Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26 with Liquid Glass Design and New Phone App

Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26 with Liquid Glass Design and New Phone App

Apple has officially rolled out macOS Tahoe 26 to compatible MacBooks and desktops. First announced at WWDC 2025, the update has been in testing through developer and public betas over the past three months. Tahoe marks the final major macOS update for Intel-based Macs with the T2 Security Chip, as Apple continues to push deeper into Apple Silicon territory.

With a refreshed design, smarter search, and new AI-powered tools, macOS Tahoe 26 is one of the most significant macOS on updates in years.

A New Look with Liquid Glass Design

The most noticeable upgrade in macOS Tahoe 26 is Apple’s Liquid Glass design language. This brings a sleek, transparent look to windows, buttons, and notifications. The menu bar is now completely transparent, making displays feel larger and more immersive.

The redesign makes the entire UI feel more modern and aligned with Apple’s design philosophy across iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS.

Smarter Spotlight Search

Spotlight has received one of its biggest upgrades in years. In Tahoe 26, it can:

• Rank search results more intelligently based on relevance.
  
• Perform quick actions like sending an email or creating a note without opening the app.
  

For users who love a clean and organized desktop, Apple has also introduced customizable folders — you can now change folder colors or even add emojis to make them easier to spot.

The All-New Phone App

One of the standout new features in Tahoe 26 is the Phone app for Mac. It mirrors iOS functionality and allows users to:

• Relay iPhone calls directly through the Mac.
  
• Access recent calls and voicemails.
  
• Use Call Screening to handle unknown numbers.
  
• Take advantage of Hold Assist, which waits on the line until a real person answers.
  

This integration makes Macs feel more like an extension of the iPhone, closing the gap between desktop and mobile use.

Apple Intelligence Features

Leveraging Apple Intelligence, macOS Tahoe 26 introduces Live Translation, which can:

• Translate text instantly.
  
• Provide real-time translation during FaceTime and phone calls.
  
• Translate chats directly within Messages.
  

This feature is designed to make communication seamless across languages, whether for work, travel, or daily use.

What This Means for Intel Mac Users

Tahoe 26 is the last major update that Intel-based Macs with the T2 Security Chip will receive. Moving forward, new macOS versions will likely be exclusive to Apple Silicon Macs, solidifying Apple’s transition away from Intel hardware.

TechCity