Apple today unveiled macOS Tahoe 26, the 22nd major version of macOS, during its WWDC 2025 keynote presentation. The update brings a revolutionary new design language called "Liquid Glass," introduces a unified version numbering system across all Apple platforms, and delivers significant improvements to Apple Intelligence.
In a surprising move that caught many analysts off guard, Apple announced it would be jumping from version 15 to version 26, aligning all of its operating systems—macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS—on the same version number based on the year following their release.
A New Era: Version 26 and Unified Numbering
Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, explained the reasoning behind the dramatic version number change during the keynote:
"Starting with macOS Tahoe, we're unifying the version numbers across all Apple platforms. This means macOS 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will all be released together, making it easier for developers and users to understand compatibility and feature parity across the ecosystem."
The version number "26" represents the year 2026, during which Apple expects the majority of these operating systems' life cycle to occur, even though they're being released in fall 2025.
macOS Tahoe 26 Quick Facts
- Version: macOS 26.0 Tahoe
- Announced: June 9, 2025 at WWDC 2025
- Developer Beta: Available immediately
- Public Beta: Expected July 2025
- Public Release: Expected September 2025
- Named After: Lake Tahoe, California
Liquid Glass: A Revolutionary Design Language
The centerpiece of macOS Tahoe 26 is the introduction of "Liquid Glass," a new design language that Apple says represents the most significant visual overhaul since macOS Big Sur in 2020.
Liquid Glass introduces several key visual elements:
- Dynamic Transparency: Windows and UI elements feature intelligent transparency that adapts based on content and context, creating depth while maintaining readability
- Fluid Animations: All system animations have been reimagined with physics-based motion that feels more natural and responsive
- Adaptive Color: The system intelligently adjusts colors, contrast, and vibrancy based on ambient lighting conditions and user preferences
- Material Depth: New visual layers create a sense of depth without cluttering the interface
Alan Dye, Apple's Vice President of Human Interface Design, described Liquid Glass as "bringing the physicality of glass and fluid dynamics to the digital interface, creating something that feels both futuristic and familiar."
New Phone and Games Apps
In a move that surprised many attendees, Apple announced two entirely new apps coming to macOS Tahoe:
Phone App for Mac
Building on the iPhone Mirroring capabilities introduced in macOS Sequoia, the new Phone app allows Mac users to make and receive calls, view recent call history, access voicemail, and manage contacts directly from their Mac—even when their iPhone isn't nearby, thanks to iCloud integration.
- Full call history sync across devices
- Visual voicemail with transcription
- Integration with Messages and FaceTime
- Support for Wi-Fi calling
Games App
The new Games app consolidates gaming across Apple platforms, featuring:
- Game library management across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV
- Cross-platform save syncing
- Social features including friend lists and achievements
- Game Center integration
- Recommendations powered by Apple Intelligence
The new Liquid Glass design language brings dynamic transparency and fluid animations to macOS
Enhanced Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence receives significant upgrades in macOS Tahoe 26, with new capabilities that further integrate AI throughout the system:
- Contextual Suggestions: The system now understands what you're working on and proactively suggests relevant actions, files, and information
- Advanced Writing Tools: Improved text generation, editing, and proofreading with better understanding of context and tone
- Visual Intelligence: Enhanced image recognition and generation capabilities in Photos and other apps
- Smart Automation: AI-powered Shortcuts that learn from your behavior and suggest automations
- Privacy-First Processing: Most AI processing happens on-device, with only complex requests using Private Cloud Compute
System Improvements
Beyond the headline features, macOS Tahoe 26 includes numerous system-level improvements:
- Redesigned Control Center: Completely reimagined with customizable modules and quick access to system controls
- Enhanced Window Management: New tiling options and improved external display support
- Performance Optimizations: Better battery life and faster app launching, especially on Apple Silicon Macs
- Privacy Enhancements: New permissions controls and transparency features
- Accessibility Improvements: Expanded voice control, better VoiceOver, and new motor accessibility features
Developer Tools and Frameworks
For developers, macOS Tahoe 26 brings significant updates:
- Xcode 17: Major update with improved debugging, AI-assisted code completion, and better performance analysis tools
- Swift 6: New concurrency features, improved performance, and enhanced type safety
- Metal 4: Advanced ray tracing capabilities and machine learning acceleration
- Universal App Framework: New tools making it easier to create apps that work seamlessly across all Apple platforms
Compatibility
According to Apple's documentation released alongside the announcement, macOS Tahoe 26 will support:
- All Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and newer)
- MacBook Air (2020 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2020 and newer)
- Mac mini (2018 and newer)
- iMac (2019 and newer)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2019 and newer)
- Mac Studio (all models)
Some features, particularly those powered by Apple Intelligence and the Liquid Glass design effects, require Apple Silicon (M-series chips) for optimal performance. Intel-based Macs will receive a more limited feature set.
How to Get the Beta
The developer beta of macOS Tahoe 26 is available immediately to members of the Apple Developer Program. The public beta is expected to launch in July 2025 through the Apple Beta Software Program.
Important: Beta software should not be installed on primary devices. Always back up your data before installing beta software.
Release Timeline
Apple announced the following timeline for macOS Tahoe 26:
- Developer Beta 1: Available today (June 9, 2025)
- Public Beta: July 2025
- Public Release: September 2025
The public release is expected to coincide with new Mac hardware announcements, likely including updates to the MacBook Pro and iMac lines with next-generation Apple Silicon.
Industry Reaction
The announcement has generated significant excitement in the tech community. The unified version numbering system has been particularly well-received, with developers praising the simplified approach to cross-platform development.
The Liquid Glass design language has drawn comparisons to Microsoft's Fluent Design and Google's Material Design, though early previews suggest Apple's implementation is uniquely focused on subtlety and performance.
What This Means for Mac Users
macOS Tahoe 26 represents one of the most significant updates to macOS in recent years. The combination of a refreshed visual design, powerful new AI capabilities, and improved cross-platform integration positions the Mac as an even more capable device within Apple's ecosystem.
For users on older Intel-based Macs, this update may serve as a signal that the transition to Apple Silicon is accelerating, with the most compelling features increasingly requiring M-series chips.
