Apple MacBook update (Image: APPLE)
There’s good news for anyone who owns a Mac. Apple has just announced a major update to these popular machines at its WWDC Developers Conference which not only refreshes the name of the operating system but also adds a swathe of bonus features. Firstly, let’s talk about that name. Apple is bringing all of its operating systems in line with one another which means they all get the same tag.
When the updates arrive in the autumn, they will be called iOS 26 (iPhone), iPadOS 26 (iPad), watchOS 26 (Apple Watch), and VisionOS 26 (Apple Vision Pro).
The Mac is also following suit and is being named macOS Tahoe 26.
So, other than that huge rebrand, what else will arrive on Apple-powered PCs in the next few months?
Here are the top 5 things to watch out for.
macOS 26 – A new look
Apple is updating the appearance of the Mac with a new look called Liquid Glass.
As the US firm explains, “The gorgeous new design enhances the Mac experience in new ways, while maintaining the familiarity of macOS. It is crafted with Liquid Glass, a translucent new material that reflects and refracts its surroundings.”
This change will affect the menu bar, toolbars and sidebar with Apple hoping that it will bring greater focus to a user’s content.
Another nice bonus is finally being able to change to the colours of your folders. You can even add symbols or emojis to give them a unique identity.
macOS 26 – Better integration with the iPhone
If you also use an iPhone as well as MacBook you find two devices work even better together. Apple is bringing new Continuity Experiences to users which include being able to receive cellular phone calls right from the Mac.
The Phone app on Mac will even get familiar features of the Phone app on iPhone — including Recents, Favorites, and Voicemails — and the latest updates like Call Screening and Hold Assist.
Live Activities from a user’s nearby iPhone will also appear in the menu bar on their Mac so they can stay on top of things happening in real time, like an upcoming Uber ride, flight, or live sports score.
macOS 26 – Big update to Spotlight
Apple is promising the ‘biggest ever update to Spotlight’ on the Mac.
Once macOS 26 is installed, all search results — including files, folders, events, apps, messages, and more — will be listed together and ranked intelligently based on relevance to the user.
New filtering options rapidly narrow searches to exactly what a user is looking for, like PDFs or Mail messages. Spotlight can also surface results for documents stored on third-party cloud drives.
You’ll also be able to take hundreds of actions directly from Spotlight — like sending an email, creating a note, or playing a podcast — without jumping between apps.
macOS 26 – Better way to play games
macOS Tahoe introduces Apple Games, a dedicated app that gives players a home for all their games, making it easier to jump back into favorites, discover new games tailored just for them, and play with friends in whole new ways.
ith the new Game Overlay, players can conveniently adjust their system settings, chat with friends, or invite them to play, all without having to leave their game.
Messages and photos improved
If you message from your Mac you’ll find updates coming soon includimhg new Backgrounds, Polls, and a redesigned details view that helps users easily navigate what has been shared in a conversation.
Photos has an updated design that includes beautiful Liquid Glass elements, enhancements for customization, easier workflows, and sidebar consistency with iPadOS.