- 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, which will arrive throughout 2025. The Californian company introduces a series of significant new features in both visual design and user experience , marking a new stage in its software strategy by jumping directly from macOS 15 to version 26, thus unifying the numbering with the rest of the brand's platforms.
The name change isn't just a numerical adjustment: macOS 26 Tahoe represents the beginning of a generation focused on cohesion across devices and a more seamless interaction . This update aims to refine details, boost productivity, and bring the Mac experience closer to the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
Visual Redesign: The Era of Liquid Glass
With Tahoe, Mac debuts a completely redesigned visual language known as "Liquid Glass." Inspired by visionOS, this new style features translucent effects, more rounded icons, and fully transparent menu bars , creating the feeling of a wider, more modern screen. Menus, windows, and interface elements have a fluid, seamless aesthetic that simplifies navigation and prioritizes content over traditional borders.
Users can personalize folders with colors and emojis , allowing them to distinguish workspaces at a glance. The menu bar and control center have been redesigned for greater transparency and customizable shortcuts, making it easier to quickly access frequently used functions.
Spotlight: From a simple search engine to a smart action center
One of the areas that gains the most power 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 perform 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 within Spotlight and without switching applications.
In addition, keyboard shortcuts — such as "sm" to send messages or "ar" for reminders —have been introduced , which can be customized in the settings to suit the user's routine. Clipboard history browsing is also included , making it easier to retrieve previously copied images or text.
Automation, Apple Intelligence and new applications
macOS 26 Tahoe takes a significant step forward in automation and artificial intelligence. The Shortcuts app evolves , allowing you to run automated workflows at specific times of day or when performing certain actions, such as connecting an external display. These capabilities are enhanced by the integration of Apple Intelligence , which facilitates everything from generating images and text summaries to controlling devices and applications in a more predictive and powerful way.
A new Phone app is also launching on Mac , enabling call management, advanced filtering, and even real-time translation during a conversation, in addition to strengthening continuity with iPhone and iPad . Along the same lines of convergence, Live Activities, Messages, and other Apple apps are integrated better than ever, resulting in a more cohesive experience.
The commitment to gaming and renewed apps
Apple is strengthening its presence in the gaming world with a new app called Games , which centralizes Apple Arcade, Game Center, and the personal library in one place. Users can challenge friends, organize multiplayer matches , or access personalized recommendations, while developers and gamers have access to the new Metal 4 technology for improved graphics performance in compatible titles.
Other native apps, 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 mixing songs, while Journal, previously only available on mobile devices , makes its Mac debut. Safari, meanwhile, updates its tabs to simulate a more modern and visually appealing "floating" effect.
Compatibility: Last chances and long-term support
macOS 26 Tahoe will be the last version compatible with Macs equipped with Intel processors . Apple guarantees three years of security updates for these models, which include the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019), the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020), the 2020 iMac, and the 2019 Mac Pro. From this point forward, 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, as usual, maintains extensive support for older devices , although the definitive transition to its own chips is consolidated with this update.
Release and update phases
The release of macOS 26 Tahoe will be rolled out in several stages. The developer beta has been available since WWDC 2025 , while the public beta is expected to launch in July, depending on the results of initial testing. The final release for the general public is anticipated in the fall of 2025, following Apple's usual release schedule.
The operating system aims to unify the user experience, optimize performance, and offer advanced tools for both productivity and entertainment . Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for future innovations focused on artificial intelligence, efficient management, and deep hardware and software integration.
