What's New in macOS Tahoe 26.2

macOS Tahoe 26.2 is both a feature update and critical security release. While it addresses 46 security vulnerabilities, it also introduces the innovative Edge Light feature and several other improvements across the system.

Edge Light - Revolutionary Video Call Illumination

The flagship feature of macOS Tahoe 26.2 is Edge Light, which transforms your Mac's display into a professional ring light for video calls. This innovative feature provides natural-looking illumination when you're in low-light environments.

How Edge Light Works

Intelligent Detection: Uses the Mac's Neural Engine to analyze your face, size, and position in the frame to deliver accurate lighting
Adaptive Brightness: The Image Signal Processor automatically adjusts brightness to match your environment
Display Integration: Creates a virtual ring light around the edges of your display, illuminating your face from the optimal angle
Smart Activation: On 2024 and later Macs, Edge Light can activate automatically in low-light conditions
Customizable Settings: Adjust light width and color temperature to your preference
Interactive Design: The light recedes when you move your mouse or trackpad, ensuring it never interferes with your work

Edge Light Compatibility

Basic Support: All Macs with Apple silicon running macOS Tahoe 26.2 or later
Auto-Activation: Requires a Mac introduced in 2024 or later
App Support: Works with FaceTime, Zoom, and all other video calling applications
Access: Available through the menu bar during video calls

Other New Features

Podcasts: Automatically generated chapters with embedded links for easier navigation
Games App: Improved filters in the Games library and in-game challenge updates
Game Controllers: Enhanced support for connected game controllers
Apple News: Navigation improvements for easier content discovery
Freeform: More flexible table functionality for collaborative work
Apple Music: New Favorite Songs playlist in Top Picks

Critical Security Fixes

WebKit Zero-Day Exploits: Patches two actively exploited vulnerabilities that Apple confirmed were used in "an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals"
46 Total Vulnerabilities: Comprehensive security patches across the system
System Security: Addresses various kernel and system-level vulnerabilities
Privacy Enhancements: Improved privacy protections across system services
Network Security: Patches for network-related security issues

Important Notes

This update is available for all Macs running macOS Tahoe 26.x
Concurrent security updates were released for macOS Sequoia 15.7.3 and macOS Sonoma 14.8.3
Safari 26.2 is included as part of this update
Apple strongly recommends installing this update as soon as possible due to active exploits
Edge Light is the most significant feature addition since Tahoe 26.0's initial release

System Requirements

macOS Tahoe 26.2 maintains the same system requirements as macOS Tahoe 26.0:

MacBook Pro: 2019 and later
MacBook Air: 2020 and later
Mac mini: 2020 and later
iMac: 2021 and later
Mac Studio: All models
Mac Pro: 2019 and later

How to Update

Back up your Mac using Time Machine or your preferred backup method
Open System Settings from the Apple menu
Click on "General" in the sidebar
Select "Software Update"
Click "Update Now" when macOS Tahoe 26.2 appears
Follow the on-screen instructions
Your Mac will restart to complete the installation

Important: Always back up your data before installing any system update. While security updates are generally safe, it's best to be prepared.

Known Issues

As of the release date, no significant known issues have been reported with macOS Tahoe 26.2. This page will be updated if any issues are discovered.

Related Updates

The following updates were released simultaneously on December 12, 2025:

macOS Sequoia 15.7.3 - Security update for Sequoia users
macOS Sonoma 14.8.3 - Security update for Sonoma users
iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 - Mobile security updates
watchOS 26.2 - Apple Watch security update
tvOS 26.2 - Apple TV security update