# Spotlight Takes the Spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26
Following years of gradual improvements, Spotlight is now in the spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26, which Apple touts as its most significant update to date. This version seeks to transform Spotlight from merely a file and app launcher into a comprehensive productivity layer throughout macOS, akin to the experience that Alfred and Raycast users have enjoyed for years.
## A Quicker, More Relevant Spotlight
Spotlight now strives to be the quickest method to explore and engage with content on your Mac. By employing on-device intelligence, it brings forth the most pertinent files, applications, shortcuts, and actions tailored to user context, including recent behavior, daily habits, shortcuts, and clipboard contents. File results are prioritized and categorized by relevance, enabling users to refine results instantly for more exact searches.
## System and App Actions, Integrated
A key change is the ability to access system and app actions directly through Spotlight. Users can now efficiently carry out tasks such as:
– Creating a calendar event
– Sending an email or message
– Starting a timer or voice memo
– Playing a podcast
– Running Shortcuts
– Activating app-specific commands, including menu bar items
These actions can be performed without leaving the keyboard or switching between applications. Apple claims that Spotlight now reveals hundreds of these actions, with developers having the ability to present even more via the App Intents API. A multitude of actions are context-aware and provide parameter fields right in the Spotlight UI, allowing users to input details without needing to launch the complete app.
## Quick Keys: Fresh Muscle Memory for Mac
macOS Tahoe 26 presents Quick Keys, short character sequences that function as keyboard shortcuts for common actions. For instance, typing “sm” can send a message, while “ar” creates a reminder. These Quick Keys are automatically generated based on user activity, establishing a fresh layer of muscle memory for Spotlight enthusiasts and reflecting features found in third-party launchers like Alfred.
## iPhone Apps and App Mirroring
Thanks to Apple’s expanding Continuity framework, Spotlight can now bring forth and launch iPhone applications through iPhone Mirroring. During the demonstration, Apple illustrated how users could launch and manage iPhone-exclusive apps directly from Spotlight on macOS, using Headspace as an example.
## Native Clipboard History
Another noteworthy addition is clipboard history, now directly accessible within Spotlight. Users can search and explore previously copied items, including text, links, and images. A visual preview column on the left side of the Spotlight window enables users to identify from which app or context specific content was copied.
## Spotlight + Shortcuts + Apple Intelligence
In macOS Tahoe 26, Spotlight receives enhanced integration with Shortcuts and Apple Intelligence. During the WWDC demonstration, Apple showcased how users could initiate a custom “Create Tagline” shortcut from Spotlight, automatically utilizing content from the clipboard and receiving AI-generated suggestions in return.
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Are you looking forward to the revamped Spotlight? Was the demonstration sufficient to prompt you to switch from a third-party application? Share your thoughts in the comments.
