macOS 16: All You Need to Know About Apple’s Upcoming Mac Operating System
Apple is preparing to launch macOS 16, the next significant enhancement to its Mac operating system, anticipated to be revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. With a keen emphasis on artificial intelligence, a possible design transformation, and improved accessibility options, macOS 16 is poised to be one of the most impactful updates in recent memory. Here’s an in-depth overview of what to look forward to in macOS 16, encompassing its speculated features, release schedule, compatible devices, and more.
When Will macOS 16 Be Unveiled?
Historically, Apple announces new macOS iterations at its yearly WWDC gathering, and 2025 will uphold this tradition. WWDC 2025 is slated for June 9–13, with the keynote likely scheduled for the first day. While the event will be broadcast online, Apple is also anticipated to welcome developers and media at Apple Park in Cupertino for an exclusive viewing experience.
What Will macOS 16 Be Named?
Apple has consistently named its macOS versions after Californian landmarks, such as Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma. Although the company has previously registered the name “Mammoth,” it remains uncertain if this will be the official title for macOS 16. Internally, the OS is known by the codename “Cheer,” but the final name is expected to be unveiled during the WWDC keynote.
macOS 16 Release Timeline
After its announcement in June, macOS 16 will undergo a beta testing phase throughout the summer. The public rollout is projected for September 2025, coinciding with the release of new Mac hardware and other Apple software updates like iOS 19 and iPadOS 19. Nevertheless, certain features—mainly those associated with Apple Intelligence—might be postponed until early 2026.
Key Features and Speculations
1. Significant Redesign
macOS 16 is speculated to bring about a substantial visual transformation. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple aims to standardize the design language across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Anticipate redesigned icons, menus, windows, and system applications that resonate more with the aesthetics of visionOS, Apple’s OS for Vision Pro.
Leaked mockups imply that macOS 16 could feature more rounded UI elements and streamlined interactions, possibly influenced by visionOS’s minimalist and spatial interface. This would represent the most notable macOS redesign since Big Sur in 2020.
2. Expansion of Apple Intelligence
macOS 16 will advance Apple’s venture into artificial intelligence with enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. While macOS Sequoia established foundational AI features, macOS 16 is expected to expand upon this with:
– Siri GPT: An upgraded Siri empowered by large language models (LLMs), facilitating more fluid, conversational exchanges.
– Text summarization and generation: AI tools designed to assist users in composing, editing, and summarizing content across applications.
– App Intents: Enhanced integration with third-party applications for smarter automation and voice commands.
However, many of these features may not launch simultaneously and could be rolled out gradually through 2026.
3. Improvements in Accessibility
Before WWDC, Apple unveiled several accessibility enhancements coming to macOS 16:
– Accessibility Nutrition Labels: App Store listings will emphasize accessibility features like VoiceOver and captions.
– Magnifier for Mac: A new application that utilizes the Mac’s camera (or iPhone’s Continuity Camera) to zoom in on real-world objects.
– Braille Note Taker: A comprehensive braille experience across Apple devices.
– Personal Voice: Accelerated voice generation using just ten spoken phrases.
– Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Support: Switch Control will accommodate BCIs, allowing operation without physical movement.
– Expanded Live Captions: Newly available in additional languages, including Mandarin, Spanish, French, and more.
4. Fresh Emojis
As with each major macOS launch, macOS 16 will feature new emojis sanctioned by the Unicode Consortium. These are expected to appear in a subsequent point update, such as macOS 16.1 or 16.2.
5. Redesigned Camera App (Speculated)
Drawing inspiration from visionOS, Apple may streamline the Camera app on macOS to minimize clutter and enhance usability. This would align with similar transformations anticipated in iOS 19.
Compatible Devices
Apple is progressively discontinuing support for Intel-based Macs. While the official roster of supported devices won’t be confirmed until WWDC, here’s a probable list based on macOS Sequoia compatibility:
– iMac (2019 and newer)
– iMac Pro (2017)
– MacBook Air (2020 and later)
– MacBook Pro (2018 and newer)
– Mac Pro (2019 and later)
– Mac mini (2018 and later)
– Mac Studio (2022 and newer)
It’s likely that
