macOS 26 Tahoe: Options, newest model, what’s in macOS 26.2 & macOS 26.3 launch date

Like its counterparts on the opposite Apple units, in September 2026 macOS acquired a model new look together with a brand new identify. As a result of Apple is aligning the names of all of the working techniques this yr, the brand new model of macOS known as macOS 26 relatively than macOS 16. It additionally takes the identify Tahoe, impressed by the lake, seashores, and the ski resorts of that space of California. 

Together with a giant redesign, macOS 26 brings new Continuity options to carry your iPad, iPhone, and Mac even nearer collectively, a model new Cellphone app, and extra. Highlight additionally will get its greatest ever replace with the power to motion issues like sending emails immediately from Highlight. 

These with appropriate Macs have been in a position to set up macOS Tahoe because it was launched on September 15, 2025. When you haven’t but, learn on to learn how to take action, whether or not you’ll be able to, and whether or not it’s best to.

macOS Tahoe might need launched, however Apple is continuous improvement with new options being added each couple of months. You may get a primary take a look at the brand new upcoming options by way of Apple’s developer and public betas, which can be found to obtain in case you be part of the beta program (we clarify how to take action beneath).

You will see all of the issues you might want to find out about macOS Tahoe and all its new options beneath, together with which Macs are appropriate with macOS 26 and the brand new options you’ll be able to anticipate, together with what’s been added for the reason that September launch, and what’s coming within the subsequent replace. Keep tuned to this superguide for the whole lot you might want to find out about macOS 26 Tahoe.

macOS 26 Tahoe newest model

• Newest model of macOS is macOS Tahoe 26.3, which arrived on February 11, 2026

Apple launched the primary model of macOS 26 Tahoe on September 15, 2025. The discharge coincided with the iOS 26 replace. Since then the next updates have been issued by Apple.

• macOS 26 – September 15, 2025
• macOS 26.0.1 – September 29, 2025 (bug fixes)
• macOS 26.1 – November 3, 2025
• macOS 26.2 – December 12, 2025

Questioning whether or not to put in macOS Tahoe? Learn: macOS Tahoe vs macOS Sequoia: What’s totally different, what’s new, and do you have to replace?

macOS 26 Tahoe subsequent replace: macOS 26.4

• Subsequent beta shall be macOS Tahoe 26.4

Improvement continues even after the official macOS replace is launched, as Apple seeks to introduce new options that missed the preliminary introduction date. Apple is working a developer beta in addition to a public beta in order that upcoming new options will be examined.

The macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta shouldn’t be but out. It ought to be accessible quickly.

Each betas are free, although the developer beta requires a free registration as a developer. Apple points updates to the betas pretty commonly. The general public beta updates have a tendency to return a day or two after the up to date developer beta. If you’re excited about attempting out the beta, you’ll be able to be part of Apple’s beta program. For assist putting in the macOS beta, see our information to putting in the macOS beta.

What’s in macOS 26.3

This replace continues the refinement of the key options launched with the preliminary launch of macOS 26 Tahoe. Nevertheless in iOS 26.3 there are a selection of EU-mandated adjustments. Learn our iOS 26 information for extra data.

What’s new in macOS 26.2

macOS Tahoe 26.2, launched in late 2025, launched a number of specialised updates specializing in video conferencing enhancements, AI improvement instruments, and hardware-specific efficiency boosts. Whereas it was not thought of an enormous overhaul, it introduced a number of “genius” utility options that improved the day by day consumer expertise, significantly for these working in distant or low-light environments.

• Edge Mild: Probably the most distinguished consumer-facing function in macOS 26.2 is Edge Mild, a digital ring mild designed to enhance webcam picture high quality. It locations a vivid white border across the show to imitate a selfie ring mild, considerably bettering visibility in darkish rooms. It makes use of the Neural Engine to detect the consumer’s face for acceptable mild adjustment and might even detect the cursor to cover the sunshine when it’d intrude with navigation. Customers can modify the depth of the sunshine and select between hotter or cooler shade temperatures. It requires an M-series Mac, however on M4 Macs and later, the function will be set to allow routinely when low mild is detected .
• AI and Developer Enhancements: For builders and energy customers, macOS 26.2 launched vital updates to machine studying frameworks and {hardware} clustering. Builders utilizing the open-source MLX framework can now leverage the Neural Accelerator within the M5 chip. The replace enhanced the power to create AI clusters utilizing the Mac Studio’s Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.
• Safety Updates: Essential patches for vulnerabilities, aligning with safety fixes present in iPadOS 26.2.
• Interface Polish: Continued refinement of the “Liquid Glass” UI, which launched extra translucency and visionOS-style results throughout the system.
• Efficiency: Common “under-the-hood” adjustments to enhance system stability and responsiveness .

What was new in macOS 26.1

The macOS 26.1 replace consists of fixes for issues with video games controllers and another points. There are much more adjustments coming to iPhones with iOS 26.1.

New options in macOS 26.1 embrace:

• Liquid Glass: Skill to tone down Liquid Glass impact. Select between clear and tinted search for elevated opacity.
• AutoMix help for Apple Music over AirPlay.
• FaceTime audio enhancements over low-bandwidth.
• Regional Communication Security and Internet content material filters for grownup web sites.
• Icons: Adjustments to the Macintosh HD icon.
• New TV app icon with Apple TV+ rebranded to Apple TV.
• A brand new Outcomes from Clipboard setting for Highlight, the place the consumer can activate/off Highlight’s potential to go looking and show clipboard objects. Customers also can set an expiration time for the clipboard and clear the Clipboard historical past. (Settings > Highlight > Outcomes from Clipboard.)

macOS 26 Tahoe issues & fixes

YouTube / Apple

Some M3 Extremely Mac Studio customers have reported that they’re unable to put in macOS Tahoe. It appears the problematic Mac Studios already had Sequoia 15.7 put in, and in the course of the tried set up, Tahoe would search for a driver, and when it failed to seek out it, it resulted in a failed set up.

The macOS 26.0.1 replace addresses the preliminary bugs, together with the Mac Studio set up bug.

macOS 26 Tahoe supported units: Which Macs get macOS Tahoe

• Requires M-series chip or Intel-based Mac computer systems with a T2 Safety Chip
• Apple Intelligence options require M1 or later
• No Intel help from macOS 27 onwards

When Apple updates the working system for its units, it typically signifies that sure fashions are now not supported. The excellent news is that Macs that ran macOS Sonoma will be capable of run the brand new macOS. Apple states that the bottom requirement consists of Macs with M-series chips and Intel-based Mac computer systems with a T2 safety chip.

Listed here are Macs with Apple Silicon that can be capable of run macOS Tahoe:

• MacBook Air (M1/2020 and later)
• MacBook Professional (M1/2020 and later)
• iMac (M1/2021 and later)
• Mac mini (M1/2020 and later)
• Mac Studio (M1/2022 and later)
• Mac Professional (M2/2023 and later)

There are 4 Intel-powered Macs in a position to run macOS Tahoe. These fashions received’t help Apple Intelligence options:

• MacBook Professional (16‑inch, Intel/2019)
• MacBook Professional (13‑inch, Intel/2020, 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (Intel/mid 2020)
• Mac Professional (Intel/2019)

Apple confirmed that that is the final model of macOS that can run on Intel Macs. 

What have been the largest adjustments in macOS 26 Tahoe

macOS 26 Tahoe represents one of the crucial vital overhauls to Apple’s desktop working system in over a decade. The replace is characterised by a dramatic visible redesign, the introduction of core cellular apps to the Mac, and a whole rethinking of system-wide instruments like Highlight.

We’ll run by every new function intimately beneath, together with the Liquid Glass redesign, Highlight overhaul, new apps, new iPhone options which can be coming to the Mac and extra…

macOS 26 Tahoe design: Liquid Glass and different interface adjustments 

Apple

At WWDC in June, Apple confirmed off some attractive new options for macOS that shall be coming later in 2025. Quite a lot of new options and interface enhancements have been promised, however one of many greatest adjustments is coming to all of Apple’s merchandise: a brand new design based mostly on a graphical consumer interface that Apple is looking Liquid Glass.

Apple confirmed off the model new search for macOS within the WWDC keynote. As with Apple’s different working techniques, macOS Tahoe makes use of Apple’s new Liquid Glass impact to create reflective, shiny parts across the interface. The Liquid Glass parts will change shade to replicate the content material beneath as you scroll and can dynamically react. Buttons seem extra curved and fewer flat.

You’ll see the impact within the Dock, sidebars, toolbars, and elsewhere. The menu bar is absolutely clear, and you may modify the transparency of icons within the Dock, for instance. When you don’t like the brand new clear look or if it impacts how effectively you’ll be able to see objects, there’s a method to cut back it, and in some situations, flip it in off altogether. Learn: Easy methods to cut back transparency in macOS Tahoe.

That is the primary time in years that Apple has made vital adjustments to the visible fashion of macOS, and it actually makes the OS seem extra fashionable.

macOS Tahoe interface adjustments 

Apple

Apple says the design overhaul will elevate the important thing parts of macOS and improve the macOS expertise. The cleaner design is meant to assist the consumer to deal with their content material relatively than different distractions, whereas parts just like the translucent menu bar will make the display screen really feel bigger. 

Customers will be capable of select so as to add third-party apps to the menu bar and even drag widgets and buttons from the Management Centre into the menu bar, due to a customizable structure, much like iOS 18. Customers may even be capable of add controls for his or her favourite apps to the Management Centre. We’ve got a information to use Management Centre in macOS Tahoe the place you’ll be able to examine add controls, take away those you don’t need, and organize them in a means that is smart for you.

Apple is making the most of the Liquid Glass introduction to carry some new icon designs to the Mac as effectively to assist in giving macOS a recent look. A few of the icons look drastically totally different, for others the adjustments are extra refined. The ‘exhausting drive’ icon will now get replaced with one that appears extra like an SSD, for instance.

The brand new icons are likely to take the type of ‘squircles’. The adjustments could make some third social gathering icons much less recognisable. Check out: 21 of the brand new macOS Tahoe icons with new designs for the Finder, Automator, Calendar and Contacts icons amongst others. You’ll be able to change the icons if you would like, learn: Easy methods to change the icon of a macOS storage gadget.

Apple

macOS may even achieve a function that arrived on the iPhone and iPad with iOS 18: tinted and darkish app icons.

Customers will be capable of personalize their Mac in different methods, too, reminiscent of altering the colour of folders and including emoji or symbols to assist them determine folders. Customers also can decide personalised wallpapers and select theme colours. If you wish to change your folder shade learn: Easy methods to change folder shade and add icons in Tahoe.

New dynamic screensavers shall be included. One, based mostly on the default macOS Tahoe wallpaper, depicts the landscapes of South Lake Tahoe in a stylized creative method, is out there in each mild and darkish variations. See the way it seems in Tahoe’s beautiful new display screen saver.

There are as much as 15 different new screensavers with photographs of Tahoe at numerous time of the day, Himalayas, Goa, The Ganges and extra.

macOS Tahoe Highlight overhaul

Apple

Highlight has at all times been rather more than a search instrument constructed into macOS, serving to customers discover something on their Macs, make calculations and conversions, and extra. In macOS Tahoe, Focus will be capable of do much more.

Highlight’s design and performance have been utterly rethought for macOS 26, with adjustments that can assist Mac customers get issues carried out quicker.

Fairly than being a single bar, on the right-hand aspect of the brand new Highlight search field, you’ll discover icons for issues like apps, information, Shortcuts, Actions, and clipboard. Choose one among these buttons, and Highlight’s field expands to deal with related objects in an easy-to-browse view. Whenever you seek for one thing, you’ll see related filters beneath your search phrases – click on one to shortly apply it.

Not solely will Highlight be the simplest method to discover something in your Mac, however in macOS 26, Highlight shall be contextually conscious so it might make ideas based mostly on what you might be doing. Search outcomes shall be listed based mostly on their relevance to you, and will probably be doable to make use of new filtering choices for extra particular search outcomes. 

Highlight may even have the power to carry out actions that usually require you to be inside an app. For instance, it is possible for you to to create a calendar occasion, start an audio recording, or play a podcast from inside Highlight. It’ll even allow you to fill out parameters for actions, reminiscent of typing out an electronic mail message and filling within the recipient and topic. You’ll be able to basically compose an electronic mail from inside Highlight, with out opening your electronic mail app.

This shall be simplified additional with Fast Keys, with which it is possible for you to to kind a brief string of letters to launch an motion, reminiscent of typing “sm” to begin sending a message to a good friend. An App Intents API will make it doable for third-party builders so as to add Highlight shortcuts for his or her purposes.

One of the thrilling new arrivals in Highlight is Clipboard Historical past, one thing we’ve needed for years. As an alternative of being restricted to pasting the final copied merchandise, it is possible for you to to view earlier textual content and photographs you’ve copied and re-insert them as wanted. Why did it take Apple so lengthy to supply this?

Apple

Tied to the brand new Highlight is the brand new Apps app, which replaces Launchpad, which has been a function of Macs for greater than a decade and gives customers with a Dwelling web page like view of all their apps. As an alternative Highlight would be the technique of discovering apps. It will take some adjustment, particularly in case you have been a Launchpad consumer. Study extra about Apps changing Launchpad, and if you wish to get Launchpad again we’ve a tutorial to point out you ways.

macOS 26 Tahoe: New and up to date apps 

There are additionally a number of updates coming to Apple apps which can be included with iPads, iPhones, and Macs. Most of the adjustments are shared throughout all the brand new apps, however there are a selection of Mac-specific updates coming. 

Cellphone app

A Cellphone app on the Mac is the newest Continuity function to return to macOS. Continuity is Apple’s identify for the options that work seamlessly between Macs, iPad and iPhones, these embrace Handoff (which lets you begin a process on one gadget and swap to a different to complete it), Common Clipboard (which lets you copy one thing on one gadget and paste it on one other), and Common Management (the place you should use one mouse and keyboard to interface with multiple Mac), amongst different options. 

With the brand new Cellphone app, customers will be capable of obtain their calls and voicemail on the Mac. The Cellphone app is getting some new options of its personal, together with Name Screening, which is designed that will help you keep away from spam calls, and Maintain Help, which implies you’ll by no means should hear to carry music once more.

With Name Screening, earlier than a name is put by, an unknown caller should share their identify and cause for calling, and you’ll then be supplied with that data. With Maintain Help, whenever you be part of a queue to attend for a name operator and the maintain music begins, you’ll be able to select to be known as again. 

YouTube / Apple

Reside Actions

One other function that demonstrates the interoperability between the iPhone and Mac is Reside Actions.

In iOS 18, you’ll be able to see a stay replace in your Lock Display referring to issues like a takeaway order. Reside Actions present the method of a meals supply driver, for instance. Now, that performance is coming to the Mac.

It will likely be powered by the iPhone Mirroring perform, and can take the type of an iPhone-style widget that you will note on the display screen of your Mac.

Video games app

The Video games app is one other one that’s accessible throughout all three most important working system updates: iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. As with the iOS Video games app, the Video games app on the Mac will carry collectively all of the video games you have got in your Mac (purchased from the App Retailer, Apple Arcade and elsewhere), in addition to your mates record, achievements, and leaderboards. Tabs will make it straightforward to seek out the video games you and your mates are taking part in.

A brand new Recreation Overlay will make it straightforward to regulate settings for a specific sport. You’ll additionally be capable of chat with associates and ask them to play.

There’s additionally a brand new Low Energy Mode coming, which avid gamers will be capable of activate to maximise battery life when taking part in video games. 

And in associated information, Metallic 4 is coming, which is able to allow next-gen options for Mac sport builders, reminiscent of MetalFX Body Interpolation and MetalFX De-noising. 

Apple

Shortcuts 

Apple

The Shortcuts app is getting an overhaul in macOS Tahoe.

Shortcuts is a instrument for automating duties and repetitive actions. For these with extra particular wants, there’s additionally Automator on the Mac, however Shortcuts is easy to make use of and accessible on iPhone and iPad as effectively.

In Tahoe, Shortcuts will be capable of run workflows based mostly on components like time of day, or in response to an electronic mail from a selected particular person arriving. This performance was beforehand restricted to the iPhone and iPad variations.

There are new clever actions accessible that can be utilized to create Good Shortcuts. Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT can be utilized to reinforce these Shortcuts. Apple says that “Customers will see devoted actions for options like summarizing textual content with Writing Instruments or creating photographs with Picture Playground.”

Reside Translation 

One of the helpful new options introduced at WWDC is Reside Translation. With Reside Translation, you’ll be able to textual content a good friend who speaks a distinct language and have the translations seem in actual time, or get instantaneous translations throughout a cellphone name or FaceTime convention. Everybody will get their very own translator. 

You’ll be capable of reap the benefits of Reside Translation within the Cellphone app, Messages, and FaceTime in your Mac.

Apple

Journal

The Journal app, which arrived on iOS in 2023, is coming to the Mac (and iPad).

Terminal

Terminal is getting a colourful redesign and the Liquid Glass remedy, with help for 24-bit shade and the power to make use of Powerline fonts.

Reminders

Reminders is getting some assist from Apple Intelligence. Reminders will scan a web site, observe, electronic mail or different content material, then resolve probably the most related motion objects for you based mostly on its findings. You’ll be capable of use Apple Intelligence to routinely categorize your reminders into sections, making them simpler to seek out

There are additionally adjustments coming to Safari, Messages, Images, FaceTime, and Notes.