Eight Standout Features of macOS Tahoe 26
After extensive use since June, this review explores the best aspects of Apple's new macOS Tahoe 26. While opinions on the "Liquid Glass" UI remain mixed, several improvements make this a worthwhile update for Mac users.
1. Spotlight's Enhanced Capabilities
Spotlight has evolved beyond a simple app launcher. Now, summoning it with Command + Spacebar provides quick access to applications, recent files, customizable shortcuts, and a clipboard history. Using the arrow keys offers a helpful graphical guide, displaying icons for each function.
2. Convenient Clipboard History
A standout feature of Tahoe is its clipboard history. This function temporarily stores up to eight hours of copied text, files, and screenshots, making it easy to retrieve and paste items. This feature is particularly helpful when copying information into multiple fields. Note: Apple maintains an eight-hour time limit on the clipboard history and doesn’t put copied passwords into it.
3. The Phone App Integration
Tahoe's full-blown Phone app offers a convenient way to make calls directly from your computer. This can be especially useful for tedious calls, allowing you to multitask without the distractions of your phone.
4. Messages App Customization
The Messages app now includes customizable polls for surveying friends and the ability to change conversation backgrounds, aligning with features found on other chat applications. Apple provides animated preset backgrounds as well as the ability to use custom photos.
5. Live Translation Features
macOS Tahoe introduces on-device live translation capabilities for text chats in the Messages app, translated captions in FaceTime video calls, and live phone call translations with text transcriptions and automated voice. Currently, voice translations support English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
6. Safari's Redesigned Interface
The Safari redesign incorporates the "Liquid Glass" aesthetic. The rounded-edge design and color-matching top navigation bar offer a modern look. The glassy transparency effect adds a subtle blur to website content as you scroll. The color matching is very subtle, and most sites I visit just lead to it being black, white, or some level of off-white.
7. Transparent Menu Bar and Controls Gallery
The new transparent Menu Bar provides a cleaner look and can be customized. The Controls Gallery offers easy access to clickable buttons and drop-down menu shortcuts, making it simple to add functionality to the Menu Bar.
8. Folder Customization Options
Tahoe allows users to change folder colors and add emojis to folder icons. While limited to seven color options, the ability to personalize folder aesthetics enhances organization and visual appeal. You’re limited to just seven folder colors, though, and can’t add your own.
The Less Impressive Aspects of Tahoe
Themes, Live Activities, and the Games app are among the less compelling additions. Theme appearances are inconsistent, Live Activities rely on iPhone integration, and the Games app caters primarily to Apple Arcade and App Store titles.
Final Thoughts on macOS Tahoe 26
While the new look of macOS Tahoe may be divisive, it includes several valuable new features. The update has proven stable, but those hesitant about the UI changes or reliant on a stable system for work may want to delay updating.
