### Installing macOS Tahoe 26.1 Public Beta: A Guide
Apple has recently launched the initial public beta for macOS Tahoe 26.1, which follows the first developer beta. This article offers a detailed guide on how to install the public beta and what to anticipate from this forthcoming system.
#### First, a Word of Advice
Before moving forward with the installation, it’s vital to think about whether you want to upgrade to the beta version. If you are content with macOS 26, it might be prudent to forgo this beta, as it does not bring many new user-centric features. The developer beta highlighted some behind-the-scenes updates, including preparations for incorporating Anthropic’s MCP protocol and enhancing third-party model integration in Image Playground. Nevertheless, significant changes remain minimal.
Should you choose to install the public beta, it is strongly advised to heed Apple’s recommendation: install it on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac. Always make sure to back up your data prior to making any alterations.
#### How to Install macOS Tahoe 26.1 Public Beta 1
To install the public beta, you must first join Apple’s public beta program at [Apple Beta Software Program](https://beta.apple.com/). Once you have enrolled, proceed with these steps:
1. Open **System Settings**.
2. Go to **General** > **Software Update**.
3. Click the ‘i’ icon near **Beta Updates**.
4. From the dropdown menu in the upper-right corner, select **macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta**.
5. Press **Done**.
#### What to Expect from macOS Tahoe 26.1
The current build of the public beta is 25B5042k, which aligns with developer beta 1. Apple seems to be utilizing this time to prepare for more significant updates down the line. Users can look forward to continuous tweaks and improvements as the beta phase continues.
If you are currently using the public beta, we encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section.
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