# macOS 26: An In-Depth Look at New Features
macOS 26 presents a major redesign of the user interface and an array of new capabilities focused on improving the user experience throughout Apple devices. This update not only refreshes current applications but also brings new ones to the forefront, marking it as a remarkable release for Mac users.
## The Brand-New Games App
A highlight of macOS 26 is the launch of the Games app, which gathers all games downloaded from the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Mac into one place. This app integrates effortlessly with Apple Arcade, granting users access to over 200 games, featuring popular titles like Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Mini Motorways. The Games app is designed to simplify the gaming journey, enabling players to stay informed about key events and updates in their games.
## Journal on Mac for the First Time
The Journal app, previously available only on iPhone, makes its appearance on Mac with macOS 26. This app is tailored to assist users in reflecting and cultivating gratitude by logging memorable moments. With an emphasis on comfort, the Mac variant elevates the writing experience, allowing users to add photos, videos, and audio clips to their notes.
## Phone App
Continuity features have long permitted users to answer calls on their Mac, but macOS 26 upgrades this functionality with a fully realized Phone app. This app emulates the iPhone’s Phone app, providing features such as Recents, Favorites, and Voicemails, alongside new capabilities like Call Screening and Hold Assist. Call Screening aids users in managing unfamiliar callers, while Hold Assist permits users to retain their place in a call queue without hindering their work.
## Enhanced Photos App
The Photos app experiences a notable upgrade, presenting personalized views that enable users to more effectively filter and organize their photo collections. The redesigned interface allows customization of Collection tile sizes and features a Pinned Collections option for quick access to frequently used albums.
## Messages and FaceTime Improvements
The Messages app introduces a wealth of new features, including the ability to create polls and customize conversations with backgrounds. Enhanced conversation details and spam filtering functionalities increase user control. FaceTime, though seeing a more moderate upgrade, debuts a new tiled design with personalized Contact Posters, enhancing the visual appeal during calls.
## Reminders App Enhancements
The Reminders app benefits from Apple Intelligence, which proposes tasks and grocery items based on user activity. This update also organizes related reminders into categorized sections, making task management more efficient.
## Passwords App Updates
The Passwords app, an upgrade from the previous Keychain, now features change logs that help users keep track of adjustments to their accounts. This functionality boosts security by offering a history of password modifications.
## Notes App Improvements
The Notes app also includes Apple Intelligence, enabling users to document audio recordings of phone calls with transcriptions. Furthermore, Markdown support has been integrated, enhancing the app’s capabilities for note-taking.
## Conclusion
macOS 26 delivers an abundance of new features and enhancements, marking a significant upgrade for Mac users. From the introduction of the Games app to improvements in established applications like Photos, Messages, and Reminders, this update aspires to foster a more interconnected and user-friendly experience across Apple devices. Users are prompted to delve into these new functionalities and share their opinions on which features excite them the most.
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