Apple has officially released macOS Tahoe 26, the latest version of its Mac operating system, and it comes packed with new features designed to make your Mac more powerful, more personal, and more connected than ever. Announced at WWDC 2025 and tested through months of developer and public betas, the update is now rolling out to all compatible devices.
For Intel Mac users, Tahoe 26 marks the end of an era: this will be the last major macOS update available for older Intel-based Macs with the Apple T2 Security Chip.
A Fresh Look with Liquid Glass
The most immediately noticeable change in macOS Tahoe 26 is its Liquid Glass design language.
- Windows, menus, buttons, and notifications now feature glossy transparency effects, letting background content subtly shine through.
- The menu bar is fully transparent, which makes the screen feel more open and spacious.
- Customization gets a boost: users can recolor folders and even add emoji icons to make them stand out, perfect for those who love keeping their desktop organized.
This design approach unifies the look of macOS with iOS 26 and watchOS 26, giving the Apple ecosystem a more cohesive visual identity.
Spotlight Gets Smarter
Spotlight has long been a powerful search tool on the Mac, but with Tahoe 26, it gets a significant upgrade:
- Smarter ranking of results, surfacing the most relevant information based on your habits.
- Expanded functionality: you can now perform quick actions—such as sending an email, creating a note, or starting a message—directly from Spotlight without opening the full app.
- For power users, this transforms Spotlight from a simple search tool into a true productivity hub.
The New Phone App for Mac
One of the most exciting additions in macOS Tahoe 26 is the all-new Phone app, which brings iPhone call functionality directly to your Mac.
- Route calls from your iPhone to your Mac, eliminating the need to reach for your phone.
- Access call logs, recents, and voicemails from your desktop.
- Use advanced iOS features like:
- Call Screening — screens unknown numbers on your behalf.
- Hold Assist — waits on hold for you until a live person is available.
This feature bridges the gap between iPhone and Mac, further solidifying Apple’s push toward a seamless ecosystem experience.
Apple Intelligence Comes to the Mac
Apple is weaving Apple Intelligence deeper into macOS, and Tahoe 26 introduces new AI-powered tools:
- Live Translation: Translates text, audio during phone or FaceTime calls, and even real-time chats in Messages.
- Smarter notifications: Notifications can prioritize themselves based on urgency and relevance.
- System-wide context awareness: Making everyday interactions with your Mac more intuitive.
With these updates, Apple is positioning the Mac not just as a productivity machine, but as a personalized AI-powered assistant.
Why macOS Tahoe 26 Matters
For Mac users, Tahoe 26 is more than just a yearly refresh—it represents Apple’s commitment to unifying its platforms while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on desktop software.
- Intel Mac owners get one final, full-featured update before support shifts entirely to Apple Silicon.
- Spotlight and Phone app transform how users interact with their Macs, making them more versatile and useful.
- Apple Intelligence features showcase Apple’s AI ambitions while keeping privacy and integration at the forefront.
Whether you’re after better design, smarter search, or a Mac that handles calls like your iPhone, macOS Tahoe 26 delivers on all fronts.
