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Apple revealed macOS Tahoe 26, the next major macOS upgrade, during the WWDC 2025. The Cupertino-based tech behemoth unveiled its new design language, Liquid Glass, for macOS 26. The new design also includes modifications to the iconography, sidebars, toolbars, and other user interface (UI) elements. Aside from that, the new version includes additional continuity features like the Phone app and Live Activity. Spotlight has received much attention, and it currently supports hundreds of additional activities.
macOS Tahoe 26 Compatibility
Apple has announced that macOS 26, also known as Tahoe, will be available as a free over-the-air (OTA) software update later this year for MacBook Air and Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and newer), MacBook Pro 2019 and 2020, iMac (2020 and newer), Mac mini (2020 and newer), Mac Studio (2022 and newer), and Mac Pro (2019 and newer). Meanwhile, the macOS Tahoe 26 Developer beta is now available for compatible Macs.
macOS 26 Liquid Glass Design
Apple is integrating its new design language across all of its operating systems. Liquid Glass is described as a transparent new substance that acts similarly to glass in the real world. This new style will encompass the toolbars and sidebars, reflecting whatever is displayed on the screen. The menu bar is now totally translucent, and users will have additional options for customizing it. Liquid Glass UI will be used in both light and dark modes. The color of the folders may now be modified, and users can add a symbol or emoji for more personalization.
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New Continuity Features with macOS 26
The tech behemoth is also improving macOS' continuity features with two new experiences. The Phone app will be introduced to macOS Tahoe, allowing users to relay cellular calls from nearby iPhones. Users will be able to access Recents, Favourites, and Voicemails straight from their Mac, as well as use the new Call Screening and Hold Assist capabilities.
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Live Activities are also being integrated to macOS using Continuity. When a user has an iPhone nearby, their phone's Live Activities display in the Mac's menu bar. Users will also be able to click on Live Activities, and iPhone Mirroring will allow them to do things straight from their Mac device.
Spotlight Gets Major Upgrade. With macOS 26
Spotlight, the company's built-in search function for macOS, will also receive a substantial overhaul. While users could previously access specific first-party programs using the search tool, macOS 26 allows them to access all apps as well as their iPhone apps (via iPhone Mirroring). Additionally, files, folders, events, programs, messages, and so on will be presented together to make the look more organized. At WWDC 2025, Apple announced that these products will be intelligently sorted depending on their relevance to the user.
The functionality now includes new filtering options and can display documents saved on third-party cloud storage. Additionally, a new browse view has been implemented, allowing users to scroll through their device's content.
Aside from introducing new features to Spotlight, its functioning has been enhanced. Apple claims that users may do operations such as sending an email, generating a note, or playing music or podcasts directly within the UI. Spotlight will also allow users to execute shortcuts and actions from the app's menu bar. Additionally, macOS Tahoe will include fast keys, which are short sequences of characters that allow users to rapidly find the activity they want.
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New Apple Intelligence Features in macOS
Just like iOS 16, the new macOS includes numerous new Apple Intelligence capabilities. The most significant addition is Live Translation, which is connected with the Messages app, FaceTime, and the Phone app to provide real-time text and voice translation of conversations.
Shortcuts is also receiving AI capabilities, allowing users to automate additional chores using on-device and Private Cloud Compute-based AI models. It also includes ChatGPT, which allows users to get replies from the chatbot and include them into their shortcuts. Shortcuts on macOS may now be executed automatically based on time or file activities.
Users may also utilize Apple Intelligence on Mac to scan stuff like emails, webpages, and notes to locate relevant action items for Reminders. Reminders may also be automatically categorized into parts using AI, making them easier to scan.
New Apple Games App
macOS Tahoe 26 will also have Apple Games, a new program that serves as a central portal for all games on a Mac. Users may not only identify and quickly launch their games, but they can also discover new games that are relevant to them. A new Game Overlay feature will let users to do things like alter system settings, talk with a buddy, and invite them to play a game without leaving the game.
The software also has a Low Power Mode, which optimises the game experience to optimize battery life. Some of the future titles available on Apple Games include Crimson Desert, InZOI, Cyberpunk 2077, Cronos: The New Dawn, Architect: Land of Exiles, Lies of P: Overture, Hitman World of Assassination, and more.
