6 new MacOS 26 features to look forward to

MacOS 26 Tahoe is finally coming. Apple’s big new Mac-focused operating system gets its new naming scheme, based on the year. But it’s not all about naming – the new OS also gets a series of features that make it more uniform with Apple’s other operating systems, and more helpful in general.

All these changes come together into a new operating system that could be the biggest shift for macOS in many years. While some of them take some getting used to, the majority of changes to the OS are genuinely helpful. So what’s new with macOS 26? I’ve been using the MacOS 26 Tahoe beta for a while now to find out.

An all-new design language

Like the rest of Apple’s software lineup, macOS 26 gets the Liquid Design treatment, essentially giving the software glass-like objects and layers. But, the way Liquid Glass looks on MacOS is slightly different than on other Apple operating systems. For example, it’s apparent in services like Spotlight, in menus, and in the dock. Of course, it also shows up in areas like Control Center, just like on iOS and iPadOS. And, like on other platforms, buttons show up in layered areas.

There are other design changes in MacOS 26 too though. Notably, windows have more rounded corners, and there are more layered designs for things like sidebars in apps like Finder. It definitely gives the operating system a fresh look, and while not everyone is thrilled with it, I can say that you get used to the design pretty quick.

A better Spotlight

One MacOS feature in particular that has gotten a big update is Spotlight. Apple’s goal with Spotlight was to make it more powerful, and indeed, the universal search bar for the Mac is now a whole lot more universal. 

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Now, Spotlight can search across the entire operating system, including individual files, folders, apps, and even messages. Speaking of apps, Spotlight now replaces the App Library in MacOS – and Apple has completely removed the launcher grid of apps. There’s still an icon for the app list in the dock, but pressing it will bring you to Spotlight instead.

Spotlight actually gets even more powerful features that make it a replacement for some third-party Spotlight-type apps. Notably, Spotlight can now filter searches, search only through specific areas of your Mac, and use app actions, like those you can find in Siri Shortcuts. That means that you can control certain aspects of apps without ever having to open the app. If you’re willing to learn how to use those features, it makes Spotlight a whole lot more powerful. I rely on Spotlight for finding apps, files, and more – and I’ve even started using it for app actions with this new feature. That in particular is a feature that can be as advanced as you want it to be. Thankfully, if you don’t want to use it at all, Spotlight still will work as well as it always has. 

Phone app for Mac

To date, making phone calls using Continuity with your phone has been a little complicated – but that changes with MacOS 26. Now, MacOS has a new phone app that looks and acts a lot like the Phone app on the iPhone, though expanded. You’ll be able to make calls to favorite contacts, dial phone numbers, and search contacts, all without ever having to open the FaceTime app. It works well, and while not everyone will need it, it’s nice to have for those who don’t want to have to pick up their phone every time they want to make a call while already using their Mac.

Live Activities

Live Activities have been available on the iPhone for a while now, but now those same Live Activities will show up on your Mac too. You’ll see Live Activities in the menu bar on your Mac, allowing you to easily keep up with things like sports scores, Uber progress, and more. The data is pulled straight from your connected iPhone, and it looks and feels a whole lot like Live Activities do in the Dynamic Island on iOS. Click on the Live Activity in the menu bar, and you’ll see expanded information – again, just like you would in the Dynamic Island. 

Shortcuts is now AI-powered

Nerds like me love Apple Shortcuts for automating activities across operating systems – and it gets a whole lot more powerful in MacOS 26. How? Through the power of AI, of course. Now, in Siri Shortcuts you’ll be able to leverage Apple Intelligence for all kinds of different tasks, making use of the actual Apple Intelligence model for things like summarizing text, giving you a morning summary with weather and calendar events, and so on. Having that kind of access in Shortcuts unlocks all kinds of options for those who want to tinker too, as you can use Apple Intelligence as one step in a series of steps in a Shortcut. I personally use Shortcuts all the time, and being able to use an LLM in the flow of a Shortcut makes it a whole lot more powerful. 

Games app

Apple is seemingly making a bigger push into gaming, and in that effort has launched a new Games app on many of its major operating systems. The Games app is relatively well-designed, and essentially works as a launcher to get you back into games you’ve been playing. It also offers suggestions for new games you might like, based on games you’ve played in the past. Considering the fact that over the past few years we’ve started seeing ports of more AAA games to Apple devices, this could come in handy – especially if developers continue to take advantage of the graphics performance of Apple Silicone.

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable’s live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch. 

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