At WWDC 2025 today, Apple revealed major updates coming to all its operating systems. Among them is the next version of macOS, named macOS Tahoe, which brings a smarter and more powerful Spotlight search experience.
A New Visual Change to Your Mac Experience
The standout feature in macOS 26 is the new “Liquid Glass” design, which is being rolled out across all of Apple’s operating systems. This update brings a sleek, transparent aesthetic with frosted, glass-like visuals seen throughout buttons, menus, and toggles.
The transparent look is especially noticeable in the dock, menu bar, and Control Center. You can now rearrange Control Center items and customize icon styles and themes to match your wallpaper. There’s also a new feature that lets you change folder colors and add emojis, making it easier to quickly recognize and organize your folders.
Apple is also bringing the Phone app to the Mac, complete with the updated layout and features showcased in iOS 26. This means you’ll be able to take calls directly on your Mac and use tools like call screening and Hold Assist.
In addition, macOS Tahoe introduces Live Activities from the iPhone, allowing you to track things like your Uber Eats order right from the menu bar.
Spotlight Search Gains New Superpowers
With macOS Tahoe, Spotlight search gets smarter now surfacing files, folders, messages, events, and more based on what’s most relevant to you. It even supports browsing content from third-party cloud storage apps like Google Drive.
There’s also a new browse view that helps you explore apps, files, clipboard history, and other content when you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for.
Spotlight in macOS 26 is no longer just about search it’s become significantly more powerful. You can now take direct actions like setting reminders, sending emails, creating notes, or playing a podcast straight from Spotlight. Even better, you can open Spotlight within an app and use it to perform tasks specific to that app, such as adjusting the color tone in a photo editing tool.
Want even more control? You can now assign shortcut keys to specific actions within Spotlight for quicker access. It also adapts to your daily habits, offering personalized suggestions based on your routine.
Apple Games Arrives Alongside New Gaming Features and Enhancements
Before the keynote, there was speculation that Apple might unveil a standalone Games app and with macOS Tahoe, it’s finally a reality. The new Apple Games hub lets you browse your existing library, discover fresh titles, and connect with friends to play together.
While you’re in the middle of a game, a new Game Overlay feature lets you tweak system settings, switch on Low Power Mode, chat, or send invites all without having to leave your game.
With macOS Tahoe, Apple is rolling out Metal 4, giving developers access to the latest in graphics tech for their games. This update enables features like upscaling, enhanced visuals, and ray tracing all set to power upcoming titles like Crimson Desert and InZOI. Big-name games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Cronos: The New Dawn, and HITMAN World of Assassination are also on the horizon.
Apple Intelligence Upgrades on macOS Tahoe
Apple also unveiled a few new Apple Intelligence features, including Live Translation built right into the Messages and FaceTime apps. You’ll also have the ability to create custom shortcuts that tap into tools like Writing Tools and Image Playground.
Genmoji is getting smarter too you can now blend two emojis and add a prompt to generate a custom emoji that suits the tone of your conversation. On top of that, Apple Intelligence will organize your reminders more efficiently, making them easier to manage.
Other New Features and Availability
You’ll also notice Apple’s new Liquid Glass design making its way into more system apps, including Safari, Photos, Messages, and FaceTime. The Journals app joins the macOS 26 lineup as well, along with new accessibility features like a Magnifier tool that uses Continuity Camera to zoom in on your surroundings.
All of these macOS 26 Tahoe features will be available as a free update for Macs powered by the M1 chip or newer. This version jump to 26 aligns with Apple’s streamlined naming approach across its operating systems, matching each release with the upcoming year. So, what’s your take on the new changes? Do they feel exciting enough? Share your thoughts in the comments!
