Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.2 to the public, introducing the innovative Edge Light feature that uses your Mac's display as a virtual ring light during video calls. The update also includes important improvements to podcasts, gaming, and media apps, along with 46 critical security fixes addressing actively exploited vulnerabilities.
The free update is available now for all compatible Macs running macOS Tahoe through System Settings > General > Software Update. This release brings one of the most significant video calling improvements to macOS in recent years, alongside essential security patches that users should install immediately.
How to Update to macOS Tahoe 26.2
- Open System Settings on your Mac
- Click General in the sidebar
- Click Software Update
- Click Update Now when macOS Tahoe 26.2 appears
Download Size: Approximately 2.8 GB (varies by Mac model)
Important: This update includes critical security fixes. Install it as soon as possible.
Edge Light: The Flagship Feature
The most notable addition in macOS Tahoe 26.2 is Edge Light, a creative solution to a common problem for remote workers and video call participants: poor lighting that makes you difficult to see on camera.
Edge Light uses your Mac's display to illuminate your face like a virtual ring light when you're on a video call in low-light conditions. Here's how it works:
- Automatic Activation: On newer Macs introduced in 2024 and later, Edge Light can automatically turn on when the system detects low light during video calls
- Customizable Settings: Adjust the light width and color temperature to match your preference and environment
- App Compatibility: Works with FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and other video calling apps that use the Mac's camera
- Privacy-Focused: The feature only activates during video calls and can be manually controlled
The Edge Light feature is particularly useful for MacBook users working in dimly lit environments, home offices without proper lighting, or when taking calls in the evening. The display emits a soft, diffused light that brightens your face without being harsh or distracting to your eyes.
How to Use Edge Light
To configure Edge Light on your Mac:
- Open System Settings
- Navigate to Video Calls or Camera settings
- Find the Edge Light option
- Choose between automatic or manual activation
- Adjust light intensity and color temperature to your preference
Edge Light System Requirements
While Edge Light is available on all Macs running macOS Tahoe 26.2, automatic activation and advanced customization options require:
- Mac models introduced in 2024 or later
- Apple Silicon (M1 or later) for optimal performance
- macOS Tahoe 26.2 or later
Older Mac models can still use Edge Light with manual activation.
Podcasts App Enhancements
Apple has significantly improved the Podcasts app in macOS Tahoe 26.2 with several intelligent features:
Automatically Generated Chapters
Podcasts now feature automatically generated chapters that make it easier to navigate long episodes and find specific topics. The system uses machine learning to analyze the audio content and identify natural break points and topic changes.
Embedded Podcast Links
When podcast hosts mention other podcasts, the app can now display clickable links to those shows, making it easier to discover new content directly from what you're listening to.
Improved Organization
- Better categorization of saved episodes
- Enhanced search functionality within episodes
- Smarter recommendations based on listening history
Games App Updates
The Games app, introduced in macOS Tahoe 26, receives several useful improvements in version 26.2:
- Improved Library Filters: More granular options to sort and filter your game library by genre, platform, play time, and achievement progress
- In-Game Challenge Updates: Real-time notifications for game challenges and achievements from friends
- Controller Support: Enhanced support for connected game controllers including PlayStation, Xbox, and third-party controllers
- Performance Monitoring: Better overlay tools for tracking FPS and system resource usage while gaming
Apple Music Improvements
Apple Music users will find a new Favorite Songs playlist automatically added to the Top Picks section. This playlist intelligently compiles your most-played and recently favorited tracks, making it easier to rediscover music you love.
Additional Apple Music enhancements include:
- Improved playlist organization
- Better integration with Apple Music Classical
- Enhanced lyrics display during playback
- Smarter radio recommendations
Apple News Navigation Updates
The Apple News app features improved navigation in macOS Tahoe 26.2, making it easier to browse articles, manage your reading list, and discover new content:
- Streamlined sidebar navigation
- Faster article loading times
- Better topic organization
- Enhanced search results
Freeform Gets More Flexible Tables
Freeform, Apple's collaborative whiteboard app, now supports more flexible table creation and editing:
- Resize rows and columns independently
- Merge and split table cells
- Add custom formatting to individual cells
- Import tables from other applications
- Better collaboration features for shared boards
Critical Security Updates
macOS Tahoe 26.2 addresses 46 security vulnerabilities, including two critical WebKit zero-day exploits that Apple confirms were actively exploited in attacks against specific individuals.
All users should install this update immediately to protect against these vulnerabilities.
Security Fixes: 46 Vulnerabilities Addressed
The security aspect of this update cannot be overstated. Apple has patched a total of 46 vulnerabilities across various system components, making this one of the most significant security updates of the year.
Zero-Day WebKit Vulnerabilities
Two WebKit vulnerabilities are of particular concern:
- CVE-2025-xxxx1: A vulnerability that could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute arbitrary code
- CVE-2025-xxxx2: A memory corruption issue that could lead to unauthorized access to system resources
Apple has disclosed that these vulnerabilities were exploited "in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals" in earlier versions of iOS and macOS. While the attacks appear to have been highly targeted (possibly linked to mercenary spyware like Pegasus), the existence of active exploitation makes updating critical for all users.
Other Security Improvements
Additional security fixes address vulnerabilities in:
- Kernel: Multiple privilege escalation and information disclosure issues
- Safari: Cross-site scripting and privacy vulnerabilities
- Bluetooth: Potential for unauthorized device pairing
- System Services: Various stability and security enhancements
- Graphics Drivers: Fixes for potential memory corruption
For a complete list of security fixes, visit Apple's security content page for macOS Tahoe 26.2.
Performance and Stability Improvements
Beyond the headlining features and security fixes, macOS Tahoe 26.2 includes numerous under-the-hood improvements:
- Improved system stability when using external displays
- Better memory management for long-running applications
- Enhanced battery life on MacBook models
- Faster wake from sleep on Apple Silicon Macs
- Reduced CPU usage for background processes
Bug Fixes
This update resolves several issues reported by users since macOS Tahoe 26.1:
- Fixed an issue that prevented some users from upgrading to macOS Tahoe on Mac Studio (M3 Ultra, 2025)
- Resolved problems with Bluetooth audio devices disconnecting unexpectedly
- Addressed an issue where certain USB-C accessories weren't recognized properly
- Fixed Mail app crashes when handling large attachments
- Resolved Safari tab restoration issues after force quit
Compatible Mac Models
macOS Tahoe 26.2 is compatible with all Mac models that support macOS Tahoe 26:
- MacBook Air (2020 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2020 and later)
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- iMac (2019 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2019 and later)
- Mac Studio (all models)
Note: While macOS Tahoe 26.2 runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs, some features like Edge Light's automatic activation and advanced gaming capabilities work best on Apple Silicon (M1 or later).
Should You Update?
The answer is a resounding yes, especially given the critical security vulnerabilities addressed in this release. The actively exploited WebKit zero-day vulnerabilities alone make this update essential.
Beyond security, the Edge Light feature is genuinely useful for anyone who regularly participates in video calls, and the improvements to Podcasts, Games, and other apps enhance the overall macOS experience.
As always, we recommend:
- Backing up your Mac with Time Machine before updating
- Ensuring you have adequate free storage space (at least 20GB)
- Updating when you have time to spare in case the installation takes longer than expected
- Checking that critical third-party apps are compatible if you rely on specialized software
What's Next: macOS Tahoe 26.3
Apple has already begun testing macOS Tahoe 26.3 with developers and public beta testers. The first beta was released on December 15, just three days after this 26.2 release went public.
While no new features have been discovered in the 26.3 beta yet, it's expected to focus on stability improvements, additional bug fixes, and security updates. The public release is anticipated for late January 2026.