Apple has officially unveiled macOS Tahoe, its most ambitious Mac operating system yet. Announced at WWDC 2025, macOS Tahoe (version 26) introduces a stunning new design, powerful features, and marks the final major update for Intel-based Macs. In this article, we’ll dive deep into all the macOS Tahoe features, compatibility requirements, and what this means for Mac users and developers.
A Stunning New Look: The Liquid Glass Design
The most eye-catching change in macOS Tahoe is the introduction of the Liquid Glass design language. This new aesthetic brings:
- Translucency and Reflectivity: Elements like the Dock, menu bar, and sidebars now feature glass-like transparency, creating a seamless blend between software and hardware.
- Fully Transparent Menu Bar: The menu bar is now see-through, making your display feel larger and less cluttered.
- Dynamic Dock: The Dock adapts with depth, light/dark modes, and a more modern look, inspired by Apple’s visionOS.
Enhanced Personalization
macOS Tahoe offers more ways than ever to make your Mac your own:
- Custom Folder Colors: Organize your files with a full spectrum of folder colors, plus the ability to add symbols or emoji.
- Flexible Control Center: Customize which controls appear in the menu bar, including third-party and iPhone app controls.
Compatibility: The Final Chapter for Intel Macs
With macOS Tahoe, Apple is completing its transition to Apple Silicon. Here’s what you need to know:
- Supported Devices: Most Apple Silicon Macs (2020 and newer) and a select few Intel Macs (2019–2020) are compatible.
- End of Intel Support: This is the last major macOS update for Intel-based Macs. Security updates will continue for three years, but new features will be Apple Silicon-only going forward.
Spotlight Gets Smarter
Spotlight, macOS’s search tool, has received its biggest update ever:
- Intelligent Search: Uses machine learning to rank results based on your habits.
- Quick Keys: Perform actions like sending messages or adding reminders with simple shortcuts (e.g., “sm” for Send Message).
- iPhone App Search: Search and launch iPhone apps directly on your Mac via iPhone Mirroring.
- Clipboard History: Access previously copied items for easier multitasking.
New Apps and Supercharged Features
Phone App on Mac
Make and receive iPhone calls on your Mac, view voicemails, and use advanced features like:
- Call Screening: Automatically answers unknown calls and records the caller’s message.
- Hold Assist: Keeps your place in phone queues and notifies you when a human answers.
Games App and Metal 4
Apple is finally taking Mac gaming seriously:
- Games App: Centralizes your game library, recommendations, and social features.
- Game Overlay: Access system settings, chat, and power options without leaving your game.
- Metal 4: Brings AI-powered frame interpolation (like NVIDIA’s DLSS), real-time ray tracing, and better performance for Apple Silicon Macs.
Journal App
The popular iOS Journal app comes to Mac, offering a comfortable writing experience synced across devices.
Seamless Continuity and Live Activities
macOS Tahoe blurs the line between Mac and iPhone:
- Live Activities: Real-time updates (flights, rides, sports scores) from your iPhone now appear in the Mac menu bar.
- Live Translation: Real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone—processed securely on your device.
Accessibility and User Experience
Apple continues its leadership in accessibility:
- Magnifier: Use your iPhone camera as a magnifier on your Mac.
- Braille Access: Improved support for Braille displays and file formats.
- Accessibility Reader: Customizable reading/listening experiences for all users.
- Vehicle Motion Cues: Reduces motion sickness for users on the go.
Developer Tools and Game Porting
- Game Porting Toolkit 3: Makes it easier for developers to bring Windows games to Mac, with new debugging tools and Metal 4 support.
- Remote Developer Tools: Developers can build and test Mac games from Windows PCs using remote Mac hardware.
Release Timeline
- Developer Beta: Available now.
- Public Beta: Launches in July 2025.
- Official Release: Expected Fall 2025.
Why macOS Tahoe Matters
macOS Tahoe is more than just an update—it’s a bold new direction for the Mac. With its Liquid Glass design, smarter features, and Apple Silicon focus, it sets a new standard for desktop computing. Whether you’re a creative, gamer, or everyday user, macOS Tahoe features will redefine your Mac experience.