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macOS Tahoe

macOS Tahoe is Apple’s twenty-second major release of macOS and is identified as version 26.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

macOS Tahoe is Apple’s twenty-second major release of macOS and is identified as version 26. It was announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025, and released on September 15, 2025. Apple says it introduces a redesigned interface, expanded Continuity features, a major Spotlight update, and broader Apple Intelligence capabilities.

Release and naming

macOS Tahoe was announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025, and released on September 15, 2025, as version 26. Apple continues its practice of naming macOS releases after California landmarks, with Tahoe named after Lake Tahoe.

Features

Apple says Tahoe introduces a refreshed design called Liquid Glass, along with customisable app icons and folders. It also expands Spotlight, Continuity, and Apple Intelligence features.

Compatibility

Tahoe is the final macOS release to support Intel-based Macs. Sources list only a limited set of Intel models as remaining compatible, while later releases are expected to support Apple silicon only.

Position in macOS history

Tahoe follows macOS Sequoia and is part of Apple’s newer numbering system for its operating systems. It is widely described as the twenty-second major macOS release.

Key facts

  • macOS Tahoe is version 26 and the twenty-second major release of macOS.
  • Announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025, with the first developer beta released the same day.
  • Public release on September 15, 2025.
  • Features a Liquid Glass redesign, customisable app icons and folders, expanded Spotlight, Continuity, and Apple Intelligence.
  • Last macOS release to support Intel-based Macs.
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Canadian context

Canadian Mac users, including businesses and schools, may be affected by Tahoe’s compatibility shift because it is the last macOS release supporting Intel Macs, which can influence upgrade planning and hardware replacement decisions.

Frequently asked questions

What is macOS Tahoe?
macOS Tahoe is Apple’s version 26 of macOS and the twenty-second major release of the operating system.
When was macOS Tahoe announced?
Apple announced macOS Tahoe at WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025.
When was macOS Tahoe released?
It was released on September 15, 2025.
What new features does macOS Tahoe include?
Apple highlights a Liquid Glass design, more customisation for icons and folders, a bigger Spotlight update, more Continuity features, and expanded Apple Intelligence.
Is macOS Tahoe the last Intel-compatible macOS?
Yes. Apple and multiple secondary sources describe Tahoe as the last major macOS release to support Intel-based Macs.
Why is it called Tahoe?
The name follows Apple’s tradition of using California place names for macOS releases; Tahoe refers to Lake Tahoe.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS_Tahoe
    Supports: Version number, announcement date, release date, major-release count, Intel support details
  2. Apple Support — https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/whats-new-in-macos-tahoe-apd07d671600/mac
    Supports: Liquid Glass design, icon and folder customisation
  3. Apple Support — https://support.apple.com/en-us/122727
    Supports: Apple’s overview of Tahoe features including design, Spotlight, Continuity, and Apple Intelligence
  4. MacRumors — https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/
    Supports: Release timeline, California naming, latest version reporting, Intel compatibility notes