Here’s how you can download and install the full and final version of macOS 26 Tahoe on your iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and more.
macOS 26 Tahoe with its Big Liquid Glass Redesign Arrives on the Mac – Available for Download Right Now
Today is an exciting day, folks. macOS 26 Tahoe is finally available for download around the world. If you have a compatible Mac, the update is available to you over the air, and you can start experiencing the new Liquid Glass goodness in no time.
Before you download, there are a few things you must do.
Check for Compatibility
There’s no point in launching Software Update and wondering why the update isn’t showing up for you. macOS 26 Tahoe is compatible with a very few Intel Macs, and you’ll find the complete of them here.
What’s New in macOS 26 Tahoe?
macOS 26 Tahoe is packed with too many features. This includes the new Liquid Glass UI, a new Games app, and a ton more. You can read the official release notes for the update by going to this link.
Download macOS 26 Tahoe Over the Air
Step 1. Launch the System Settings app. You can quickly open it by clicking on the Apple logo in the menu bar, and then click on System Settings.
Step 2. Click on General on the left.
Step 3. In the list of options on the right, you’ll see Software Update. Click on it.
Step 4. Let the page refresh and macOS 26 Tahoe will show up in a few seconds. Click on Update Now next to it.
According to Apple, macOS 26 Tahoe has the following build number: 25A354
Download macOS 26 Apple Silicon Firmware File
You can download the macOS 26 firmware file for an Apple silicon Mac from this link. You can use it to restore another Mac using a USB-C cable.
The process is the same as connecting an iPhone or iPad to your Mac, then using Finder or Apple Configurator to restore the firmware.
Though it’s rare, if you do need to perform a clean installation using DFU mode on the Mac, only then will this firmware file come in handy. Other than that, it’s rather pointless to have it sitting around, and it will just eat up precious storage space.
Clean Install macOS 26 Tahoe
If you want to clean install macOS 26 Tahoe on your Apple silicon Mac, you can do so using the Internet Recovery method. I’ve covered it in detail here, and I will suggest checking it out.
