macOS Tahoe superguide

macOS 26 brings us a new interface, increased design parity, and more

- WRITTEN BY IAN OSBORNE

THERE WAS MUCH anticipation when the next version of macOS was announced at WWDC25. What would it be called? What new features would it bring? Where would it take Apple Intelligence? Thankfully, it didn't disappoint. In a widely anticipated move, the old numbering system was abandoned. While the previous version was macOS 15, the new one is macOS 26, reflecting the year in which it is current. This is true across Apple's hardware, so instead of iOS and iPadOS 19, visionOS 3, watchOS 12, and tvOS 19, all of this year's operating systems are suffixed with “26”.

Though the numbering system has been revised, the naming conventions remain the same. Once again, the latest version of the Mac operating system refers to a California landmark. Tahoe (pronounced “Tahoe”) is a lake on the California-Nevada border. According to Apple's Craig Federighi, it's “where crystal clear waters meet majestic mountain peaks”. It's beautiful.

macOS Tahoe is also easy on the eyes. Like the other Apple operating systems released this year, it benefits from a brand new Liquid Glass interface. This translucent new material reflects and refracts its surroundings. The menu bar is completely transparent, making your screen seem larger, and the Dock, sidebars, and toolbars have all been polished and refined with Liquid Glass. Not only is this a great look for your Mac, it also unifies the look and feel of all Apple's new operating systems. There's never been a better time to be an Apple fan!

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