macOS 26 Tahoe: expected new features and improvements (July 2025)
In some tech crowds, the word “ecosystem” is perceived as vulgar and almost obscene. At a certain point, it was used in such communities a little too often, and, as many buzzwords do, earned itself a swear jar, where those uttering it put cash as a way to punish themselves. The concept behind the word was not bothered, though: every major tech company that caters to a wide range of consumers seeks to create just that, an ecosystem. An environment that keeps the user inside — comfortable, friendly, and equipped for almost any task.
Apple is, arguably, the best example of an ecosystem done right. The vast majority of iPhone users own multiple Apple devices, and while most of them prefer to complete the picture with an iPad and Apple Watch, a third of the company’s customers are fully initiated, i.e., they own a phone, a tablet, and a laptop with the iconic logo on the back.
The Cupertino giant clearly understands the power of the ecosystem and what it gains from it financially. The continued efforts of reinforcing the ties between the products, making switching between them as seamless as possible, pay off. The next iteration of macOS, numbered 26 (yes, things have changed) and named Tahoe, has a number of continuity features that serve this purpose. Let’s take a look at them in particular and the new operating system in general.
macOS 26 Tahoe release dates
Here is what’s known about macOS 26 Tahoe release dates:
- developer beta was released on June 9, 2025;
- public beta is expected within the next couple of weeks, in mid-July 2025;
- the final release will likely coincide with Apple's fall hardware event, i.e., it is planned for September or October 2025.
Ecosystem boosting (continuity) features in macOS 26 Tahoe
Liquid Glass UI is now ubiquitous in the ecosystem. Often called the biggest visual update since Big Sur, it revolves around translucent elements, offering a layered and dynamic look. Everything is more or less unified across all devices, with macOS echoing the experience of iOS/iPadOS.
iPhone mirroring, introduced in macOS Sequoia and iOS 18, is further enhanced with Live Activities, which basically display real-time updates from your iPhone in the Mac's menu bar. The feature premieres in macOS 26 Tahoe. Handy when you want to keep track of something usually done on the phone (ride or takeout ordering, etc.).
Phone App promises the full iPhone experience on Mac, including Recents, Voicemails, Call Screening, Hold Assist, Live Voicemail, Call Recording, and SharePlay. For those situations when you can’t switch to the phone and Live Activities are not enough.
Other major features and improvements expected in macOS 26 Tahoe
Here is what to expect from the next macOS in the productivity department:
- Reminders will rely on Apple Intelligence for smart suggestions and automated categorization;
- Notes will learn to capture and transcribe phone conversations (as audio notes);
- Folders and icons will become much more customizable, open to coloring, labeling with emojis and some visual stamps for better organization;
- Spotlight will be redesigned to support quick actions, keyboard shortcuts, menu bar search, and Apple Intelligence integration (better search results plus some automation capabilities).
A couple of familiar apps will be replaced:
Launchpad → Applications, which will be similar to the App Library on iOS/iPadOS; you will even be able to launch your iPhone apps thanks to iPhone mirroring.
Game Center → Games App, which will be the central hub for everything related to gaming on your Mac; the titles from Apple Arcade, games bought in the App Store, Game Center achievements and leaderboards will all end up here.
An interesting feature many MacBook users are looking forward to is Vehicle Motion Cues, which is supposed to mitigate motion sickness when working/playing/watching something on a Mac in a moving vehicle.
Important note: macOS 26 Tahoe will be the last operating system to support Intel-based Macs. Future releases will be exclusive to Apple Silicon. Something to remember if you are contemplating a hardware upgrade.
