Apple previewed macOS Tahoe 26, its upcoming major update for Mac computers, during WWDC 2025. The update introduces Liquid Glass, Apple’s new design language, bringing a modern look with refreshed icons, sidebars, toolbars, and a menu bar that’s now translucent and adapts to light and dark mode. Users will also be able to personalize folder colors and add a symbol or emoji for even more customization.
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macOS Tahoe 26 Unveiled: Liquid Glass Design, AI Upgrades, Spotlight Overhaul, and Apple Games Hub
macOS Tahoe 26 will roll out as a free over-the-air (OTA) update later this year. Supported devices include MacBook Air and Pro (2020 and newer), MacBook Pro (2019–2020), iMac (2020 and newer), Mac mini (2020 and newer), Mac Studio (2022 and newer), and Mac Pro (2019 and newer). Developers can access the beta version now.
Continuity features continue to grow with the inclusion of the Phone app, allowing you to manage cellular calls that are placed and received on a nearby iPhone from your Mac. They can access things such as call history, voicemails, and features like Call Screening and Hold Assist. Another new feature is Live Activities, which show the real-time actions on the iPhone directly in the Mac’s menu bar, and iPhone Mirroring, which lets you interact with these activities right from your Mac.
Spotlight search is getting a major overhaul. Now, it can search not only Mac apps and iPhone apps, but also their content from third-party cloud services. The results are better organized and are ranked according to relevance. Users can also take actions such as sending emails, playing media, and running shortcuts within Spotlight. New quick keys make these tasks a breeze.
The update also adds Apple Intelligence capabilities. Live Translation has been integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, providing real-time text and audio translation. Shortcuts receive AI-powered automation and are now compatible with ChatGPT. The app allows tasks to be set in motion according to time or file-related behavior. And AI can help categorise Reminders and pull action items from emails and notes.
Lastly, macOS Tahoe 26 debuts the Apple Games app, a central hub for Mac gaming. Users can quickly launch and discover games, and the new Game Overlay lets them adjust settings or chat with friends without leaving a game. A Low Power Mode extends battery life during gaming. Upcoming titles include Crimson Desert, Cyberpunk 2077, InZOI, Lies of P: Overture, and Hitman World of Assassination.
FAQs
What is the release date of macOS Tahoe 26?
macOS Tahoe 26 will roll out as a free update later in 2025.
Which Macs will support macOS Tahoe 26?
It will support Macs with Apple silicon (2020 and newer) and select Intel-based models from 2019 and newer.
