- macOS 26 Tahoe stands out for its new visionOS-inspired design and Liquid Glass interface.
- The system introduces significant improvements to Spotlight, enabling quick and customizable actions.
- Apple strengthens its commitment to automation, Artificial Intelligence and gaming in Mac.
- Compatibility covers devices from 2019 onwards, including the latest Apple Silicon and Intel in its latest supported update.
Apple has finally unveiled macOS 26 Tahoe, the new version of its operating system for Mac computers that will arrive throughout 2025. The Californian company introduces a series of Relevant innovations in both visual design and user experience, marking a new stage in its software strategy by jumping from macOS 15 directly to version 26, thus unifying the numbering with the rest of the brand's platforms.
The name change is not simply a numerological adjustment: macOS 26 Tahoe represents the beginning of a generation that focuses on device cohesion and more fluid interaction.An update that aims to refine details, enhance productivity, and bring the Mac experience closer to the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
Visual Redesign: The Era of Liquid Glass
With Tahoe, Mac launches a completely renewed visual language Known as “Liquid Glass.” Inspired by visionOS, this new style stands out for Translucent effects, rounder icons, and fully transparent menu bars, giving the impression of a larger, more modern screen. Menus, windows, and interface elements feature a fluid, uniform aesthetic that simplifies navigation and prioritizes content over traditional bezels.
Users can customize folders with colors and emojis, allowing you to distinguish work areas at a glance. The menu bar and Control Center have been redesigned to offer greater transparency and customizable shortcuts, making it easier to quickly access common functions.
Spotlight: From a simple search engine to a smart action center
One of the sections that has gained the most muscle in macOS 26 Tahoe is Spotlight. The search tool receives its most ambitious update to date, integrating contextual intelligence, customizable shortcuts, and the ability to execute actions directly from the search box. It's now possible, for example, to send emails, create events, record audio notes, or even play a podcast, all from Spotlight without switching apps.
In addition, they are introduced commands quick keyboard shortcuts –such as “sm” for sending messages or “ar” for reminders– which can be adjusted from the settings to suit the user’s routine. It also includes browsing the user history. clipboard, facilitating the rescue of previously copied images or texts.
Automation, Apple Intelligence and new applications
macOS 26 Tahoe takes a significant step forward in the field of automation and artificial intelligence. The app Shortcuts evolves, allowing you to run automatic flows at specific times of the day or when performing certain actions, such as connecting an external display. These possibilities are enhanced thanks to the integration of Apple Intelligence, which facilitates from the generation of images and text summaries to more predictive and powerful control of devices and applications.
It also premieres a New Phone app on Mac, which enables call management, advanced filtering and even real-time translation during a conversation, in addition to reinforcing continuity with the iPhone and the iPadAlong the same lines of convergence, live activities, messages, and other Apple apps are better integrated than ever, creating a more cohesive experience.
The commitment to gaming and renewed apps
Apple strengthens its presence in the world of video games and with a new app called Games, which centralizes Apple Arcade, Game Center, and the personal library in one place. Users will be able to challenge friends, organize matches multiplayer or access personalized recommendations, while developers and gamers have at their disposal the new Metal 4 technology for a better graphics performance in supported titles.
Other native applications, such as Messages, Notes, Music, Journal, and Safari, also receive improvements. Messages adds features to identify spam, translate conversations in real time, and create polls or custom backgrounds. The Music app adds lyrics translation and new options for shuffling songs, while Diary, previously only available in mobile devices, debuts on Mac. Safari, for its part, renews the tabs to simulate a more modern and visual "floating" effect.
Compatibility: Last chances and long-term support
macOS 26 Tahoe will be The latest version compatible with Macs equipped with Intel processors. Apple guarantees three years of security updates for these models, which include the 2019-inch MacBook Pro 16, the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020), the 2020 iMac, and the 2019 Mac Pro. From here on, future systems will focus on the Apple Silicon architecture.
The complete list of compatible equipment is as follows:
- MacBook Air with Apple Silicon (2020 or later)
- MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon (2020 or later)
- MacBook Pro (16″ 2019 and 13″ 2020 with multiple Thunderbolt ports)
- iMac (2020 or later)
- Mac mini (2020 or later)
- Mac Studio (2022 or later)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
Apple maintains, as usual, a extensive support for older equipment, although the definitive transition towards proprietary chips is consolidated with this update.
Release and update phases
The arrival of macOS 26 Tahoe will be organized in several stages. The developer beta is available from WWDC 2025., while the public beta is expected to open in July, depending on the progress of initial testing. The final release to the general public is expected in the fall of 2025, following Apple's usual schedule.
The operating system searches Unify the user experience, fine-tune performance, and offer advanced tools for both productivity and entertainment. In addition, it lays the groundwork for future innovations focused on artificial intelligence, efficient management and deep integration between hardware and software.
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