How to Downgrade MacOS 26 Beta to 15 without Data Loss

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By Jenefey Aaron

2025-06-05 / iOS 26

To mark a major redesign of iOS and macOS, Apple is shifting to a year-based naming system. Instead of macOS 15, the next release will be called macOS 26, aligning with its 2025–2026 launch. Future iOS versions will follow the same pattern, with names like iOS 26 expected in June and September releases.

Despite the change, Apple will still use California landmarks as secondary names—this year’s macOS is rumored to be called macOS Tahoe.

In this article, we will guide you through simple steps to safely downgrade your Mac while keeping your information intact. This way, you can enjoy the stable version again without any hassle.

downgrade macos 16 to 15

Part 1. Can I Downgrade macOS to the Previous Version?

Yes, you can perform a macOS 26 beta downgrade to macOS 15. However, this process requires erasing your Mac's drive and reinstalling the older version of macOS. To prevent data loss, it's crucial to back up your important files beforehand. You can use Time Machine, iCloud, or manually copy files to an external drive. Note that Time Machine backups made on macOS 26 beta cannot be restored on macOS 15. Therefore, ensure your backup is from macOS 15 or earlier. After backing up, you can proceed with the downgrade process.

Part 2. How to Downgrade MacOS 26 Beta to 15 in One-Click?

Before you downgrade the macOS beta, it’s essential to back up your data. This ensures your personal files, applications, and settings are preserved for a smooth transition back to macOS 15.

Now let’s talk about one of the easiest ways to downgrade macOS 26 beta to 15 — using Tenorshare ReiBoot. This tool is well-known for being reliable and simple to use. If you’re not very tech-savvy, don’t worry. ReiBoot has a clean and easy-to-understand interface, so you won’t feel lost while using it. Everything is straightforward, and you don’t have to go through a bunch of complicated steps.

The best part? It offers a one-click downgrade option, which means the tool does all the hard work for you. You just follow a few prompts, and that's it. This cuts down the chances of making mistakes, which can happen easily with manual methods.

How to use Tenorshare ReiBoot to downgrade from MacOS 16 beta to 15

  • Start by downloading Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer. Once it’s downloaded, install it and open the program. Then, use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. After that, click on “Downgrade iOS” to continue.
  • launch reiboot
  • Click on “Downgrade” and then confirm your choice.
  • how to downgrade ipados 19 beta to 18
  • Tenorshare ReiBoot will automatically find the right firmware for your Mac. Once it shows up, just click “Download” to begin.
  • downgrade ipados 19 beta
  • Once you confirm, ReiBoot will start the downgrade process. It might take a while, so make sure your Mac stays turned on and connected to the internet the whole time.
  • downgrade to ipados 18
  • When it’s finished, click “Done.”
  • downgrade from ios 19 beta

After the process finishes, your Mac will restart.

Part 3. How to Downgrade MacOS 26 Beta to 15 via Time Machine

If you've been regularly backing up your Mac using Time Machine, you're in luck. Time Machine makes it quite easy to go back to an earlier version of macOS, including downgrading from macOS 26 beta to 15. This method is especially helpful if you want to keep your data and settings just the way they were before the upgrade.

Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Plug in the external hard drive or storage device that you used for your Time Machine backups.

Step 2: Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Command () + R keys. Keep holding them until the Apple logo or spinning globe appears. This will start your Mac in Recovery Mode.

Step 3: In the macOS Utilities window, select “Restore from Time Machine Backup.” Click Continue, then choose the backup source (your external drive). You’ll be shown a list of available backups. Pick the most recent one that was created before you installed the macOS 26 beta.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen steps to restore your system. Your Mac will begin copying all the data from the chosen backup, including macOS 15.

Step 5: Once the restore is complete, your Mac will automatically restart. It should now be running macOS 15, just like it was at the time of the backup.

restore from time machine backup

Part 4. How to Downgrade MacOS 26 Beta to 15 in Recovery Mode

If you didn’t use Time Machine or a third-party tool, you can still downgrade macOS 26 beta to 15 using macOS Recovery Mode. This method allows you to reinstall an older version of macOS, such as Sonoma or Ventura, depending on what originally came with your Mac or what’s available. It works on both Intel-based Macs and those with Apple Silicon.

Here’s how to downgrade from macos 16 beta to 15 it step by step:

Step 1: Shut Down and Boot into Recovery Mode

First, shut down your Mac completely. Then press the Power button and quickly use one of the following key combinations:

3 keyboards combinations
  • Command + R – Reinstall the macOS version currently on your Mac (e.g., macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura).
  • Shift + Option (Alt) + Command + R – Reinstalls the macOS version that came with your Mac or the closest version still available.
  • Option + Command + R – Upgrades to the latest version of macOS supported by your Mac (not for downgrading, but good to know).

To downgrade macOS beta, you’ll likely want to use Shift + Option + Command + R if your Mac originally came with Sonoma or Ventura.

Step 2: Enter Your Admin Password

Once the macOS Utilities screen appears, you’ll be asked to enter your password. Do that and press Continue, then click Next.

enter passcode on mac

Step 3: Reinstall macOS

Click on Reinstall macOS, and follow the instructions shown on the screen. You’ll need to select your Mac’s main disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”) as the install location.

reinstall macos

Step 4: Wait for the Installation to Complete

Once you start the reinstall, your Mac will download and install the older version of macOS. This process might take a while, depending on your internet speed. Make sure your Mac stays powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.

Part 5. How to Downgrade MacOS 26 Beta to 15 with Bootable Installer

If you don’t have a Time Machine backup or don’t want to use recovery mode, you can downgrade macOS Sequoia to Sonoma using a bootable USB installer. This method lets you install an older macOS version directly from a USB drive. Before starting, make sure you:

  • Have a USB drive with at least 16GB of space
  • Have a stable internet connection to download the macOS installer
  • Use a USB-C adapter if your Mac has only USB-C ports

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on macos rollback from beta:

Step 1: Open the Mac App Store and search for macOS Monterey. Click Download, and it will be saved automatically in your Applications folder. Don’t open it yet just keep it there for later.

macos monterey

Step 2: Now, plug in your USB drive to your Mac and get it ready to be used as a bootable drive.

Step 3: Open Disk Utility using Spotlight search. On the left side, find your USB drive listed under “External” and click on it. Then, click the Erase button at the top.

disk utility

Step 4: In the pop-up box, choose the format “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” and click Erase. This will prepare your USB drive. When it’s done, click Done.

Step 5: Open Terminal and paste this command:

Sudo/Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USB --nointeraction

(Note: Replace "USB" if your drive has a different name.)

itechsoftteam

Step 6: Type your Mac login password when asked, then click OK to let your Mac access the USB drive.

Step 7: The terminal will start copying the macOS Monterey files to your USB. Once it’s done, close Terminal, turn off your Mac, and get ready to enter recovery mode.

Step 8:

  • If you have an Intel Mac, press and hold the Option key when turning it on.
  • If you have an Apple Silicon Mac, press and hold the Power button.

You’ll see the bootable installer disk appear on the screen.

Step 9: Click Install macOS Monterey and then Continue. Choose macOS Beta if prompted, and press Next. Enter your password when asked.

Step 10: Follow the steps on the screen to install Monterey.

Part 6. FAQs about Downgrade MacOS 26 Beta to 15

Q1. Why can't I update my older Mac?

If your Mac doesn't support the latest macOS version, Software Update won't offer it and will indicate that your Mac is up to date. This occurs because newer macOS versions require specific hardware capabilities that older Macs may lack. For instance, macOS Sequoia supports Macs with Apple silicon and certain Intel processors, excluding some older models.

Q2. What do I lose if I reinstall macOS?

Reinstalling macOS without erasing your disk preserves your files, apps, and settings. However, it's always recommended to back up your data before proceeding, as unexpected issues can occur.

Final Word

Looking to downgrade macOS 26 beta to 15? It might sound tricky, but with the right method, it’s easier than you think. Whether you choose Time Machine, Recovery Mode, or a bootable installer, always remember to back up your data first. And if you prefer a simple, no-stress solution, Tenorshare ReiBoot is worth trying. It’s user-friendly, doesn’t need technical skills, and helps you downgrade in just one click, with no headaches, and no fuss. So if beta bugs are bothering you, go back to stable macOS 15 smoothly and safely with ReiBoot.

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