Apple is set to release macOS Tahoe on Monday, September 15, rolling it out alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, visionOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. Earlier this week, the company seeded the release candidate (RC) version to developers and testers, giving us a clear look at the features that will define this major update.
Unlike previous macOS releases, Apple is presenting the new features through a visual carousel of highlights rather than a long bullet-point list. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming to your Mac.
A Fresh Look with Liquid Glass
Tahoe introduces a refreshed design that Apple describes as “Liquid Glass.” The menubar is now transparent, making your display feel more spacious. Sidebars and toolbars reflect and refract the content behind them, keeping focus on what matters most.
Users can also personalize icons and widgets with light, dark, tinted, or even a new, clear style.
Customization Everywhere
- Folders: Give each folder a unique look with custom colors, emojis, or symbols.
- Control Center: Add, rearrange, or even create multiple pages of controls. You can also drop frequently used controls straight into the menu bar.
Apple Intelligence at Work
AI-powered tools make a big appearance in macOS Tahoe:
- Live Translation: Real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime captions, and even audio calls, all processed on-device for privacy.
- Shortcuts: Automations can now react to conditions like time of day, file updates, or when you connect an external monitor. Shortcuts also tie directly into Apple Intelligence for text summaries and image generation.
Genmoji and Image Playground
Apple is doubling down on creative personalization:
- Genmoji: Mix emojis with descriptions to create brand-new combinations, complete with hairstyle customization.
- Image Playground: Generate images inspired by your photo library, tweak facial expressions or hairstyles, and try out artistic styles like Watercolor or Oil Painting.
Continuity Upgrades
- Live Activities: Keep track of ongoing iPhone activities, like food delivery progress, right from your Mac’s menu bar.
- New Phone App: Make and receive calls directly on your Mac, with features like Call Screening, Hold Assist, and Live Translation built in.
Smarter Messages
Messages in macOS Tahoe gets new tools to cut through noise. Unknown numbers can be hidden until verified, and on-device spam filtering blocks unwanted texts. You can also add custom conversation backgrounds and send interactive polls in group chats.
Spotlight Supercharged
Spotlight isn’t just for finding files anymore:
- Browsing: Quickly access apps, suggested files, and clipboard history.
- Actions: Perform system and app tasks — like sending a message, creating a calendar event, or running a shortcut — without leaving Spotlight. Quick keys speed up repetitive actions.
Introducing the Apple Games App
Gaming on Mac gets a dedicated hub. The new Apple Games app keeps track of updates, in-game events, and what your friends are playing. It also serves as a library for all your titles and a place to compete with friends.
macOS Tahoe is shaping up to be one of the most design-forward and feature-rich Mac updates in years, blending personalization with practical AI tools and tighter integration across Apple devices.
It officially lands on September 15, alongside updates for Apple’s entire software ecosystem.
