Apple has unveiled macOS Tahoe 26 at WWDC 2025, marking one of the most significant visual and functional overhauls to the Mac operating system in recent years. The update introduces the company's new Liquid Glass design language alongside a comprehensive reimagining of Spotlight search functionality that promises to transform how power users interact with their Macs.
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| The sleek lock screen of macOS Tahoe 26 showcases the new Liquid Glass design, emphasizing its modern aesthetic |
Liquid Glass Design Language Transforms macOS Interface
The centerpiece of macOS Tahoe 26 is Apple's new Liquid Glass design philosophy, which brings subtle transparency and frosted glass effects throughout the operating system. The aesthetic changes are most noticeable in the Dock, which now features a translucent frosted background that's more prominent than the flatter design of macOS Sequoia. This glassy treatment extends to widgets, drop-down menus, and built-in applications, creating a cohesive visual experience across the platform.
One of the most striking changes involves the Menu Bar, which has become completely invisible, no longer masking the MacBook's notch cutout with a dark gray bar. While initially jarring for some users, this change enables new animations like the glass pane effect that descends during Mission Control transitions. Users who prefer the traditional approach can restore the filled Menu Bar through accessibility settings, though this also disables most of Tahoe's transparent effects.
Spotlight Search Receives Comprehensive Upgrade
The most significant functional improvement in macOS Tahoe 26 comes through a major overhaul of Spotlight search. The enhanced system now provides dedicated shortcuts for finding files, launching applications, performing system actions, and accessing clipboard history. Users can access these functions through Command+Space as before, but now have additional keyboard shortcuts using Command plus numbers 1-4 for quick access to Apps, Files, Shortcuts, and Clipboard respectively.
The new Spotlight functionality extends beyond simple search to include system-wide actions and even in-app functions. Users can now perform tasks like playing podcasts, starting recordings, or sending messages directly through Spotlight, complete with parameter filling such as specifying email recipients or timer durations. Custom Quick Keys allow for personalized shortcuts, with examples including M for messages and TM for timers, significantly expanding keyboard-driven workflow capabilities.
Enhanced Customization and Desktop Widgets
macOS Tahoe 26 brings the theme controls previously introduced in iOS 18 to the Mac platform. The Appearance menu now offers comprehensive customization options including light and dark modes, highlight colors, and various icon and widget styles. These settings can dramatically alter the operating system's appearance, ranging from minimalist to more vibrant presentations.
Desktop widgets have been redesigned to live directly on the desktop rather than requiring access through the Notification Center. This change allows users to populate their desktop with glanceable information similar to an iPad home screen layout. The Finder application also receives visual updates with rounded design elements and a sidebar that appears as a nested oval window, with different presentations in light and dark modes.
AI Integration and Continuity Features
The update incorporates Apple Intelligence into the Shortcuts application, enabling AI-powered automation for tasks like text summarization and image generation. These shortcuts can leverage either on-device Neural Engine processing or ChatGPT integration, creating sophisticated workflow chains that can compare and analyze content across different applications.
Apple has expanded its Continuity feature set by bringing the Phone app to Mac for the first time. While Macs lack cellular modems, the app enables users to handle iPhone calls directly on their computers, complete with live translation, contact backgrounds, and call screening features. Live Activities also make their Mac debut, providing Menu Bar updates for ongoing tasks handed off from iOS devices.
Gaming and Additional Features
macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a dedicated Games app similar to those appearing in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, designed to highlight available Mac games and showcase upcoming titles like Cyberpunk 2077. The update includes a new Game Overlay feature that allows players to chat with friends and adjust settings without exiting games, bringing PC gaming-style functionality to the Mac platform.
Additional improvements include audio recording capabilities within the Notes app, the Journal app's Mac debut, and a new Magnifier feature that utilizes connected webcams or cameras for enhanced zoom functionality.
Availability and Compatibility
The developer beta for macOS Tahoe 26 launched immediately following the WWDC announcement, while the public beta is scheduled for July 2025. The final release is expected in fall 2025 as a free upgrade. Compatibility extends to Macs as old as the 2020 M1 MacBook Air, ensuring broad device support for the new features and design language.