Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26 with more powerful Spotlight search and its own Phone app

"This will be the last major macOS update for older Intel-based Macs - specifically those featuring Apple's T2 Security Chip. The most notable update with Tahoe will also be its most obvious. It includes a major UI overhaul based on Apple's new Liquid Glass design language that will feature an extensive use of transparent effects on windows, buttons, and notifications. Tahoe's menu bar will also be completely transparent, making displays seem a bit larger."

"macOS' Spotlight search tool and launcher will be more useful with Tahoe, ranking search results intelligently based on relevance and allowing users to perform specific actions with apps like sending an email or creating a note without having to actually open those specific apps. If you like to keep your Mac immaculately organized you can now change the colors of folders or add an emoji to make them stand out. A new Phone app will mirror the functionality of the one on iOS and can relay calls from your iPhone through your computer. It will include access to recents and voicemails, as well as new iOS features like Call Screening that can answer calls from unknown numbers for you and Hold Assist that can stay on the line until a real person responds. Leveraging Apple Intelligence, Live Translation can translate text, audio during phone calls or FaceTime calls, and even chats in Messages."

macOS Tahoe 26 is now available for compatible MacBooks and desktop Macs. It follows developer and public betas and was first announced at WWDC 25. It will be the final update for older Intel Macs that use Apple's T2 Security Chip. The release introduces a Liquid Glass design language with extensive transparency across windows, buttons, notifications, and a fully transparent menu bar. Spotlight search gains intelligent result ranking and in-place actions like sending email or creating notes without opening apps. Folder colors and emoji labels are supported. A new Phone app mirrors iOS functionality, relays iPhone calls, offers Call Screening and Hold Assist, and Live Translation can translate text, call audio, FaceTime audio, and Messages chats.

Read at The Verge