Apple has released the release candidate (RC) version of macOS Tahoe 14, marking the final stage before its public rollout on September 15. The RC is available to developers and public beta testers, giving them early access to test apps and workflows against the near-final build. Alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, macOS Tahoe is set to be one of the most significant updates in years, thanks to its broad redesign and expanded features.
At the center of the update is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of on-device AI features that enhance writing, communication, and productivity. These tools integrate with system apps and Siri to offer contextual assistance, smart suggestions, Genmoji creation, and image generation through Image Playground. Apple emphasizes privacy by ensuring these features run locally on the Mac rather than relying on cloud processing.
Beyond intelligence, Tahoe brings new apps and system utilities to the Mac. The Journal app, first introduced on iOS, arrives with tools for guided reflections, while a dedicated Magnifier improves accessibility for visually impaired users. A redesigned Phone app lets Mac users handle calls more seamlessly through Continuity, and the new Games app centralizes titles and introduces support for Metal 4, Apple’s latest graphics engine. Live Activities also debut on macOS, delivering real-time updates such as flight information or deliveries directly in the menu bar.
Personalization is another major theme of the release. The Liquid Glass design refresh gives macOS a translucent look with refined icons and menus, while folders and app icons can now be customized with colors, emojis, and emblems. Spotlight search gains clipboard history, quick actions, and expanded search options, helping users perform tasks faster. Shortcuts also receive powerful automation triggers, enabling workflows based on time, file events, or messages, and they can tap into both Apple Intelligence and external models like ChatGPT.
Productivity apps have been updated as well. Notes can now transcribe audio and live phone calls, making it easier to capture and organize spoken content. Safari introduces stronger password and passkey management, while Lockdown Mode gains enhancements for security-conscious users. These refinements, combined with cross-platform integration with iPhone and iPad, round out a release focused on both utility and user control.
The RC signals that macOS Tahoe is feature-complete and nearly ready for general availability. Users enrolled in the Apple Developer Program or Apple Beta Software Program can download the update through System Settings > Software Update, with the official release following next week.
