WWDC 2025 is behind us, and while the highlight has been iOS 26, let's get back to what Apple has been cooking up for our wonderful Macs. The newest free update, macOS 26, codenamed Tahoe, has really rejuvenated the feeling on my MacBook, and I love it.
That clean, glossy redesign introduced with iOS 26 Well, it's now officially on the Mac. They're calling it "Liquid Glass," and it's converting the appearance of almost everything from the Dock to the app toolbar in a subtle way. The whole desktop feels brighter, a bit more personal, and significantly shinier. You can also now throw emojis on your folders (just cause), tint app icons to match your mood (like on the iPhone), and even fully personalize your Control Centre. Oh, and the menu bar Totally transparent now, granting one extra little slice of screen real estate- a minor consideration but very considerate.
Tahoe has useful features to offer besides the cosmetic changes. First, the complete iPhone Phone app experience has migrated to the Mac. We're talking Recents, Voicemails, and even some of the cool new iOS 26 ones like Call Screening and Hold Assist. It feels seamless.
Incredible Live Activities now sit right in the menu bar. So you follow the pizza delivery or the game score without glancing off from a mountain of tabs in Safari.
Spotlight search has apparently received the "biggest update ever," and, really, Apple is not overstating it this time. You can now send emails, listen to podcasts, or take notes, all from the search bar. New filters and quick keys have been included. It even has access to app menu bar actions. Hard-hitting stuff.
And what is Zuckerberg's Meta up to while Apple directs the spotlight Oh yes, the Live Translation. It can now translate in real-time in various languages your texts, calls, and FaceTime conversations, all on-device. So, international treaties (or just coffee orders) remain a secret. Shortcuts seem even smarter now, allowing connections to Apple Intelligence or ChatGPT. Imagine configuring automations that feel like having a hyper-efficient assistant, even making them run by themselves – very handy but a little creepy at the same time.
Yes, you read that right. A new Apple Games app gives the Mac community its long-deserved dedicated gaming hub. This comes with support for a Game Overlay, allowing you to change settings, chat or send invitations without alt-tabbing from in-game. Moreover, big titles with the Metal 4 graphics technology now look and run better than ever on M3 or M4 chips, Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin's Creed Shadows, in particular. Just manage expectations if you are being served by a MacBook Air: not a gaming rig anyways.
Quick Hits: Other Noteworthy Tahoe Tidbits
- Safari feels zippier.
- Messages get new fun Backgrounds and Polls.
- The Journal app finally makes its Mac debut for all your introspective needs.
- Photos has received the full Liquid Glass treatment.
- FaceTime looks crisper.
- Notes now understand markdown, a big win for writers.
- Accessibility features have seen nice refinements across the board.
If you are an Apple Developer, macOS Tahoe 26 is available now. For everyone else, a public beta is expected next month, while the final, gold version will roll out in the fall as a complimentary update (September, give or take) for Macs running on M1 chips and onwards.
From what I've seen, macOS Tahoe surely is not a minor update. This redesign with some genuinely intelligent new features makes it an exciting upgrade that could really enhance your everyday Mac experience.
