During its WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple officially announced macOS Tahoe, the next major update to its Mac operating system.
Highlights
- “Liquid Glass” Visual Redesign: Translucent UI overhaul aligns macOS with iOS 26, bringing aesthetic harmony across Apple devices.
- AI-Powered Spotlight & Shortcuts: New AI-infused Spotlight now executes tasks, supports custom shortcodes, and integrates with third-party apps via the App Intents API.
- Cross-Device Continuity Upgrades: Native Phone app, Live Activities, and iPhone Mirroring with drag-and-drop elevate the Mac–iPhone ecosystem experience.
- Generative AI Tools: Includes Genmoji for custom emojis and Image Playground for generating creative content in various styles.
- Live Translation & ChatGPT Support: System-wide live translation and ChatGPT-powered Smart Replies debut across Phone, Messages, and FaceTime.
- Journal App Lands on macOS: Sync map-based entries, photos, and personal logs across devices—formerly iOS exclusive.
- Unified App Library: Replaces Launchpad with Spotlight-driven app access and support for launching iPhone apps via mirroring.
- New Games App + Metal 4: Enhanced gaming performance with ray tracing, denoising, and frame interpolation. Adds Low Power Mode and social features.
- Accessibility Boosts: New Accessibility Reader, camera magnifier support, motion cues, and expanded Braille options improve usability.
- End of Intel Mac Support: macOS Tahoe will be the last version supporting Intel-based Macs. Security updates will continue through 2028.
- Release Timeline: Developer preview is available now; public beta launches next month. Full public release expected this fall.
The new release focuses on three pillars: deep AI integration, cross-device continuity, and expanded customization—all designed to align macOS more closely with recent updates to iOS and iPadOS.
Liquid Glass and Personalization Features
macOS Tahoe introduces a refreshed design language called “Liquid Glass”, which brings a translucent, reflective aesthetic across the interface—including the Dock, menu bar, sidebars, and toolbars. This new visual approach is meant to harmonize with the UI found in iOS 26.
- Users can now change folder colors, add symbols or emojis, and apply tints to app icons.
- Control Center layouts are customizable, offering a more tailored user experience.
Spotlight and Automation Upgrades
Spotlight receives one of its most significant updates to date, powered by Apple Intelligence:
- AI-enhanced search results now anticipate user needs and suggest relevant actions.
- Users can perform direct tasks—such as sending emails or setting reminders—right from the Spotlight interface.
A new feature called Quick Keys enables users to type shortcodes (e.g., “AR” to add a reminder, “SM” to send a message), offering a faster workflow.
Developers can now integrate their apps via the App Intents API, enabling Spotlight to trigger app-specific actions natively.
Mac–iPhone Connection
macOS Tahoe introduces major continuity upgrades aimed at seamless interaction between Mac and iPhone.
- A native Phone app arrives on the Mac, offering access to Call Screening, Hold Assist, and voicemail.
- Live Activities, such as food deliveries or ride statuses, are now displayed on the Mac’s menu bar, mirroring the iPhone experience.
- iPhone Mirroring gains drag-and-drop support and direct audio control from the Mac.
AI Features and Real-Time Translation
New AI-driven tools expand creative and practical capabilities,
- Shortcuts now integrate with both Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT, supporting features like text summarization, contextual automations, and background removal for images.
- Live Translation is now embedded in Phone, Messages, and FaceTime, offering real-time translation of both text and audio—processed on-device for privacy.
Creative tools include,
- Genmoji: Generate custom emojis based on user prompts.
- Image Playground: Create visuals in styles like oil painting or vector graphics, powered by generative AI.
Productivity and Accessibility
The Journal app, previously exclusive to mobile, is now available on macOS. It includes:
- Map-based entries
- Support for multiple journals
- Cross-device syncing
Accessibility features see meaningful improvements:
- Use iPhone or USB cameras as magnifiers
- A new Accessibility Reader supports zooming, audio scaling, and enlarged reading interfaces
- Enhanced Braille support
- Vehicle Motion Cues help reduce motion sickness during movement
App Library and Launchpad Evolution
The traditional Launchpad has been replaced with a Spotlight-integrated App Library, following the design and behavior of iOS. It also shows iPhone apps that can be launched directly via iPhone Mirroring, unifying the application experience across devices.
Gaming and Performance Updates
Apple is introducing a new Games app for Mac, which consolidates game libraries, includes social overlays (like chat and invites), and adds Low Power Mode for MacBooks.
Under the hood, Metal 4 brings graphics enhancements such as:
- Ray tracing
- Denoising
- Frame interpolation
End of Support for Intel Macs
macOS Tahoe will be the final version to support Intel-based Macs. Starting with macOS 27, updates will be limited to Apple Silicon devices. Apple has confirmed that security updates for select Intel Macs will continue through 2028, ensuring a secure transition period.
macOS Tahoe is expected to be publicly released this fall, with a public beta launching next month. Developers can access an early preview starting today.
