Apple will soon release a brand new operating system software to install on your Mac. macOS Tahoe is the follow up to macOS Sequoia and it is likely to arrive in September 2025. Before you update your Mac, read on to find out how macOS 26 Tahoe compares to macOS 15 Sequoia and learn about all the new features coming in Tahoe.

We’ll also run though all the reasons to wait before you install the update. Once you are ready to install the update read: How to update macOS.

What’s new in macOS Tahoe?

In this comparison of the two macOS versions, we’ll run though what the main differences are and how the two Mac operating systems compare, so you can decide whether to update to the new macOS as soon as it arrives. We’ll start with macOS Tahoe and what’s new.

A new name: macOS 26 Tahoe

It’s typical for Apple to give the new macOS a new name each year. For the past decade or so it has been based on something Californian. In 2024 this was Sequoia and in 2025 it is Tahoe. That’s not the only change though. Apple has also upgraded the number from macOS 15 all the way to macOS 26 so that the operating system matches the numbering of all the other Apple operating systems, which are themselves named for the year that they will be predominantly used in.

A new look: Liquid Glass

Apple has decided that all of its operating systems need a facelift in 2025, and is deploying a redesign called Liquid Glass which features on iPhone, iPad and Mac alike. This replaces the boxy menus and fields with ones that are translucent and blend into the overall aesthetic of what’s on your screen. The background colors subtly pass beneath the panels you open and the pop-up fields and dock have a softer version of those hues underneath.

Redesigns can be controversial, so we’ll have to wait and see what Liquid Glass is like to live with day-to-day before making a judgement. But first impressions are that it does look pretty cool.

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YouTube / Apple

Interface changes: Control Center & personalisation

As part of the Tahoe redesign, you also have more options Control Center. Apple has increased the widgets that can be dragged into your quick settings menu, which now include ones from third-party apps like Zoom and iPhone apps.

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YouTube / Apple

As part of the continued trend we’ve seen in previous macOS released, Tahoe will let you personalise your Mac by changing the colors of individual folders. You’ll also be able to add symbols or emojis to the icon for that extra touch of personalisation.

With Sequoia Windows Tiling was probably the biggest interface change. This simple, but very useful, feature lets you drag windows to different areas of the screen and have macOS automatically resize windows so they take up a quarter, half or all of the display.

Improvements to Continuity between iPhone and Mac

For Macs with Apple Silicon (M-series processors), macOS Sequoia opened up communication with your iPhone thanks to the iPhone Mirroring feature. This lets you operate your iPhone directly from the desktop on your Mac, via its Continuity capabilities. You can open and use apps, access notifications, and even transfer files between the two devices without having to use your iPhone.

The merging together of Mac and iPhone shows no sign of abating in macOS Tahoe, with additional Continuity features coming to the desktop.

Live Activities allow you to track progress of apps on your iPhone – say you’re waiting for your food order from Uber Eats – with the details being fully interactive and displayed on your Mac.

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Apple

A brand new Phone app, plus updates to Messages and FaceTime

Yes, you read that right. The Phone app is coming to the Mac. Utilising the iPhone Mirroring feature introduced in macOS Sequoia, you’ll now be able to make and receive calls on your Mac, plus access all your Recents, Contacts, and Voicemails, as they’re synced from your iPhone.

This allows Apple to bring over some of the coolest new features from iOS 26, which include Hold Assist (where AI will take over when you’re on hold, then alert you when the call is answered), Call Screening (AI will answer calls from unknown numbers, ask who is calling and what about, then give you a summary before you decide whether to answer the call or not), plus Live Translation – see below for more on that.

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Apple

macOS Sequoia introduced formatting to Messages, reactions with stickers, plus the ability to schedule replies. Messages in Tahoe has a few new features, including new background images for group chats, plus a handy screening capabilities that will filter messages from unknown or suspicious contacts so they don’t clutter up your main feed.

In Sequoia, FaceTime (and other video conferencing apps) gained new modes where you could be overlaid in front of images of documents in Presenter mode, a new background blur, plus reaction animations from others on the call. FaceTime in Tahoe will get Live Translations so you can read a translation of what is being said during a call, more on Live Translations next.

Live Translations

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