Apple has presented macOS Tahoe 26, its latest update for Mac computers, which represents a significant visual and functional change, and brings a considerable redesign. The company has made a significant transformation, opting for a new design system called Liquid Glass, which introduces a crystalline and translucent aesthetic to the desktop and the entire interface. This change affects not only icons and menus, but also key system applications, seeking a greater visual coherence with other systems such as iOS, iPadOS and visionOS.
The objective of this redesign is to achieve that content takes center stage over the interface, thanks to elements such as the completely transparent menu bar, floating menus, and a revamped Dock. In addition, customization is reinforced: you can now Modify the colors of folders, icons, and even add symbols or emojis to differentiate the elements of the system at a glance.
“Liquid Glass” customization and design
The visual aspect is one of the most notable new features of macOS Tahoe. The Liquid Glass material provides a sense of depth and dynamic transparency, making Windows, the Control Center, and even the Dock reflect and refract the user's environment. Consistency is also reflected in personalization: users can adapt folders with custom colors, themed icons, and even your own emojis, creating a unique personal touch on every Mac.
The experience becomes more unified, with floating controls and responsive menus. This stylistic change is noticeable within native apps, from Photos to Safari to FaceTime, seeking to modernize the system's look and make it more user-friendly.
Spotlight revamped: much more than a search engine
Among the improved functions is the Updated Spotlight. Beyond locating files, emails or applications, it now allows execute quick actions directly from the search bar. Sending an email, creating a note, or launching a shortcut can all be done without opening separate apps. Plus, The results appear organized by type and relevance, with advanced filters to efficiently locate content, including integration with third-party cloud services.
Another new feature is that Spotlight learns from the user's routines and offers personalized suggestions, and can even be operated using just the keyboard, thus facilitating productivity and quick access to any resource.
Apple Intelligence and Productivity: AI More Present
La Apple artificial intelligence expands its presence on macOS, integrating with new features aimed at both creativity and productivity. Tools such as live translation of texts and audios, generation of personalized images (Image Playground), creation of Genmoji to express emotions and the automation of complex tasks through intelligent shortcuts.
These AI capabilities not only allow content generation, but also summarize texts, analyze emails or suggest reminders based on information detected in different documents. Shortcuts have become more powerful, allowing interact directly with Apple Intelligence models to optimize processes in the user's daily life and always maintain privacy.
Integration and apps: Phone, Games, and Continuity improvements
macOS Tahoe improves the integration with iPhone devices Thanks to the arrival of the Phone app, which lets you manage calls, access voicemail, and manage contacts without having to pick up your phone. Live activity feeds on your iPhone can now also be viewed in the Mac menu bar, allowing you to follow events in real time, such as flights or orders.
In the leisure section, the new app Apple Games centralizes installed games and adds an Overlay mode to invite friends, adjust settings, or activate battery-saving mode during matches. Developers have access to new graphics technologies (such as Metal 4) designed to take full advantage of Apple Silicon hardware and improve the gaming experience.
Other new features include features in Messages (polls, smart spam detection, and custom backgrounds), the addition of the Journal app for synchronized journaling, built-in live translation in Messages and FaceTime, and a revamped Passwords section to improve user security.
Device compatibility and availability
macOS Tahoe 26 will be Free for compatible Macs and its official deployment is expected in autumn, following a developer testing period and public beta since July. Accessing advanced Apple Intelligence features requires a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or later) configured in one of the languages supported by the AI.
List of compatible equipment:
- MacBook Air with Apple Silicon (2020 or later)
- MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon (2020 or later)
- 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019 or later)
- 13 2020-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt ports
- iMac (2020 or later)
- Mac mini (2020 or later)
- Mac Studio (2022 or later)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
The rollout will be gradual, starting with the developer beta available immediately, followed by the public beta planned for July, and a final version that will be available to all users throughout the fall.
This redesign improves the visual and functional experience on Mac, making it more personalized, connected to the rest of the ecosystem, and powered by artificial intelligence that is increasingly integrated into everyday life.