Apple has released macOS 26.4 public beta 2, bringing back the compact tab bar to Safari and warning users that Rosetta apps will stop working in the future.
Apple has released macOS 26.4 public beta 2, following yesterday's developer beta launch. The update brings several notable changes, including the return of the compact tab bar to Safari and new warnings about Rosetta app support ending in the future.
Safari Gets Its Compact Tab Bar Back
One of the most noticeable changes in macOS 26.4 is the return of the compact tab bar in Safari. This feature, which was previously available in earlier macOS versions, provides users with more screen real estate by reducing the vertical space taken up by tabs. The compact tab bar is particularly useful for users who work with multiple tabs simultaneously or have smaller displays.
Rosetta Support Ending Soon
Perhaps the most significant change in this beta is Apple's warning to users about the impending end of Rosetta support. Rosetta, Apple's translation tool that allows Intel-based apps to run on Apple Silicon Macs, will no longer be supported starting with macOS 27.
Apple is now displaying pop-up alerts to users, likely as a strategy to encourage developers to update their applications for native Apple Silicon support. This move aligns with Apple's long-term transition to its own silicon, which began with the M1 chip in 2020 and has since expanded to the M-series lineup.
New Battery Management Feature
The update also introduces native support for battery management features that were previously only available through third-party tools. Users can now cap their maximum charge levels between 80% and 100%, a feature that can help extend battery lifespan by reducing the time the battery spends at full charge.
This addition is particularly welcome for MacBook users who keep their devices plugged in for extended periods, as it can help prevent battery degradation over time.
Beta Details
The release build for today's macOS 26.4 public beta 2 is 25E5218f, which matches yesterday's developer build version. This consistency suggests that Apple is focusing on refining existing features rather than introducing major new changes at this stage of the beta cycle.
How to Join the Public Beta Program
If you're interested in testing macOS 26.4 before its official release, you can join Apple's free public beta program by visiting beta.apple.com. Keep in mind that beta software can be unstable, so it's recommended to install it on a secondary Mac or to back up your data before proceeding.
Looking Ahead
With macOS 26.4, Apple is clearly signaling its commitment to the Apple Silicon transition while also refining the user experience with features like the compact tab bar and enhanced battery management. The Rosetta warning serves as a final reminder to developers that the era of Intel app support on Apple Silicon Macs is coming to an end.
The public beta is now rolling out to participants, and we'll likely see more refinements and potentially new features as the beta program progresses toward the final release.
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