We’re only about a month away from the launch of macOS 26, and Apple has been speeding up work on the next major update to the Mac operating system. And with the latest beta update, which was released to developers on Tuesday, the company has revealed another little surprise for Mac users.
No, it’s not a new feature or app, but still something people will use every day: Users who update to macOS 26 beta 5 will notice a new screensaver available to choose from.
macOS 26 has a new dynamic screensaver
The new screensaver is based on the default macOS Tahoe wallpaper, which was unveiled back in June at WWDC. The wallpaper, which depicts the landscapes of South Lake Tahoe in a stylized artistic manner, is available in both light and dark versions – and it now has its own live screensaver.
With macOS 26 beta 5, when you set the “Tahoe” theme as both wallpaper and screensaver, you’ll see an animated version of it on your Mac’s Lock Screen. Similar to the default system wallpaper, the new screensaver is also available in both light and dark versions.
Macworld has extracted the files for the new screensavers, so you can see them in action below without having to install beta software on your Mac:
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This new screensaver joins other new options coming with macOS Tahoe, including four Lake Tahoe themes with real-life footage.
macOS 26 is a major update. Just like iOS 26, it introduces the new Liquid Glass interface with more translucency and shine across the system. It also expands the capabilities of Apple Intelligence and better integrates the Mac with the iPhone and iPad with things like Live Activities and the Journal app.
For now, macOS Tahoe is update is only available to developers and users receiving public beta updates through the Apple Beta Software Program. The official release of macOS Tahoe is expected this fall.
Author: Filipe Esposito, Contributor
Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian journalist who has been covering tech for over 10 years, and has become known for publishing exclusive reports on Apple's plans – such as the launch of the first titanium Apple Watch. He has worked for 9to5Mac and also co-hosts the tech podcast “A Fonte” in Brazil.