer Tahoe Beta from the dropdown, then install.
Does this beta add major new macOS features?
Early reports say the macOS beta introduces few noticeable new features or large code changes.
Will macOS 26.3 include the EU notification-forwarding changes seen in iOS?
Not confirmed in the source.
iPhone 17e launching as soon as next month: Here are five upgrades to look forward to Michael Burkhardt Jan 11 2026 MACOS MACOS 26.3 macOS Tahoe 26.3 beta 2 now…
Sources
- macOS Tahoe 26.3 beta 2 now available, here’s what to expect
- Second macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for …
- iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3 betas get second test …
- macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Release Notes
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