Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and HomePod Software 26.2

Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and HomePod Software 26.2.

Our experience is that the following accessibility bug has been resolved in macOS Tahoe 26.2:

• Screensaver no longer starts while VoiceOver is speaking.

We are additionally aware of the following accessibility change in macOS Tahoe 26.2:

• In the Messages app, the search field and "Conversations" collection have been moved to the right of the message text field.

If you notice any further changes, improvements, or regressions in your use of these releases, please post a comment below with your findings.

Release Notes

macOS Tahoe 26.2

This update introduces Edge Light to illuminate your face during low-light video calls, and includes other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

Edge Light

• Edge Light video effect uses the Mac display to illuminate your face like a virtual ring light when you’re on a video call in low light
• Customizable light width and temperature give you control over how you’re lit
• Mouse awareness ensures that the light recedes when you need to access content underneath
• Option to have the light turn on automatically in low light situations on Mac computers introduced in 2024 and later

Podcasts

• Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate more episodes
• Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript

Games

• Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
• In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
• Connected controller support

This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes

• AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
• Apple News Section links in the sidebar of the News app offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food
• Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
• Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks in Apple Music
• Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the library were not immediately playable at their release time

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100

watchOS 26.2

This update provides improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Sleep app adds sleep score notification controls and refinements to classifications
• Enhanced Safety Alerts can inform you about imminent threats such as floods, natural disasters, and other emergencies, with rich information like a map of affected areas and links to additional safety guidance (available in the US)
• Fixes an issue where the Music app might fail to advance to the next song

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/100100

tvOS 26.2

This update makes it easier for everyone to create their own profile for the Apple TV app to enjoy their favorite movies and shows, and includes performance and stability improvements.

Apple TV app profiles

• Profiles can now be added for family and friends without an Apple Account, enabling their own Watchlist and the ability to explore movies and shows just for them.
• Age-suitable content across video providers automatically appears for kid profiles.
• Restrictions can be set on kid profiles to limit access to age-appropriate content.

HomePod Software 26.2

This update includes performance an stability improvements.

How to Update

To install macOS Tahoe 26.2, choose System Settings from the Apple menu, select General in the table, click Software Update in the scroll area, and click the Update Now button to begin the update process. If other updates are available, you can click the Info button to see details about them and select specific updates to install.

watchOS 26.2 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General > Software Update. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.

To install tvOS 26.2, on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to the Settings channel, then look for the System section near the bottom. From here, look for Software Updates under Maintenance, then select Update Software and Download and Install. Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Don't disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.

By default, HomePod and HomePod mini automatically install new software updates, but you can manually check for updates in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.