The upcoming version of macOS, referred to as Tahoe 26, is expected to introduce a range of innovative features that highlight the Mac’s unique strengths in productivity and user customization.
For power users, the Terminal application is receiving a significant visual upgrade with support for 24-bit color, new themes, and built-in Powerline glyphs for richer shell prompts. The Shortcuts app is also gaining more intelligence with new context-aware automation triggers. For example, automations can now be initiated based on file activity, connecting to a specific Wi-Fi network or external display, or receiving an email from a particular sender.
Productivity apps are also seeing key updates. The Notes app will add support for importing and exporting Markdown files and can now generate transcripts of calls made through the new Phone app on the Mac. Safari’s Picture in Picture (PiP) mode is being enhanced with new controls in the floating window for playback and skipping ads.
Across the system, Finder will allow for more expressive folder organization with the ability to assign emojis, symbols, and color tints that automatically apply system tags. The Photos app will inherit the Pinned Collections feature from the iPhone and iPad, allowing users to pin frequently used albums to a redesigned sidebar for quick access.
Finally, macOS 26 will bring the Vehicle Motion Cues accessibility feature to the Mac for the first time, designed to reduce motion sickness for users in moving vehicles. Gamers will also see quality-of-life improvements, including the ability to trigger Low Power Mode during gameplay and a simplified pairing process for controllers like the DualSense.
