macOS Tahoe 26.3

What's New in macOS Tahoe 26.3

macOS Tahoe 26.3 is primarily a security release that patches CVE-2026-20700, a vulnerability Apple confirmed was being actively exploited in the wild. It also brings refinements to the Liquid Glass interface and tightens parental controls.

Liquid Glass Interface Options

• New transparency controls let you tone down or boost the Liquid Glass effect across the system
• Improved legibility for menu bar items over busy desktop wallpapers
• Reduced motion option now applies to Liquid Glass shimmer animations

Enhanced Parental Controls

• Per-app communication limits expanded to third-party messaging apps
• Screen Time reports now include AI assistant usage breakdowns
• New age-based defaults when setting up a child account

Security Fixes

• CVE-2026-20700: Actively exploited zero-day in WebKit. Apple credits an anonymous researcher and recommends installing immediately.
• Multiple kernel and IOKit fixes addressing privilege escalation paths
• Updates to Safari 26.3 bundled with the OS

System Requirements

• MacBook Pro: 2019 and later
• MacBook Air: 2020 and later
• Mac mini: 2020 and later
• iMac: 2021 and later
• Mac Studio: All models
• Mac Pro: 2019 and later

How to Update

1. Back up your Mac with Time Machine or your preferred tool
2. Open System Settings → General → Software Update
3. Click Update Now when macOS Tahoe 26.3 appears
4. Allow your Mac to restart and finish installation