Like its counterparts on the other Apple devices, macOS is getting a brand new look for 2025-2026 along with a new name. Because Apple is aligning the names of all the operating systems this year, the new version of macOS be called macOS 26 rather than macOS 16. It will also take the name Tahoe, inspired by the lake, beaches, and the ski resorts of that area of California. 

Along with a big redesign, macOS 26 brings new Continuity features to bring your iPad, iPhone, and Mac even closer together, a brand new Phone app, and more. Spotlight also gets its biggest ever update with the ability to action things like sending emails directly from Spotlight. 

It will be possible to install these new features on your Mac on September 15, 2025, which is the day that Apple says it will be available for the public to download. But if you would like to try them out now, you can. A developer and public beta have been out for some time and are now in the Release Candidate, meaning they are essentially good to go (give or take a few bugs). We have more information about joining the beta program and how to get the beta below. 

You will find all the things you need to know about the new macOS Tahoe below, including which Macs are compatible with macOS 26 and the new features you can expect. So, stay tuned to this superguide for everything you need to know about macOS 26 Tahoe, the latest version of the beta (the development of which will continue even after Tahoe is available to install), and all the new features that are coming.

macOS 26 Tahoe release date

• macOS Tahoe download date: 15 September 2025

Apple’s official release of macOS 26 Tahoe is on September 15. It will coincide with the release of the new iOS update so expect Apple’s servers to be busy as everyone attempts to download at the same time.

Wondering whether to install macOS Tahoe? Read: macOS Tahoe vs macOS Sequoia: What’s different, what’s new, and should you update?

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YouTube / Apple

macOS 26 Tahoe Beta release date

• Latest Developer beta version: Release Candidate, September 9





• Latest Public Beta version: Release Candidate, September 9

You don’t have to wait until the full release to try the new software out. Apple runs a developer beta as well as a public beta, so if you want to try out the new features before they are released to the general public, you will be able to do so. Both betas are free, though the developer beta requires a free registration as a developer.

Apple issues updates to the betas fairly regularly. For the first few months, updates are every two weeks, but as we got closer to the release date, they were once a week. The public beta updates tend to come a day or two after the updated developer beta.

Apple is now in the final version of the beta prior to launch, but after the launch of macOS Tahoe beta development will continue as it works on features not ready for launch. So if you want to be one of the first to try them out you can join the beta.

If you are interested in trying out the beta, you can join Apple’s beta program. For help installing the macOS beta, see our guide to installing the macOS beta.

macOS 26 Tahoe supported devices: Which Macs get macOS Tahoe

• Requires Apple Silicon or Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip





• Apple Intelligence features require M1 or later

When Apple updates the operating system for its devices, it sometimes means that certain models are no longer supported. The good news is that Macs that ran macOS Sonoma will be able to run the new macOS. Apple states that the requirement is: Macs with Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip.

Here are Macs with Apple Silicon that will be able to run macOS Tahoe:

• MacBook Air (M1/2020 and later)





• MacBook Pro (M1/2020 and later)





• iMac (M1/2021 and later)





• Mac mini (M1/2020 and later)





• Mac Studio (M1/2022 and later)





• Mac Pro (M2/2023 and later)

There are the four Intel-powered Macs able to run macOS Tahoe. These models won’t support Apple Intelligence features:

• MacBook Pro (16‑inch, Intel/2019)





• MacBook Pro (13‑inch, Intel/2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)





• iMac (Intel/mid 2020)





• Mac Pro (Intel/2019)

Apple has confirmed that this is the last version of macOS that will run on Intel Macs. 

macOS 26 Tahoe design: Liquid Glass and other interface changes 

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Apple

At WWDC in June, Apple showed off some enticing new features for macOS that will be coming later in 2025. A number of new features and interface enhancements were promised, but one of the biggest changes is coming to all of Apple’s products: a new design based on a graphical user interface that Apple is calling Liquid Glass.

Apple showed off the brand new look for macOS in the WWDC keynote. As with Apple’s other operating systems, macOS Tahoe uses Apple’s new Liquid Glass effect to create reflective, glossy elements around the interface. The Liquid Glass elements will change color to reflect the content beneath as you scroll and will dynamically react. Buttons appear more curved and