Stable

macOS Tahoe 26.5

The Final Tune-Up Before WWDC 2026

Build Number25F71
Release DateMay 11, 2026
Download Size~3.1 GB (varies by Mac)
TypeMaintenance & Security Update

What's New in macOS Tahoe 26.5

macOS Tahoe 26.5 is a stability- and reliability-focused release. After four developer betas that surfaced no major user-facing features, the public build lands as a classic "Snow Leopard"-style tune-up: refinement, bug fixes, and a sizable batch of security patches rather than new functionality. It is recommended for everyone running macOS Tahoe 26.

Refinements & Bug Fixes

  • AirPlay reliability: Fixes an issue where streaming to AirPlay 2 speakers and Apple TV could drop after waking from sleep.
  • External displays: Resolves cases where a connected display would stay black until the Mac was unplugged and reconnected, primarily on Apple Silicon laptops with the lid closed.
  • Bluetooth: Addresses intermittent disconnects with some third-party mice and game controllers.
  • Photos: Improves performance when scrolling very large libraries and fixes a bug that could cause iCloud Photos sync to stall.
  • Liquid Glass: Smooths animation hitches in Control Center and the menu bar on Intel Macs.
  • Mail & Calendar: Fixes a sync delay affecting some Exchange and Google accounts.
  • M5 MacBooks: Carries forward and extends the 26.4.1 Wi-Fi fixes for 802.1X enterprise networks.

Security Content

  • macOS Tahoe 26.5 includes 45+ security fixes across the kernel, WebKit, Safari, and system frameworks.
  • No actively exploited zero-days were disclosed for this release, but Apple still recommends installing it promptly.
  • Full CVE details are published on Apple's security releases page.

Released Alongside

For Macs that have not upgraded to Tahoe, Apple shipped matching security-only updates on the same day:

  • macOS Sequoia 15.7.7 — security update
  • macOS Sonoma 14.8.7 — security update

iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and tvOS 26.5 were released the same week.

System Requirements

  • 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

Note: macOS Tahoe 26 is the final macOS release to support Intel Macs. From macOS 27 onward, only Apple Silicon Macs will be supported.

How to Update to macOS Tahoe 26.5

  1. Back up your Mac with Time Machine or a clone before installing.
  2. Open System Settings → General → Software Update.
  3. Click Update Now when macOS Tahoe 26.5 appears.
  4. Keep your Mac plugged in and allow it to restart.

The download is roughly 3.1 GB but varies by Mac model and the version you are updating from. If the update stalls, see our guide on fixing a stuck "Preparing Update".

What's Next

Two follow-up releases have since shipped: macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 (June 1, an enterprise M5 bug fix) and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 (June 29, a security update). At WWDC 2026 Apple announced macOS 27 Golden Gate, now in developer beta and expected to ship in September.

Problems With This Update?

Most macOS update issues have a quick fix. These guides cover the ones readers hit most often:

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