The second developer beta of macOS Tahoe is now available for testing, bringing a variety of exciting new features and changes to enhance the Mac user experience. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive recap of everything new that has been discovered in the macOS Tahoe beta 2 so far.
One of the most notable updates in the second beta is the restoration of the Finder app icon to its original design. In the first beta of macOS Tahoe, users were disappointed to find that the icon's colors had been inverted, with blue appearing on the right side and white on the left. Apple has clearly listened to user feedback and reverted the icon to its former glory in this latest update.
In addition to the Finder icon, the second beta also introduces a redesigned Migration Assistant app icon, giving it a refreshed and modern appearance. This change aligns with Apple's ongoing commitment to improving the visual aesthetics of its applications.
As part of the Liquid Glass redesign, Apple removed the frosted background from the menu bar by default in macOS Tahoe. For users who preferred the previous look, the second beta adds a new Show menu bar background option in the System Settings app under the Menu Bar section, allowing for greater customization of the user interface.
Another significant addition in macOS Tahoe beta 2 is the ability to enroll in AirPods beta firmware updates directly from your Mac. Users can connect their AirPods to their Mac, open the System Settings app, navigate to the Bluetooth menu, and select the (i) symbol next to their AirPods. From there, they can enable beta firmware updates, which will be installed when the AirPods are in their charging case and near the Mac. Currently, Apple offers these updates exclusively to developers, but plans are underway to launch public betas for the first time in July, starting with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
The latest firmware beta for these AirPods models introduces enhancements for audio quality during phone and video calls, as well as studio-quality audio recording capabilities for interviews, podcasts, and videos. Moreover, users can utilize AirPods as a camera remote through the Camera app to capture photos or initiate video recordings. A notable new feature is the ability for AirPods to automatically pause audio if the user falls asleep.
According to Apple's release notes for the second macOS Tahoe developer beta, the update includes a new Recovery Assistant feature, similar to one introduced in iOS 16. This feature provides a new method for recovering devices that do not start up normally, allowing the system to search for and resolve any detected problems.
Additionally, it has been reported by users on Reddit that the Apple Intelligence feature can now be utilized when booting macOS Tahoe from an external drive by default—a process that previously required a manual Terminal command. Other enhancements include a new notification stating Your Mac has been updated, as well as the ability for developers to test their applications without relying on Rosetta 2, which is set to be phased out in future macOS versions.
Looking ahead, the first public beta of macOS Tahoe is expected to be available in July, with a full release anticipated in September. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the features of macOS Tahoe.
