Topic / Subject

Apple released macOS 26.4 beta 2 for developers on Feb. 23 (build 25E5218f), continuing a beta cycle that’s adding quality-of-life tweaks and nudging the ecosystem further toward Apple Silicon-only reality. 

TL;DR

Not a blockbuster beta — but it’s stacking practical changes (battery charge limits, Safari options) and starting the “Rosetta 2 is ending” warning campaign. 

Key Details

Apple’s Developer Releases page lists macOS 26.4 beta 2 (25E5218f) dated February 23, 2026.  9to5Mac says beta 2 arrived about a week after beta 1.  9to5Mac highlights a Charge Limit setting (80%–100%) introduced in the 26.4 beta cycle.  9to5Mac also notes Safari’s compact tab bar option returning in this beta cycle.  9to5Mac reports macOS 26.4 will begin notifying users about Rosetta 2 support ending with macOS 28. 

Breakdown

Beta cycles like this matter because they quietly change the everyday feel of a Mac: charging behavior, UI options, and the little friction points that add up over months of use. 

The Rosetta 2 messaging is the bigger long-term signal. Apple warning users now is basically a developer nudge: if your app still leans on Intel binaries, the runway is shrinking. 

And yes, it’s still a beta. Some items may ship, some may slip, and some “fixed” issues can bounce back into the known-issues pile mid-cycle. 

What to Watch Next

Any notable changes discovered in beta 2 beyond the headline features.  Whether Apple expands the charge-limit controls (more presets, schedules, or automation hooks).  How aggressively Apple pushes Rosetta 2 warnings as the public release gets closer.

Sources

Apple Developer — macOS 26.4 beta 2 (25E5218f)

9to5Mac — Apple releases macOS 26.4 beta 2, here’s what’s new

Comment

What’s the one macOS feature you actually want next: better battery controls, more Safari customization, or something totally different?