macOS Tahoe 26 adds iPhone call support, redesigned interface, and new AI tools

Apple has previewed macOS Tahoe 26, the next version of its desktop operating system. Announced at WWDC 2025, the update includes a new interface called Liquid Glass, additional Continuity tools such as the Phone app and Live Activities, and changes to Spotlight that add more functions and integration options.

macOS Tahoe 26 introduces interface changes including a translucent Dock, sidebars, and menu bar. Users can adjust folder colors, modify the Control Center layout, and switch between different icon styles. New settings also allow emoji and symbols to be added to folders, with additional options for themes and appearance.

Phone app and Live Activities coming to macOS

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The Phone app is coming to macOS for the first time. Once available, it will allow users to make and receive cellular calls from their nearby iPhone. The Mac version of the app will support familiar features like Recents, Voicemail, and Favorites, along with new tools such as Call Screening and Hold Assist.

Call Screening automatically asks unknown callers to identify themselves before ringing through. Hold Assist keeps the user’s place in the queue while waiting for a live agent, allowing work to continue uninterrupted.

Live Activities from iPhone are also coming to macOS. These real-time updates, such as incoming flights, Uber rides, or sports scores, will appear in the Mac’s menu bar. Clicking on them will open a mirrored view of the corresponding iPhone app.

FaceTime receives a redesigned layout with Contact Posters for recent callers, repositioned controls using the new interface, and a More button to access options like SharePlay and Live Translation. These interface changes are also coming to iPhone and iPad.

Spotlight and Apple Intelligence receive system-wide updates

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Spotlight also sees major improvements in macOS Tahoe 26. Users will now be able to initiate actions directly from the search bar, such as sending emails, starting timers, or creating notes.

In addition, Spotlight will include filtering tools and quick keys, short character strings that trigger predefined actions. Search results will be grouped and ordered based on system-detected relevance, with changes that reflect recent user activity. Similar enhancements are also coming to iOS and iPadOS.

Apple Intelligence is also being expanded in this release. Live Translation now operates in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, offering real-time transcription and language conversion. Shortcuts can now access both on-device and cloud-based AI models to run multi-step workflows, such as comparing transcripts to notes or generating images using tools like Genmoji and Image Playground. Users can also connect to ChatGPT for extended text or image generation tasks. These features are also part of the Apple Intelligence rollout on iPhone and iPad.

New Games app, redesigned Safari, app-specific improvements, and supported devices for macOS Tahoe 26

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macOS Tahoe also introduces the Apple Games app, which brings together all installed titles and adds a Game Overlay. This floating panel allows players to tweak settings, chat with friends, or invite others to join a game without leaving the session. Titles such as Crimson Desert, Cyberpunk 2077, and Lies of P: Overture are being optimized for Apple’s latest M-series chips, with ray tracing and MetalFX.

Safari is set to receive a redesigned interface and is supposed to load frequently visited websites up to 50 percent faster than Chrome, based on Apple's internal testing. Messages will add polling tools and background customization. A journaling app is also planned for macOS. Accessibility updates include Magnifier support using Continuity Camera and a new Braille Access interface. Most of these features are also planned for iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS.

The Photos app is also being updated with interface changes and new features such as pinned collections, quick filtering and sorting tools, and adjustable tile sizes. These updates also align with the redesigned Photos experience on iPadOS.

The Notes app will get support for importing and exporting markdown files, along with support for saving and transcribing phone call recordings. These capabilities are also available on iPhone and iPad.

Passwords is also getting version tracking, allowing users to view changes to saved credentials along with timestamps. This functionality is consistent across Apple devices.

macOS Tahoe 26 is now available to developers, with a public beta expected in July. The update will roll out as a free software upgrade for supported Macs in the United States and other regions this fall. A limited number of Intel-based models, such as the 2019 Mac Pro and 2020 iMac, remain supported. Apple Intelligence features require an M1 chip or newer (as found in this Mac mini on Amazon) and are initially available in select languages