Recent updates to MacOS haven’t sparked much enthusiasm among users, but the upcoming MacOS 26 Tahoe promises to be a significant overhaul that may change that narrative. With a fresh visual redesign and an array of exciting professional features, MacOS 26 Tahoe caters to a wide audience, including dedicated Mac enthusiasts. Don’t miss our complete recap of everything Apple unveiled at WWDC 2025.
Apple is set to unveil a broad visual revamp with its new design language, referred to as Liquid Glass. This aesthetic, characterized by soft transparency and subtle gradients, will be implemented across nearly every interface, including the Menu Bar, Lock Screen, app icons, and application sidebars. Initial impressions suggest that this design change is a welcome transformation, although some designers have raised concerns regarding its impact on functionality.
While the aesthetic updates in MacOS haven't been as radical as those seen in iOS, the enhancements in MacOS 26 Tahoe are undeniably a refreshing update. Additional design features will include customizable folder colors and the option to add emojis to folders. Furthermore, the Control Center in the Menu Bar will now feature complete transparency, offering users greater customization options to add quick settings for frequently used applications like Zoom.
Another notable design tweak includes the introduction of tint for icons, a feature that aims to provide a unified appearance to all icons simultaneously. Interestingly, this feature was not well-received in previous reviews, making its inclusion in MacOS 26 Tahoe somewhat surprising.
One of the standout features in MacOS 26 Tahoe is the major update to the Spotlight search tool. Long regarded as one of the most useful features in MacOS, users can expect a smarter, more efficient search experience. Spotlight will now provide quick access to apps, documents, and even clipboard history, but that’s just the beginning.
The update allows Spotlight to execute system and in-app actions, such as playing a podcast or initiating a recording. Users can even specify details like the recipient of an email directly within Spotlight. Additionally, the introduction of Quick Keys will enable users to speed up their tasks further; for instance, typing “sm” can send a message while “ar” can create a reminder. Customizable Quick Keys will also allow for tailored actions within any active application, making it ideal for Mac power users.
With MacOS Tahoe, Shortcuts receive a significant upgrade through Apple Intelligence. These shortcuts can now facilitate complex tasks such as summarizing text or generating images. Users can leverage the capabilities of ChatGPT or the on-device Neural Engine to set up intricate chains of actions. For example, a user might create a shortcut that compares lecture notes in Notes with audio transcriptions and summarizes the differences using Apple Intelligence.
Moreover, these AI-driven shortcuts will be accessible through the newly enhanced Spotlight feature, providing users with a streamlined experience.
In a surprising move, Apple is introducing the Phone app to Macs as part of its expanding suite of Continuity features. While it may seem counterintuitive to have a phone app on a device without cellular capabilities, this feature allows users to receive calls from their iPhone directly on their Mac. The app will incorporate all newly announced features from iOS 26, including live translation during calls, customizable backgrounds for contacts, and automatically screened calls.
Additionally, the changes made to group chats in iOS 26 will also be reflected in the Mac Messages application, further enhancing the user experience. The inclusion of the Phone app could hint at the possibility of future 5G MacBooks, a prospect that Apple has traditionally shied away from. With the Phone app now making its appearance, it raises questions about potential cellular connectivity options for upcoming models, like the anticipated M6 MacBook Pros.
Aside from the headline features, MacOS 26 Tahoe will also introduce enhancements for gaming, including a dedicated Games app, similar to its counterparts in iPadOS 26 and iOS 26. This new app aims to address the common question regarding the availability of games on the Mac platform and will highlight popular titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077.
In conclusion, MacOS 26 Tahoe is shaping up to be an exciting release that encompasses significant visual and functional updates. With features that cater to both casual users and power users alike, this update marks a new era in MacOS design and functionality.
