Apple revealed macOS Tahoe 26, its latest Mac operating system update, bringing a fresh visual overhaul alongside new features focused on productivity, continuity, and Apple Intelligence. The update introduces the Liquid Glass UI, revamped Spotlight search, a dedicated Phone app for Mac, and expanded gaming tools, all designed to deepen the integration between Mac and iPhone.
“macOS is the heart and soul of the Mac, and with Tahoe, we’re building on what users love most. Whether you’re a power user or just getting started on Mac, there’s something for everyone, with even more features to turbocharge productivity and make working across Mac and iPhone more seamless than ever before,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “With its gorgeous new design, amazing Continuity experiences, powerful enhancements to Spotlight, more intelligent shortcuts, and updates to Apple Intelligence, the Mac experience is better than ever.”
Liquid Glass UI and personalization
The standout change is the Liquid Glass design, which uses translucent materials to create a modern, transparent look across the desktop. The menu bar is now fully transparent, complemented by new light and dark tints, making the Mac’s display feel larger and more customizable than ever.
Users can personalize app icon colors, folder tints with emojis, and adjust Control Center layouts to fit their workflow.
Phone app and enhanced continuity
macOS Tahoe 26 finally brings the Phone app to Mac, allowing users to manage recent calls, contacts, and voicemails without switching to Messages or FaceTime. New features like Call Screening automatically answer unknown calls and gather caller info, while Hold Assist lets users keep their place in phone queues while staying productive on their Mac. Live Activities from iPhone now appear in the Mac menu bar, showing real-time updates for flights, ride-sharing, or sports scores, with easy access to more details through iPhone Mirroring.
Spotlight gets its biggest update
Spotlight search is redesigned to be a central hub for finding and acting on information. It combines results across files, apps, messages, and third-party cloud storage into one view. Users can filter results by file type and execute hundreds of actions directly from Spotlight, such as sending emails or starting podcasts, without opening additional apps. New “Quick Keys” provide fast access to frequent tasks, making Spotlight more powerful and efficient.
Apple Intelligence expands
macOS Tahoe 26 includes live translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls, translating conversations on the fly while protecting privacy with on-device processing. Shortcuts receive smarter automation powered by Apple Intelligence, capable of handling complex tasks. Creative tools like Genmoji and Image Playground gain new styles, including vector art and oil painting, integrated with AI to enhance expression.
Gaming and system improvements
A dedicated Apple Games app centralizes all installed titles and social features, while a new Game Overlay offers quick access to settings and friends chat without leaving gameplay. Metal 4, Apple’s latest graphics framework, enables developers to build games with more advanced visuals. Low Power Mode helps extend battery life during gaming sessions.
Safari is refreshed with a new design and faster loading speeds, offering up to 50% quicker page loads and four extra hours of video streaming battery life compared to Chrome. The Journal app debuts on Mac with cross-device sync, while Messages adds customizable backgrounds and group polls. Photos gains Pinned Collections and advanced filtering. Reminders and Notes become more intelligent and versatile, with automatic to-do organization and Markdown import/export.
Availability
macOS Tahoe 26 is available today in developer beta, with a public beta scheduled for next month. The final release is expected as a free update in fall 2025. Features may require supported devices and vary by region and language.
