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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Apple’s second MacOS 26.2 developer beta is now available.
- Edge Light is a beta feature that turns your display into a ring light.
- Developer betas can be unstable, so refrain from downloading them to your personal device.
Apple’s second MacOS 26.2 beta is officially available for developers, allowing them to test their applications for compatibility with upcoming features. Among the smaller, back-end updates, Edge Light is a feature designed for individuals who frequently participate in virtual video calls on their Macs.
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What is Edge Light?
Edge Light is a camera effect that uses your Mac’s display to omit a bright white border around the screen, aiming to enhance your picture and appearance in low-light conditions. It could replace a detachable ring light and be especially useful for people who take video calls outside their usual office setup.
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According to MacRumors, Apple states that the Mac’s Neural Engine can detect the user’s face, size, and location to adjust the Edge Light according to specific conditions.
This feature is compatible with Macs that support Apple Silicon, which includes Macs with an M1 chip or newer. Edge Light also works with integrated webcams and external cameras connected to the Mac. Users can access this feature when using FaceTime, where it will reside alongside other video calling features, such as Portrait Mode, Studio Light, and Voice Isolation.
Currently, Edge Light is available in the MacOS 26.2 developer beta, with an official release slated for December if the software release continues to proceed as planned.
How do I install the MacOS 26.2 beta?
You’ll need to enroll your device’s Apple ID in Apple’s Developer Program to access the developer beta, or you’ll need to enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program to access the public software beta. Before downloading any software, back up your device to protect your data in case you need to revert to a previous software version.
Once you’ve enrolled in the appropriate program and backed up your device, go to Settings > General > Software Updates > Beta Updates, then download the software. If your device is enrolled in the Developer Program, enable Developer Mode on your device before downloading.
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Downloading a public software beta is a great way to explore new features and design elements before they are released to the general public. For consumers, downloading a public beta is a great way to provide feedback to developers and help them understand how well their app is performing.
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However, developer software betas are earlier, less stable versions of software meant for developers to test their apps with new software. They are full of bugs, and a developer beta that’s particularly unpolished can significantly decrease the quality of your user experience.
Therefore, it’s not recommended to download a developer beta onto your personal device. If you’re eager to try out features before they’re released in an official software update, consider waiting for a public beta, which is generally more stable.
