macOS 26 is Apple’s forthcoming operating system for Macintosh computers. Revealed during the WWDC 2025 keynote, this software upgrade introduces a completely redesigned interface, enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, and signifies the final version for Intel-based Macs. Here’s all the essential information about the forthcoming macOS 26 operating system update.
## Hold on, macOS 26?
For the first time since OS X, Apple has modified the name of the Mac’s operating system. Although it remains referred to as macOS, Apple is now distinguishing software updates by the forthcoming year (similar to a new vehicle’s model year). This change was made to create consistency in its branding, since various operating systems featured different version numbers. Consequently, all of Apple’s upcoming software updates will carry the 26 suffix.
### Is Apple still assigning a name to macOS 26?
Indeed, macOS 26 is dubbed macOS Tahoe. This renowned resort region, a popular getaway for numerous Apple employees, serves as the name for the upcoming software update intended for Mac users. It holds significant importance in California and is fitting owing to the redesign that macOS 26 introduces.
## Release schedule
macOS Tahoe is anticipated to launch in September 2025. Apple typically announces that the new system update will be released “in the fall.” Nevertheless, the company has rolled out Mac software updates in late September over the last few years.
## Functionalities
macOS Tahoe is the last update designed for Intel Macs. Still, it provides a variety of new functionalities for Mac users.
### Liquid Glass serves as Apple’s new identity
This marks the most substantial modification in macOS history since the introduction of macOS Big Sur five years ago. Apple designed this new Liquid Glass UI to be “stunning, enjoyable, and instantly recognizable,” and it will be present throughout the new system.
Some highlights include:
– **Revamped app icons:** For the first time, Mac users are able to personalize app icons. Despite updated light and dark modes, there are new color-tinted and transparent appearances.
– **Customized Control Center:** Apple claims that customizing controls and layouts in the menu bar and Control Center, including third-party options, is now more straightforward.
– **Redesigned applications:** Apple has modified several applications in macOS Tahoe, including Camera, Photos, Safari, and FaceTime. The company states they feel “more integrated than ever.”
### Continuity capabilities
As always, Continuity capabilities play a crucial role in macOS Tahoe. With a unified design language across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, Apple aims to ensure that working seamlessly among these devices is much easier.
– **Live Activities:** One of the best features from the iPhone has been extended to the Mac. Now, when you initiate a live Activity on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, it will also be visible on the Mac. This extends the iPhone Mirroring function first introduced alongside macOS Sequoia.
– **Phone application:** Believe it or not, Apple has introduced the Phone app to the Mac. Apple states that calls can be made and answered with a simple click. However, both your iPhone and Mac must be logged into FaceTime with the same Apple ID, have Wi-Fi enabled, and be connected to the same network.
Apple is also enhancing the management of unwanted calls and introducing a new Hold Assist feature, which keeps the Mac on hold for a live agent on your behalf.
### macOS Tahoe enhances your productivity
Aside from the redesign, macOS Tahoe improves some of the essential features of the Mac:
– **Spotlight update:** Concentrated on this new AI era, you can now perform actions on Spotlight, such as sending a document via the Messages app using it.
– **Enhanced discoverability:** Spotlight now allows you to navigate through applications and frequently accessed files. Additionally, intelligent suggestions place apps, files, and more near you based on your habits.
– **Seamless automations:** You can finally execute shortcuts automatically. One of the examples provided by Apple is saving a file to a specific folder or connecting to a display.
### New emojis
Apple consistently introduces new emojis during each macOS cycle. Even if they don’t arrive with the initial major update, the company reveals them throughout the lifecycle of the latest operating system.
## Apple Intelligence features in macOS Tahoe
Unlike during the WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple Intelligence did not take center stage in the introduction of macOS Tahoe. However, several features are included with this software update:
– **Live Translation:** Available on Messages, Phone, and FaceTime, it facilitates smooth communication across languages by automatically translating text and audio.
– **Onscreen ChatGPT integration:** With ChatGPT powering Apple Intelligence functionalities, you can pose questions to the AI regarding what’s displayed on your screen.
– **Genmoji enhancements:** You can blend emojis, Genmoji, and a description. For the first time, it’s also possible to combine two emojis.
– **Image Playground improvements:**
