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iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Four Ports)

Download macOS 26.2 RC (25C56) for iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Four Ports)

Released
December 3, 2025
Version
macOS 26.2 RC
Build
25C56
Identifier
iMac21,1
Filename
UniversalMac_26.2_25C56_Restore.ipsw
File size
18.74 GB
Download18.74 GB

macOS 26.2 RC Release Notes

Please note, the documentation below is supplied from Apple's update servers. We don't modify the contents of this documentation.

This update introduces Edge Light to illuminate your face during low-light video calls, and includes other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

Edge Light
  • Edge Light video effect uses the Mac display to illuminate your face like a virtual ring light when you're on a video call in low light
  • Customizable light width and temperature give you control over how you're lit
  • Mouse awareness ensures that the light recedes when you need to access content underneath
  • Option to have the light turn on automatically in low light situations on Mac computers introduced in 2024 and later
Podcasts
  • Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes
  • Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript
Games
  • Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
  • In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
  • Connected controller support
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
  • AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver's device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
  • Apple News Section links in the sidebar of the News app offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food
  • Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
  • Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks in Apple Music
  • Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the library were not immediately playable at their release time

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. To learn more, please visit: apple.com/macos/feature-availability

Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: support.apple.com/125039.

Related IPSW

View all IPSW beta for this Mac
Version Released File Size
26.2 RC
25C56
 December 3, 2025 18.74 GB
26.2 beta 3
25C5048a
 November 17, 2025 18.72 GB
26.2 beta 2
25C5037j
 November 12, 2025 18.72 GB
26.2 beta
25C5031i
 November 6, 2025 18.69 GB

Installation Instructions

Always back up your devive before installing beta software. You can back up your Mac using iCloud, Time Machine, or another storage device.

Prerequisites

  • Second Mac: Another Mac of any model using macOS Sonoma 14 or later.
  • USB-C Cable: A high-quality USB-C cable to connect the two Macs.

Steps to Restore (and Update)

  1. Install Apple Configurator on the Second Mac
    • Download and install Apple Configurator from the Mac App Store on the second Mac if it’s not already installed.
  2. Put the Target MacBook into DFU Mode:
    • Shut down iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Four Ports) you want to restore.
    • Connect it to the second Mac using the USB-C cable.
    • Enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.
    • In Apple Configurator on the second Mac, your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Four Ports) should appear as a device in DFU mode.
  3. Apply the IPSW File:
    • Open Apple Configurator on the second Mac.
    • Select your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Four Ports) in DFU mode from the device list.
    • Drag UniversalMac_26.2_25C56_Restore.ipsw file onto the device icon in Apple Configurator, or use the menu: Actions > Restore.
    • Confirm the action when prompted. This will erase the MacBook and install macOS 26.2 RC.
  4. Wait for the Process to Complete:
    • The restore process will take some time (15-30 minutes or more, depending on the file size and connection speed).
    • The MacBook’s screen may show a progress bar or Apple logo during the restore.
    • Once complete, your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Four Ports) will restart automatically.
  5. Set Up the MacBook:
    • After the restore, your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Four Ports) will boot into the setup assistant.
    • You can set it up as new or restore your data from a backup.

Note: Using an IPSW file with Apple Configurator always performs a full restore, erasing all data. There is no option to "update" macOS (preserving data) using an IPSW file directly.