Apple has finally lifted the curtain on its next major operating system: MacOS 26, codenamed Tahoe. This big update brings several new MacOS 26 features that MacBook and iMac users have been craving for years. With a focus on blending visual design and functionality across devices, the new MacOS 26 features aim to make your Mac more connected, more powerful, and simply more delightful to use.
Whether you own the latest M4 MacBook Pro or are wondering if your older Mac will support it, this deep dive covers all the top MacOS 26 features worth getting excited about. Let’s explore exactly what’s coming, when you can try it, and whether your Mac will make the cut.
Table of Contents
1. The New Phone App Comes to Mac
One of the standout MacOS 26 features is the all-new Phone app. For years, users wanted tighter integration between their iPhone and Mac, and Apple finally delivered. With MacOS 26 features like the Phone app, you can now see your recent calls, contacts, and even dial calls directly from your Mac — all synced in real time with your iPhone.
What’s even better is that MacOS 26 include iPhone’s new Hold Assist and Call Screening right inside the Mac’s Phone app. So, screening spam or putting a call on hold gets as easy on your Mac as on your iPhone. Plus, you can see live activities from your iPhone — like tracking your Uber or checking on a food delivery — directly on your Mac desktop.
This seamless integration is a clear example of how the best MacOS 26 features are about blurring lines between devices. Imagine managing an urgent call while editing a presentation on your Mac, without having to switch screens or pick up your phone. That’s the kind of smart cross-device convenience the MacOS 26 features promise to bring.
2. Liquid Glass Design: A Fresh Look
Next up in the list of the most impressive MacOS 26 features is the new Liquid Glass design. First teased with iOS 26, Liquid Glass is Apple’s bold UI refresh that combines translucency, depth, and clean edges to create a more immersive workspace.
The dock, sidebars, and toolbars in MacOS 26 is redesigned with this transparent aesthetic that makes content pop without overwhelming the eyes. Rounded corners and subtle shadows make windows look like they float, bringing consistency with the iPhone and iPad.
Customization is another highlight of MacOS 26 features: you can tweak dark and light modes, adjust icon clarity, personalize your dock’s look, and even set unique folder colors and emojis. It’s the most personal MacOS ever, and Apple fans will love playing with these MacOS 26 features to match their mood or workflow.
3. Smarter Spotlight and Shortcuts
Spotlight search has always been useful, but with the new MacOS 26 features, it evolves into a truly intelligent hub for controlling your Mac. Powered by Apple Intelligence, Spotlight now ties directly into Shortcuts and supports natural language commands.
This means you can ask Spotlight to adjust photo brightness, send a message, or summarize text — all with quick keyword actions. It’s one of those MacOS 26 features that saves precious time by reducing clicks and window switches.
During WWDC 2025, Apple demonstrated how the new Spotlight in MacOS 26 features can tweak settings in creative apps or fetch data from your clipboard history. Here’s a simple chart to show what’s new in Spotlight with MacOS 26 features:
| Feature | What’s New in MacOS 26 |
|---|---|
| Natural Language Search | Ask Spotlight in plain English to find files or run tasks |
| Shortcut Quick Keys | Use commands like “sm” to send a message instantly |
| Clipboard History | Access previous copies and paste items easily |
| Apple Intelligence Integration | Run AI-powered actions right inside Spotlight |
For productivity power users, these MacOS 26 features will feel revolutionary.
4. Apple Intelligence: Smarter Than Ever
Apple’s push for on-device AI shows up strongly in the new MacOS 26 features. The smarter, context-aware Siri makes a comeback with improved personalization. And with Apple Intelligence running locally, your data stays private while you enjoy faster, more accurate results.
A big part of MacOS 26 features is also giving third-party developers tools to build apps that hook directly into Apple Intelligence. So expect new creative, writing, and productivity apps that leverage this capability. This openness is one of the most exciting MacOS 26 features, as it means your Mac can do more than ever — while keeping Apple’s hallmark privacy promises.
5. Games App: A Dedicated Hub for Gamers
Another crowd-pleaser among the MacOS 26 features is the dedicated Games app. Gaming on Mac has lagged behind Windows for years, but Apple is taking big steps with MacOS 26 features to change that.
The new Games app acts as a central launcher, store, and leaderboard, making it simple to discover, buy, and launch games. Even more impressive: MacOS 26 features Metal 4 with MetalFX Frame Interpolation and Denoising, which means smoother graphics and better frame rates.
This is a clear sign Apple wants to make the Mac a serious gaming machine — and with the power of M-series chips, the hardware is finally ready.
Also Read Mac Air M2 in 2025: Best Price, Special Features, and More
When Can You Get MacOS 26 Tahoe?
If you’re excited to test these MacOS 26 features, the developer beta is available now, while the public beta lands in July. The final stable release of MacOS 26 Tahoe will roll out this fall.
But beware: not every Mac will run it. Apple confirmed that MacOS 26 features require at least an M1 chip. So older Intel-based Macs, unfortunately, won’t get the upgrade. Here’s a quick table summarizing compatibility for MacOS 26 features:
| Mac Model | Supports MacOS 26 |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M1 and later | ✅ Yes |
| MacBook Air M1 and later | ✅ Yes |
| iMac M1 and later | ✅ Yes |
| Intel-based Macs | ❌ No |
If you have an older Mac, you can stay on MacOS Sequoia or Sonoma, but you won’t be able to enjoy the new MacOS 26 features.
Final Thoughts
With MacOS 26 features like the Phone app, Liquid Glass design, smarter Spotlight, robust Apple Intelligence, and the new Games app, Apple is reshaping how the Mac fits into the Apple ecosystem.
From students to professionals to gamers, everyone will find these MacOS 26 features useful and fun to explore. Just be sure your Mac is compatible — and get ready to upgrade this fall.
