At its annual WWDC event, Apple unveiled macOS Tahoe, the latest iteration of its desktop operating system, packed with significant updates focused on design, artificial intelligence, connectivity with iPhone, and deeper integration across its ecosystem.
The headline aesthetic upgrade, named “Liquid Glass,” introduces a modern, reflective, translucent style resembling actual glass. Users will now have the flexibility to customize their folder icons, even in new shades like pink, aligning macOS closely with the visual enhancements in the recently revealed iOS 26.
In addition to visual refreshes, macOS Tahoe significantly enhances Continuity, tightening the integration between Mac and iPhone experiences. For the first time, Macs will gain a native Phone application that mirrors key capabilities from iOS. This new app incorporates the incoming call screening features and “Hold Assist” introduced with iOS 26. Furthermore, macOS Tahoe will now display “Live Activities” notifications initially introduced for iPhone lock screens—allowing real-time tracking of delivery orders, flights, or other event updates. Users’ favorite communication tools—Messages, Phone, and FaceTime—also gain the newly introduced Live Translation capability, making conversations across languages smoother and more immediate.
Perhaps the most substantial changes arrive via Spotlight search. Powered by Apple’s expanded AI capabilities called Apple Intelligence, Spotlight will now deliver smarter, predictive search results tailored to user behavior and context. In Apple’s demonstration, a user seamlessly composed and sent an email without even opening the Mail app, merely by typing a query directly into Spotlight. Additionally, Spotlight supports customizable quick keys: simple character combinations users set to instantly trigger everyday actions like adding reminders or sending messages. For example, typing “AR” may quickly prompt “Add Reminder,” while “SM” might instantly open a messaging window.
Apple emphasized further consistency across platforms—many hallmark features recently previewed in iOS 26 will also arrive in macOS Tahoe. These include “Genmoji,” updated AI-driven Reminders, the playful “Image Playground,” and the all-new Apple Games platform. Tahoe users can also look forward to polls appearing directly in Messages, aesthetic background updates within the messaging app, a dedicated FaceTime homepage, and Apple’s much-anticipated Journal app designed for capturing personal reflections or tasks.
MacOS Tahoe is scheduled for public release this fall. However, early adopters will have access via a public beta launching next month, while developers can explore the new environment immediately.
