Release Notes
This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.
- 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard
- Compact tab bar option in Safari gives you more space to browse and lets you search directly from the active tab
- Freeform gains advanced image creation and editing tools, and a premium content library, joining Apple Creator Studio
- Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks in Apple Music
- Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer
- Subtitle and caption settings are easier to find when viewing media, with real-time preview available directly from the captions icon
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100.
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.
How to Install
iTunes / Finder
macOS & Windows- Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
- Connect your Mac16,12 to your computer via USB.
- Open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina+) and select your device.
- Hold Option ⌘ (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Check for Update or Restore iPhone…
- Select the downloaded .ipsw file and follow the on‑screen instructions.
- Wait for the process to complete — do not disconnect the device.
DFU Mode
Recovery tipIf your device is stuck in a boot loop or not recognised by iTunes/Finder, enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode first, then select the .ipsw file as normal.
iPhone 8 / X and later
- Quickly press & release Volume Up
- Quickly press & release Volume Down
- Hold Side button until screen goes black
- Hold Side + Volume Down for 5 s
- Release Side, keep holding Volume Down for 5 more seconds
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Volume Down for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 6s and earlier
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Home for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Home for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active
SHSH Blobs
✓ Signed — save nowSHSH blobs are personalised cryptographic tickets Apple issues for a specific device and firmware. Saving blobs for a currently signed build lets you restore to it later using tools like futurerestore. macOS 26.4 RC is currently signed — save your blobs now.
A free open-source GUI app for macOS, Windows and Linux. Connect your device and save blobs with one click.
Download blobsaverCommand-line tool by tihmstar. Requires your device ECID and board config.
tsschecker -d Mac16,12 --buildid 25E243 -e [ECID] --save
Other Devices with 25E243
