Download Messages for Mac

Download Messages for Mac from the Apple website

When Mac OS X Mountain Lion launches this summer, Mac’s proprietary instant messaging program iChat will no longer be included. iChat Replacement is a brand new Messages for Mac app that allows users to combine their AIM, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger and Jabber accounts into one IM client, make FaceTime video calls and continue conversations started on your Mac using the Messages app available on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

But before you can enjoy all of the Messages offerings, you can either wait for OS X 10.8 to be released, or download the beta software on your Mac running OS X Lion 10.7.

Download Messages for Mac Beta

Before you can start the installation process for this IM client, make sure your Mac is updated to OS X 10.7.3 before continuing with these instructions or they won’t work. Learn how to update Mac OS software in Tom Nelson’s Lifewire.com Mac Guide: OS X Lion 10.7.3, Available Now

Once completed, you can continue to follow these simple steps:

• Point your web browser to the Messages for Mac Beta site.

• Click on the blue “Download Messages Free Beta”.

• If prompted, click the Save button on any browser security warnings.

• Locate and open the file named “MessagesBeta.dmg” using the search function if necessary to locate the download on your Mac.

Messaging for Mac System Requirements

Before you get started, make sure your Mac meets the following requirements or you won’t be able to use this beta app:

• 70.3 MB free space

• OS X Lion 10.7.3 or later

• WiFi or wired internet

• Messaging account or AIM, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger or other Jabber IM client account

Steps to Download, Install Messages for Mac

• Step 1 † Download Messages for Mac Beta
• Step 2 † Install Messages for Mac
• Step 3 † Accept the license agreement.
• Step 4 † Complete the installation process.
• Step 5 † Restart your Mac
• Step 6 † Add IM accounts to messages

Message Navigation for Mac Installer

When you run the Messages for Mac file on your Mac, you will see an installer like the one shown above. This program will help you install the Messages for Mac Beta software on your computer, walk you through the process step-by-step, and help you announce and select options when available. Click Continue to proceed to the next step.

Then you will see the “Read me” screen. Click “Next” to continue reading after enabling the “Messages for Mac Beta” software information.

Steps to Download, Install Messages for Mac

• Step 1 † Download Messages for Mac Beta
• Step 2 † Install Messages for Mac
• Step 3 † Accept the license agreement.
• Step 4 † Complete the installation process.
• Step 5 † Restart your Mac
• Step 6 † Add IM accounts to messages

Accept the Messages for Mac License Agreement

Then the Messages License Agreement for Mac Beta appears. These agreements typically define your rights to use the downloaded program files, any obligations you share with you or the parent company, in this case Apple, privacy information, and more. I always recommend that you read these agreements so that you know what you’re getting with this and any other instant messaging client.

Fortunately, the installer allows you to print and save these policies by clicking the appropriate button. Click “Continue” to proceed to the next step of the installation process.

A dialog box appears asking you to accept the terms of the license agreement. Click the Agree button to install, Disagree to exit the installer and exit the installer, or the Read License button to read the agreement.

Steps to Download, Install Messages for Mac

• Step 1 † Download Messages for Mac Beta
• Step 2 † Install Messages for Mac
• Step 3 † Accept the license agreement.
• Step 4 † Complete the installation process.
• Step 5 † Restart your Mac
• Step 6 † Add IM accounts to messages

Start installing Messages for Mac Beta

The Messages for Mac Beta installer will then prompt you to install the software. You can change the installation folder by clicking the “Change installation location…” button in the lower right corner, navigating to the folder in the Finder and selecting it in the installer. Otherwise, click “Install” to complete the installation.

A dialog box will appear informing you that a reboot is required to complete the installation. If you currently have any important unsaved documents or other items open, save and close them before clicking the blue Continue Install button to continue. Click Cancel to exit the installer.

Steps to Download, Install Messages for Mac

• Step 1 † Download Messages for Mac Beta
• Step 2 † Install Messages for Mac
• Step 3 † Accept the license agreement.
• Step 4 † Complete the installation process.
• Step 5 † Restart your Mac
• Step 6 † Add IM accounts to messages

Messages for Mac Beta Installation Complete

A window will then appear stating that the Mac beta installation is complete. At this point, you will need to restart your computer to complete the installation process. Close and save all documents or open web browser windows and the like, then click Reload to continue.

Steps to Download, Install Messages for Mac

• Step 1 † Download Messages for Mac Beta
• Step 2 † Install Messages for Mac
• Step 3 † Accept the license agreement.
• Step 4 † Complete the installation process.
• Step 5 † Restart your Mac
• Step 6 † Add IM accounts to messages