macOS Tahoe 26: Liquid Glass Design, Enhanced Features, and More Now Available
Apple has officially released macOS Tahoe 26, the latest iteration of its desktop operating system, bringing a fresh design and a host of new features to compatible Macs. The update is available today as a free download, promising a more intuitive and visually appealing user experience. The new features are designed to boost productivity and personalization across the Apple ecosystem.
A New Software Design with Liquid Glass
macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a significant design overhaul centered around "Liquid Glass," a new translucent material that aims to create a more expressive and delightful user interface. This design extends across various system elements, including app icons, widgets, and navigation controls. The Liquid Glass effect dynamically reflects and refracts surroundings, enhancing focus on content. The new design is available on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Key Features and Improvements in macOS Tahoe 26
macOS Tahoe delivers several enhancements designed to boost productivity and user experience:
- Spotlight Update: Spotlight receives its biggest update ever, offering new browsing views for files and apps, enhanced search capabilities, and powerful action capabilities with quick keys.
- Phone App: The Phone app, integrated with Continuity, allows users to make and receive calls from their Mac using their iPhone's cellular connection. Call Screening and Hold Assist features are also included.
- Messages App: Users can now customize message backgrounds and create polls within the Messages app. Screening tools help filter out unknown senders.
- Safari Redesign: Safari features a new rounded-edge aesthetic with color-matching top navigation bar, providing a subtle integration with website colors.
- Folder Customization: Users can now change folder colors and add emoji to folder icons for improved visual organization.
- Games App: The new Apple Games app acts as a central hub for gaming, providing access to installed games and updates.
- Menu Bar: The transparent menu bar offers a more seamless look and is highly customizable through the Controls Gallery.
Apple Intelligence Integration
Building on existing features, Apple Intelligence enhances macOS Tahoe with new capabilities. These AI-driven features aim to improve communication, productivity, and personalization across devices. One key addition is Live Translation, which facilitates seamless communication across languages in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. Users can also leverage updates to visual intelligence to interact with on-screen content and find similar images or products. Intelligent Shortcuts tap into Apple Intelligence for automated workflows. Note that Apple Intelligence is currently in beta.
Availability and Compatibility
macOS Tahoe 26 is available as a free software update. Compatibility includes all Apple silicon Macs, as well as the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 and later iMac, and the 2019 and later Mac Pro. Users can download the update through the Software Update section of System Settings.
Reviewer's Perspective: macOS Tahoe 26 First Impressions
According to a reviewer who has been using macOS Tahoe 26 since June, the new operating system has decent improvements despite the polarizing "Liquid Glass" UI. The reviewer highlighted the enhanced Spotlight functionality, Phone app integration, and the clipboard history feature as some of the most useful additions. Other notable features praised included the ability to customize folder colors and the transparent Menu Bar.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Liquid Glass Design | New translucent interface across multiple system elements. |
| Spotlight | Enhanced search, action capabilities, and clipboard history. |
| Phone App | Integrated calling functionality with call screening and hold assist. |
| Messages | Customizable backgrounds and polls. |
| Safari | Rounded edge design with dynamic top bar coloring |
| Games App | Centralized game launcher and management tool. |
| Menu Bar | Transparent look with customizable controls. |
Overall, macOS Tahoe 26 aims to provide a more personalized, productive, and visually engaging experience for Mac users. While the "Liquid Glass" design might divide opinions, the array of new features and improvements make it a worthwhile update.
