Try out macOS 26: How to do it with a virtual machine
If you want to take a look at "Liquid Glass" and other macOS 26 innovations, you can also do so via virtualization. But this is only possible if you know how.
macOS 26 in a virtual machine: Nice for first impressions.
(Image: Screenshot Mac & i)
macOS 26 is a bit of a shock when long-time Mac users try it out: the new, glassy "Liquid Glass" look, the heavily rounded windows, transparent icons on request and a redesigned Spotlight search are just some new features. So it makes sense to slowly get used to the big changeover before it comes for all users in September 2025. If you don't have a test Mac to hand, you can also proceed differently: with a virtual machine (VM) that is isolated from the rest of the computer. This can even be done free of charge.
What you need for a macOS 26 VM
The first prerequisite is an Apple Silicon computer running at least macOS 15 alias Sequoia – preferably in the latest stable version 15.5. The second requirement is a virtualization solution. This can be the open source app VirtualBuddy if it is to be inexpensive and particularly simple, but also the paid Parallels Desktop, which we used for our test. Here, too, it should be the latest version (20.4.20).
Currently, macOS 26 is only available for developers to download in a second beta. This means you have to register as a developer with your Apple account on the company's developer portal. Fortunately, this is free of charge. The beta itself can then be obtained as an IPSW file from a download portal. Alternatively, you can wait a little longer: Apple will also be distributing a public beta of macOS 26 later this month.
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It won't work without drivers
Finally, special driver software is required, without which the VM cannot be installed under macOS 15.5. It is either part of Xcode 26 Beta (currently Beta 2, if you need it) or can be obtained from Apple's developer download portal as so-called Device Support for macOS 26 Beta 2. If the drivers are on the Mac, the installation of the VM via Parallels Desktop or VirtualBuddy also works.
The process was completed rapidly on our test Mac. A complete macOS 26 is then available as a VM and can be tested extensively. Parallels users should remember to install the Parallels Tools, which add the necessary components to make the VM run faster. As usual with VMs, the Mac should have sufficient SSD storage (at least 64 GB free) and RAM so that the VM runs with sufficient performance together with the regular system.
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