# macOS Tahoe 26: An In-Depth Exploration of Its Main Features
Although macOS Tahoe 26 shares a sleek redesign with iOS and iPadOS, its standout new functionalities emphasize the core essence of the Mac. Enhancements to the Terminal, automation capabilities, and modifications for power users represent the types of Mac updates that aren’t available on the iPhone and iPad. Apple is concentrating its efforts on the Mac through these features.
## Terminal Receives a Visual Makeover with Additional Customization
Nothing embodies the Mac like the Terminal does. macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a visual enhancement to Terminal. With support for 24-bit color and fresh themes, users can customize the command line interface to reflect their preferences or work environment more effectively. Native support for Powerline glyphs permits the integration of status bars or rich prompts directly within the shell. These upgrades improve functionality while maintaining the inherent versatility that Terminal users desire.
## Shortcuts Now Respond to Real-World Situations
macOS 26 enhances Shortcuts automation with additional conditions. Automations can now be activated based on file activity, battery levels, and the time of day. Other triggers encompass particular wifi networks, external displays, calendar events, and even email senders. For instance, connecting a monitor can prompt your Work Focus. Another example: if a file is added to the desktop, it can be automatically organized into the correct folder. These enhancements provide substantial automation for daily Mac activities.
## Notes Introduces Markdown Support and Call Transcription
Notes now features the ability to import and export Markdown-formatted files. This offers users increased adaptability when working across different platforms or utilizing plain text formatting. More importantly on the Mac, if you utilize the new Phone app, you can create transcripts of any call within Notes. These transcripts can be saved for future reference. This streamlines the process of keeping track of conversations without the hassle of manual note-taking.
## Safari Improves Picture in Picture
The Safari browser acquires new Picture in Picture controls. Users can now transition videos into PiP from the Page Menu and manage playback from the floating window. Supported videos can be fast-forwarded or rewound, and ads can be skipped whenever possible. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for multitaskers who enjoy watching content while working or gaming.
## Folders Become More Personalized and Easier to Manage
Folder customization is incredibly expressive in macOS 26. You can assign emojis or symbols to folders, apply colors that automatically come with system tags, and even establish a new default color for all folders throughout Finder, the Dock, and desktop. This visual customization simplifies the identification and organization of projects at a glance. It truly highlights the advantages of using a Mac.
## Pinned Collections in Photos
The Photos app introduces Pinned Collections on the Mac this year. This concept was first launched on the iPhone and iPad last year with the revamped Photos app. Now, the organizational efforts made on mobile are reflected on the Mac, and vice versa. You can pin your frequently used albums or folders for instant access from the sidebar. Apple has also redesigned the sidebar to align with iPadOS. Additional updates enable you to hide the sidebar, adjust collection tile sizes, and access filtering and sorting features more conveniently.
## Vehicle Motion Cues Arrive on the Mac
Apple is introducing its Vehicle Motion Cues feature to macOS for the first time. This accessibility functionality alleviates motion sickness by presenting subtle visual indicators in sync with the vehicle’s movements. This is especially beneficial for users who are working from a car or other moving environment, reducing discomfort caused by the conflict between visual and sensory cues. It’s perfect for those times when the passenger seat of your vehicle becomes your office for the day.
## Gaming Receives Quality-of-Life Enhancements
macOS 26 features several advancements for gaming. For instance, Low Power Mode can now be activated during gameplay. This enables longer gaming sessions when charging options are limited. Pairing a DualSense controller is as simple as pairing an Apple trackpad or keyboard. Just connect via USB-C and you’re set. Switching between devices can effortlessly be done through the controller or Bluetooth settings. These adjustments are minor yet significant for Mac users who balance productivity and gaming.
## 9to5Mac’s Opinion
macOS Tahoe 26 primarily represents a redesign that harmonizes its appearance with that of the iPhone and iPad. Nevertheless, enhancements to Terminal, extensive personalization options, and other features specific to the Mac illustrate that macOS Tahoe 26 continues to embrace the essence of the Mac. At the same time, Tahoe incorporates a mix of both existing and new features from iOS and iPadOS into the Mac. The breadth of capabilities is what truly fortifies the Mac’s resilience.
