Apple has officially released macOS Tahoe 26 to the public today, delivering on the promises made at WWDC 2025 with a stunning new Liquid Glass design language, powerful Apple Intelligence features, and significant improvements across the system. The free update is available now for all compatible Macs.
After three months of beta testing with developers and public beta testers, macOS Tahoe 26 (build 26A5339a) brings one of the most substantial updates to macOS in recent years, combining visual refinement with functional improvements that enhance both productivity and creativity.
How to Download macOS Tahoe 26
- Open System Settings on your Mac
- Click General in the sidebar
- Click Software Update
- Click Update Now or Upgrade Now
Download Size: Approximately 3.8 GB (varies by Mac model)
Important: Back up your Mac with Time Machine before updating.
Liquid Glass: The Future of macOS Design
The most immediately noticeable change in macOS Tahoe 26 is the introduction of Liquid Glass, Apple's new design language that reimagines the Mac interface with dynamic transparency, fluid animations, and adaptive color.
Key visual improvements include:
- Intelligent Transparency: Windows and menus now feature context-aware transparency that adjusts based on what's behind them, creating depth while maintaining clarity
- Physics-Based Animations: Every interaction feels more natural with animations that respond to your actions with realistic motion
- Adaptive Color System: The interface automatically adjusts colors and contrast based on ambient light conditions and your display settings
- Refined Typography: System fonts have been optimized for better readability at all sizes
- Enhanced Dark Mode: Dark mode has been refined with better contrast and more consistent color application
The result is an interface that feels both fresh and familiar—modern without being disruptive, and sophisticated without compromising usability.
New Phone App Brings iOS Calling to Mac
One of the most anticipated features in macOS Tahoe 26 is the new Phone app, which brings full phone functionality to the Mac for the first time:
- Make and Receive Calls: Handle calls directly from your Mac with high-quality audio
- Call History: Access your complete call history synced from your iPhone via iCloud
- Visual Voicemail: Listen to voicemails with automatic transcription
- Contact Integration: Seamlessly integrated with Contacts app
- Wi-Fi Calling Support: Make calls even when your iPhone isn't nearby
The Phone app works best when your iPhone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network, but iCloud integration enables many features even when your phone is offline or out of range.
Games App: Your Gaming Hub Across Apple Devices
The new Games app consolidates your gaming experience across all Apple platforms:
- Unified Library: See all your games from Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV in one place
- Cloud Saves: Continue your game on any device with automatic save syncing
- Social Features: Connect with friends, compare achievements, and see what others are playing
- Game Recommendations: AI-powered suggestions based on your play history and preferences
- Performance Monitoring: Real-time FPS, temperature, and resource usage overlays
The Games app works in conjunction with Game Center and supports both native Mac games and iOS/iPadOS games running on Apple Silicon Macs.
The new Phone and Games apps bring iOS functionality to macOS
Apple Intelligence: Smarter Than Ever
Apple Intelligence receives significant enhancements in macOS Tahoe 26, particularly on Macs with M-series chips:
Enhanced Writing Tools
- Improved text generation with better understanding of context and tone
- Advanced proofreading that catches subtle grammar and style issues
- Smart rewriting suggestions that maintain your voice
- Automatic summarization of long documents
Visual Intelligence
- Enhanced object recognition in Photos
- Improved image generation and editing capabilities
- Smart photo organization with better scene understanding
- Background removal and object isolation tools
Contextual Awareness
- System-wide understanding of what you're working on
- Proactive suggestions for relevant files, apps, and actions
- Smart notifications that understand priority and context
- Automated workflow suggestions based on your habits
All Apple Intelligence features prioritize on-device processing, with only the most complex requests using Apple's Private Cloud Compute with end-to-end encryption.
Redesigned Control Center
The Control Center has been completely reimagined in macOS Tahoe 26:
- Customizable Modules: Drag and drop to arrange controls exactly how you want them
- Quick Access: Frequently used settings are now easier to reach
- Live Information: See real-time information like network speed, CPU usage, and battery status
- App Integration: Third-party apps can add their own Control Center modules
Window Management Improvements
Managing multiple windows and displays gets easier with new features:
- Enhanced Tiling: More flexible window snapping options with keyboard shortcuts
- Better External Display Support: Improved handling of multiple monitors with independent window management
- Window Sets: Save and restore collections of windows for different tasks
- Stage Manager Refinements: Improved performance and more customization options
Performance and Battery Life
macOS Tahoe 26 includes significant under-the-hood improvements:
- Faster App Launching: Apps open up to 20% faster on Apple Silicon Macs
- Improved Battery Life: MacBook users can expect 1-2 hours of additional battery life
- Better Memory Management: More efficient RAM usage, especially with many apps open
- Reduced Storage Requirements: System files use less disk space
Privacy and Security Enhancements
Apple continues to prioritize user privacy with new features:
- Enhanced App Permissions: More granular control over what apps can access
- Privacy Reports: See detailed information about how apps use your data
- Secure Enclave Updates: Improved hardware-level security on Apple Silicon Macs
- Password Management: Enhanced iCloud Keychain with better autofill and security alerts
Accessibility Improvements
macOS Tahoe 26 expands accessibility features:
- Enhanced Voice Control: More accurate command recognition with expanded vocabulary
- Improved VoiceOver: Better screen reading with more natural speech
- Motor Accessibility: New switch control options for users with limited mobility
- Visual Accommodations: More customization options for color, contrast, and motion
Before You Update
Important Steps:
- Back up your Mac with Time Machine
- Check that your critical apps are compatible with macOS Tahoe 26
- Ensure you have at least 20 GB of free storage space
- Connect to power if updating a MacBook
- Allow 30-60 minutes for the installation process
Compatible Macs
macOS Tahoe 26 is compatible with the following Mac models:
- MacBook Air (2020 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2020 and later)
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- iMac (2019 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2019 and later)
- Mac Studio (all models)
Note: Some features, particularly those related to Apple Intelligence and advanced Liquid Glass effects, require Apple Silicon (M1 or later) for full functionality. Intel-based Macs will have a more limited feature set.
Known Issues
Apple has acknowledged the following issues in the initial release:
- Some third-party menu bar apps may experience compatibility issues
- Certain VPN software may require updates from their developers
- External GPU support on Intel Macs may be inconsistent in some applications
- Some older printers may need updated drivers
Apple says updates to address these issues will be released in upcoming point releases.
What Comes Next
Apple has indicated that macOS Tahoe 26.1 is already in testing and will be released in the coming weeks with additional Apple Intelligence features and bug fixes. The company is also working on macOS Tahoe 26.2, which is expected to bring further enhancements to the Phone and Games apps.
Should You Update?
For most users, macOS Tahoe 26 is a worthy upgrade, especially if you have an Apple Silicon Mac. The new design is beautiful, performance improvements are noticeable, and the new features add genuine utility.
However, we recommend:
- Wait a few days if you rely on your Mac for critical work, to ensure any early issues are resolved
- Check app compatibility for any specialized software you depend on
- Read user reports from others with your Mac model before updating
Overall, macOS Tahoe 26 represents a significant leap forward for the Mac platform, combining aesthetic refinement with meaningful functional improvements.
