macOS Tahoe 26 Hands-On: Liquid Glass, Spotlight Upgrades & Theme Tweaks
Apple’s new macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a sleek design refresh and smart usability upgrades that power users will appreciate. From the stunning Liquid Glass interface to the revamped Spotlight search and subtle UI enhancements, this update leans into both beauty and performance. If you’re wondering what’s new in macOS 26, especially how it differs from previous macOS versions like Sequoia, this hands-on guide answers your biggest questions.
Liquid Glass in macOS Tahoe 26: What It Really Looks Like
The Liquid Glass design language is front and center in macOS Tahoe 26. Think frosted, translucent surfaces on your Dock, widgets, Finder, and menus—similar to iOS, but more nuanced for larger Mac displays. This aesthetic adds depth and polish to everyday interactions, though it may feel overly stylized at times. Volume and brightness indicators now pop out in a frosted bar near the top-right, echoing iPhone design, though some might find this new placement awkward.
Spotlight Gets Smarter in macOS 26
macOS Tahoe 26 also delivers a meaningful upgrade to Spotlight search. Results feel faster and more contextual, with improved AI-powered suggestions. You can now preview documents, emails, and even perform quick actions directly from Spotlight. For power users juggling work apps and creative tools, this is a real-time saver—and a big leap forward in macOS usability.
Theme Options and Menu Bar Changes in macOS Tahoe
Customization fans will enjoy new theme options in macOS 26. You can fine-tune the overall look of your Mac, adjusting accent colors and transparency settings more granularly. Interestingly, Apple made the Menu Bar invisible, which now lets the screen notch peek through. While some users will like the extra screen space, others may miss the visual anchor the Menu Bar provided.
First Impressions: A Polished Yet Opinionated Update
macOS Tahoe 26 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it introduces enough polish and personalization to feel fresh. The update feels especially geared toward MacBook Air and Pro users who want visual flair without sacrificing performance. While not everyone will love the frosted glass look, the upgraded Spotlight and customization tools make this a compelling update worth exploring.