Apple finally bringing a new Phone App with macOS Tahoe 26, alongside Spotlight and other Apple Intelligence tools

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Today, Apple gave us a preview of macOS Tahoe 26. As the next major macOS update, it will bring a fresh design, deeper productivity tools, and expanded on-device intelligence, all while preserving the familiar macOS experience.

 

New Phone App, Spotlight and other Apple Intelligence tools

For the first time, the upcoming macOS includes a built-in Phone app, allowing users to access recent calls, contacts, voicemail, and call-handling features like Call Screening and Hold Assist, all fully synced with an iPhone. Additionally, Live Activities from iPhone now display directly in the Mac’s menu bar.

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Spotlight undergoes its most comprehensive upgrade yet. It now offers AI-enhanced search relevance, flexible filters, and the ability to execute actions, such as sending emails and creating notes, to launching apps, right from the Spotlight interface.

Apple Intelligence expands across macOS Tahoe, with features like:

  • Live Translation for text and audio.
  • Genmoji and Image Playground creative tools.
  • Enhanced Shortcuts with intelligent, programmable actions.

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New Apps, Instruments and Liquid Glass Redesign

Additionally, macOS Tahoe brings several new or improved apps:

  • A standalone Apple Games app with game organisation, overlay tools, and battery-saving modes for MacBooks
  • A Journal app for note-taking and daily reflections
  • Broader accessibility features, including Magnifier, Screenshot Reader, and Braille support

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Last but not least, macOS Tahoe will launch a translucent aesthetic dubbed Liquid Glass, which adds visual depth and subtle lighting effects to system elements like the Dock, menu bar, Control Center, sidebars, and app icons. Customisation is enhanced through colourful folder tints, personalised widgets, and a transparent menu bar that creates a spacious feel.

 

Developer tools, Release Plans and Compatibility

macOS Tahoe offers updated APIs for SwiftUI, UIKit, and AppKit, enabling developers to adopt the Liquid Glass aesthetic in their own apps with ease. A developer beta is available now, followed by a public beta next month, with the full release expected in fall 2025. macOS Tahoe will support all Apple Silicon Macs and select Intel Macs with T2 security chips.