WWDC is lower than per week away, and as we ramp as much as the massive announcement, we will share particulars on what we learn about every working system. We’re beginning with the next-generation model of macOS, which Apple is outwardly going to call macOS Tahoe.
Identify
For the reason that present model of macOS is macOS 15, it might usually be adopted by macOS 16, however Apple is altering its naming scheme for working system updates beginning this 12 months.
The whole lot popping out in 2025 will probably be numbered with a “26” to replicate its launch season, masking the interval between September 2025 and September 2026. We’re getting macOS 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. Apple might have gone with 25 as a result of that is the 12 months of launch, however 26 technically does make extra sense as a result of there are extra months in 2026 the place we’ll have the 26 collection of updates put in.
With the streamlined naming that Apple is implementing, there will not be a necessity to recollect separate, complicated numbers for every working system. It is likely to be complicated at first for individuals to go from macOS 15 to macOS 26, but it surely ought to make extra sense over the lengthy haul.
macOS is particular as a result of it at all times will get a California landmark identify together with its quantity, in contrast to different working techniques. This 12 months, it seems like Apple goes to go together with “Tahoe,” a preferred lake between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is a well-liked trip vacation spot all 12 months lengthy, however significantly within the winter the place it’s identified for its ski slopes.
Tahoe will be a part of the opposite California landmark names that Apple has used, together with Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, Excessive Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Massive Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia.
Design Overhaul
Many of the rumors that we have heard about Apple’s upcoming software program have centered on iOS 26 and the design adjustments that Apple has deliberate, however macOS 26 goes to get a few of those self same design updates.
The revamp may not be fairly as dramatic, however Apple needs to have a extra cohesive feel and look throughout its working techniques, therefore the design overhaul and the “26” identify change.
The visionOS interface
Principally, Apple is increasing some visionOS design parts to all of its software program, with a deal with translucency, rounded menus and buttons, and a frosted glass-like search for the interface. On the Mac, Apple already makes use of translucency for some issues just like the menu bar and the dock, however we might maybe see extra translucency in home windows and menu parts.
App icons which have a extra rounded look might occur, and we might see rounder corners for home windows and different interface parts. Apple might additionally undertake some floating menu bars, and add extra depth to all the pieces for a glossier feel and look.
The visionOS interface
Streamlined navigation, menus, and format might carry higher design consistency throughout iOS and macOS. Count on to see design adjustments on the working system degree and in Apple’s apps, with Apple additionally offering new tips and belongings for builders to tailor their apps to match the up to date aesthetic.
Apple Intelligence
There are new Apple Intelligence options coming in macOS 26, however Apple is undoubtedly going to be extra reserved about saying something that is not able to go.
Apple plans to update the Shortcuts app to combine Apple Intelligence. Customers will be capable of create actions that use Apple Intelligence fashions, which ought to make it simpler for informal customers to create helpful shortcuts.
Apple may give us some perception into when Siri will be capable of combine with Gemini along with ChatGPT, as a result of that is a function coming quickly.
All these personalised Siri options that Apple introduced at WWDC 2024 are going to come back in iOS 26 and macOS 26 sooner or later, but it surely’s not clear if they will be prepared by WWDC. If they don’t seem to be able to go, Apple most likely will not point out them, and we’ll get them later within the 12 months.
As a reminder, we’re ready on private context that lets Siri preserve observe of emails, messages, recordsdata, photographs, and extra, or principally something in your machine. Apple can also be including onscreen consciousness so Siri might help you with what’s in your display, and Siri will even get deeper app integration in order that it might do extra in and throughout apps.
Gaming App
There is a new sport app within the works that’ll be accessible for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. It’s going to have the video games you’d usually discover within the App Store and Apple Arcade titles, together with sections for in-game achievements, leaderboards, and editorial content material.
You can use the app to speak with different individuals, and on the Mac, it will be capable of faucet into video games downloaded outdoors of the Mac App Store. It’s going to exchange Recreation Middle, and will probably be a extra function wealthy app.
Different Rumored Options
Apple previewed a number of Accessibility options which can be coming in macOS 26 and iOS 26, plus there have been rumors of recent Wi-Fi options.
- Captive Wi-Fi Portal Syncing – While you log right into a captive Wi-Fi community, like at a lodge or an airport, you may solely must do it as soon as and the data will sync throughout all your units.
- Magnifier – Apple will allow you to join an iPhone to your Mac to make use of the iPhone’s digicam for zooming in on textual content and different issues that you simply may need assistance seeing.
- Car Movement Cues – The little dots that should aid you from getting carsick or airsick are additionally coming to the Mac. Car Movement Cues is supposed to match the sensation of motion with what the eyes are seeing.
Compatibility
macOS Tahoe might drop assist for some older Macs, together with the 2018 MacBook Pro, the 2019 iMac, the 2017 iMac Professional, the 2018 Mac mini, and the 2020 Intel-based MacBook Air. The replace is anticipated to be suitable with the next Macs:
- MacBook Professional (2019 and later)
- iMac (2020 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (all fashions)
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
Learn Extra
We now have a devoted macOS 26 Tahoe roundup that we’ll be updating all through the week.
Make certain to examine again day-after-day for extra rumor roundups, and keep tuned for our all-in-one what to anticipate article on Friday.
WWDC Occasion Particulars
The WWDC 2025 keynote will happen on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will dwell stream the occasion on its web site, on YouTube, and within the TV app.
In case you’re not capable of watch dwell, we’ll have a dwell weblog and protection of the bulletins right here at MacRumors, plus we’ll be dwell tweeting the occasion on the MacRumorsLive account.