macOS Tahoe 26 is not available, here's everything you need to know

While iOS often grabs the headlines during the beta season after WWDC, the macOS Tahoe 26 update is now rolling out worldwide and includes many great features.

A Fresh Look for Your Mac

The visual experience on macOS Tahoe 26 has a new feel, with a design Apple calls "Liquid Glass." You'll notice this effect prominently on the Dock, app icons, and the new Control Center, creating a cohesive and modern interface. The rest of the system has a more subtle, frosty aesthetic.

Widgets on Your Desktop

A highly requested feature is finally here: desktop widgets. No longer confined to the Notification Center, you can now place widgets directly on your desktop for quick and easy access to information. These widgets also have the new Liquid Glass design and work with both Apple's native apps and third-party applications.

The Power of Spotlight

Spotlight, the powerful search tool, has received a major upgrade that will streamline your workflow. New tabs allow you to quickly access:

• Applications (Cmd + 1)
• Files (Cmd + 2)
• Actions (Cmd + 3)
• Clipboard History (Cmd + 4)

The new "Actions" tab is especially useful, introducing "Quick Keys" that act as shortcuts for common tasks like sending messages, running shortcuts, and more. This feature works with third-party apps, making Spotlight a central hub for productivity.

Smart Automation

Shortcuts on macOS now supports automation. You can set up workflows to run automatically based on:

• Time of day
• Saving a file to a specific folder
• Connecting to an external accessory
• Toggling Do Not Disturb

This is a fantastic way to automate repetitive tasks and create a more efficient workflow.

A New Control Center

Just like on iOS and iPadOS, macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a customizable Control Center. Accessible from the menu bar, you can arrange controls for your Mac, and even add controls from third-party apps. You can also drag specific controls, like the new Vehicle Cues feature, directly to the menu bar.

Seamless Continuity

Continuity between your Mac and iPhone is more fluid than ever. You can now see Live Activities from your iPhone right in the macOS menu bar. Clicking on a Live Activity opens iPhone Mirroring, allowing you to interact with the app on your Mac without even picking up your phone.

Fresh Apps for Your Desktop

Several new apps are making their way to macOS Tahoe 26:

• Phone: A dedicated app for making and managing calls, complete with features like Call Screening and Hold Assist.
• Journal: The journaling app from iOS is now available on Mac, offering a more comfortable typing experience and new features like a map view.
• Apple Games: A new, centralized gaming hub that syncs your progress across all your Apple devices.

Device Compatibility

Here is a list of devices that support macOS Tahoe 26:

• MacBook Air (2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2020 and later)
• iMac (2020 and later)
• Mac mini (2020 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)

A few older models are also supported:

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)