Like its counterparts on the other Apple devices, macOS now has a brand new look along with a new name. Because Apple is aligning the names of all the operating systems this year, the new version of macOS is called macOS 26 rather than macOS 16. It also takes 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. 

Those with compatible Macs can now install macOS Tahoe (it was released on September 15, 2025). A developer and public beta are available, and the beta development will continue as Apple tests and then introduces even more features in macOS Tahoe. 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. Stay tuned to this superguide for everything you need to know about macOS 26 Tahoe, the latest version of the beta, and the new features that are still to come.

macOS 26 Tahoe release date

• macOS Tahoe download date: 15 September 2025

Apple released macOS 26 Tahoe on September 15. The release coincided with the iOS 26 update.

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

macOS 26 Tahoe problems & fixes

Some M3 Ultra Mac Studio users have reported that they are unable to install macOS Tahoe. It seems the problematic Mac Studios already had Sequoia 15.7 installed, and during the attempted installation, Tahoe would look for a driver, and when it failed to find it, it resulted in a failed installation.

Apple is likely to issue a macOS 26.0.1 update to address any initial bugs, so it is advisable to wait a week or two for that to arrive.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button">
<svg fill="none" height="12" viewBox="0 0 12 12" width="12" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
<path d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" fill="#fff"></path>
</svg>
</button></figure>

YouTube / Apple

macOS 26 Tahoe Beta: Latest version

• Latest Developer beta version: 26.1, September 22





• Latest Public Beta version: Release Candidate, September 9

Apple runs a developer beta as well as a public beta, and development continues even after the official macOS update is released, as Apple seeks to introduce new features that missed the initial introduction date.

If you want to try out the new features before they are released to the general public, you are 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 were 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.

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 M-series chip 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 base requirement includes Macs with M-series chips 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 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 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 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button">
<svg fill="none" height="12" viewBox="0 0 12 12" width="12" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
<path d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" fill="#fff"></path>
</svg>
</button></figure>

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.</