Apple is set to introduce macOS 26 during its WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9 at 10 a.m. PT, marking a major redesign of the Mac operating system with new features, a modern look, and AI-powered capabilities.
What’s New in macOS 26
New Design Inspired by visionOS
Apple is giving macOS 26 a fresh visual overhaul with rounded buttons, translucent UI, and glass-like elements—aesthetic cues borrowed from visionOS. Expect floating windows and subtle lighting effects across menus and navigation bars to create a more immersive and modern user experience.
A Shift in Naming
Instead of following numeric order (e.g. macOS 15 to 16), Apple is adopting a year-based naming scheme, with macOS 26 reflecting the 2025–2026 release cycle. While the numeric format changes, Apple is expected to continue using California landmark names (e.g., Sequoia, Monterey). Potential unused names include Grizzly, Diablo, Redwood, and Shasta.
Apple Intelligence and Siri Upgrades
macOS 26 introduces powerful AI capabilities under the branding “Apple Intelligence.” Siri will gain:
- Personal context awareness to track files, messages, and notes
- Onscreen awareness to interact with what’s visible on your display
- Deeper app integration for smarter, multi-step commands
- EU users will also get the option to set a third-party assistant like Google Gemini as the default voice assistant
New Gaming App
A new cross-platform Apple gaming app will launch for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It will unify third-party titles and Apple Arcade games in one hub, offering leaderboards, achievements, editorials, and communication features.
Captive Wi-Fi Syncing
Captive Wi-Fi networks (like those in hotels or airports) will now sync login credentials across devices, streamlining access without re-entering info repeatedly.
Accessibility Improvements
macOS 26 expands Apple’s accessibility ecosystem with:
- Magnifier on Mac via iPhone Continuity Camera
- Vehicle Motion Cues to reduce motion sickness using visual dots
- Braille Access for notetaking and file management
- Accessibility Reader with customizable fonts, spacing, and color schemes
Supported Devices
macOS 26 will run on:
- MacBook Pro (2019 and newer)
- iMac (2020 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2019 and newer)
- Mac mini (M1 and newer)
- Mac Studio (all models)
- MacBook Air (M1 and newer)
Release Timeline
- June 9, 2025: Developer beta release at WWDC
- July 2025: Public beta available
- Fall 2025: Official public release alongside iOS 26 and new iPhones
