At WWDC 2025, Apple previewed macOS 26, a new version of its operating system for Macs and MacBooks. Codenamed “Tahoe”, the upcoming version of Apple’s laptop and desktop OS is also getting the “Liquid Glass” redesign. This means, like iPhones and iPads, the upcoming macOS update will have “a translucent new material that reflects and refracts its surroundings.” Here’s a quick look at what’s coming with the macOS 26 Tahoe update.
Apple’s new design language – Liquid Glass – also extends across its product lineup, including macOS 26 Tahoe. In a blog post, the company said that it has redesigned the dock, sidebars and toolbars so that user content is in the foreground.
Talking of the menu bar, Apple says it is now completely transparent, which gives users more screen space. Also, users will now be able to customise what controls appear on the new menu bar and Control Center, and even change their layout. The tech giant also seems to have changed the app icons, which now have separate light and dark mode looks. If you are someone who organises apps in folders, macOS 26 now lets you change the colour of the folder and add a symbol or emoji to make them unique.
Continuity is even better with macOS 26 Tahoe. (Image Source: Apple)
Enhanced Continuity Experience
The Phone app on Mac now supports Apple’s Continuity feature, which helps redirect calls from their iPhone. With the update, the new Phone app on macOS 26 now offers similar functionalities to those of the iPhone. This means you can now see Recents, Favourites, Voicemails and even use features like Call Screening and Hold Assist.
Also, macOS 26 can now show Live Activities from a nearby iPhone in the menu bar. This means users will be able to see things like their upcoming Uber ride, flight, live sports score and more in real time. If you tap on Live Activities on your Mac, it will now open in the iPhone Mirroring so you can check more information without having to switch to your iPhone.
Spotlight is now smarter
Spotlight, the built-in search functionality for macOS that lets you quickly find and access information, applications and files, is getting some really good upgrades. With macOS 26, Spotlight will now show all results – including files, events, folders, apps, messages and other things. Apple said that these will be “ranked intelligently based on relevance to the user.”
The tech giant has also added some new filter options that can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Moreover, Spotlight will be able to pull documents stored on third-party cloud drives as well.
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However, the biggest change coming to Spotlight is that it lets users “take hundreds of actions directly”. For example, you can send an email, create a new note, or play a podcast, all without opening those apps. The functionality will also extend to third-party apps.
Apple says macOS 26 Tahoe also allows you to run shortcuts and complete actions from the new translucent menu bar without having to lift your hands off the keyboard. Over time, the new and enhanced Spotlight will learn from user routines and show personalised actions like sending a message to your family member you talk to.
New Apple Intelligence-powered features
macOS 26 Tahoe is also bringing some new Apple Intelligence-powered features. These include AI-powered Live Translation, a more powerful Shortcuts app, enhancements to Image Playground and Genmoji. If you want to learn more, click here.
Which Macs and MacBooks will get macOS 26 Tahoe?
As you might expect, some Apple Macs powered by Intel CPUs will be stuck on the macOS Sequioa, the current version of Apple’s operating system. This includes the relatively recent MacBook Air from 2020, which is powered by an Intel CPU. In case you are wondering, here’s the full list of devices which will be getting the much-anticipated macOS 26 Tahoe update.
– MacBook Air (M1 or newer)
– MacBook Pro (2020 or newer)
– MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019 or newer)
– MacBook Pro 13-inch (one with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
– Mac mini (2020 or newer)
– Mac Pro (2019 or newer)
– Mac Studio (2022 or newer)
– iMac (2020 or newer)
