More than a week has passed since Apple unveiled the first developer preview of macOS Tahoe, and the buzz seems to be predominantly fixated on its captivating glass-inspired design. However, my attention has been drawn to the upgrades in Spotlight, particularly the standout Quick Keys system, which has significantly enhanced my workflow.
Diving deeper into the operating system as my primary computing platform, I encountered various bugs and performance hiccups. Still, there’s an undeniable familiarity that makes it feel like home. Strikingly, it brings me closer to the native iPhone experience than I anticipated.
It’s not just about the aesthetic updates; the functionalities are also noteworthy. Apple has incorporated some standout features from the iPhone into macOS Tahoe. For example, the Phone app has made a significant debut, and it’s done with sincerity and depth.
From Computing to Communication
The initial enabling of iPhone mirroring on macOS was a huge win. Having access to chats from WhatsApp, Discord, Telegram, and Slack right on my Mac was incredibly convenient. More than just convenience, it liberated me from constantly checking my phone.
However, mirroring alone is one-dimensional. With macOS Tahoe, Apple is finally closing the gap by introducing a full-fledged Phone app on Macs. With this app, you access a complete dialer, recent calls, and voicemails. I’ve tried it on my M4 MacBook Air, and it performed seamlessly while my iPhone 16 Pro was comfortably resting in my backpack. Just remember to connect your earbuds for calls.
Leaning into your MacBook to speak is awkward—I learned the hard way while visiting a coffee shop. If you need another reason to invest in a good pair of earbuds, that should convince you.
What I found intriguing was that next-gen call features introduced in iOS 26, including Call Screening and Hold Assist, are also coming to macOS Tahoe. These options create a more streamlined communication experience, and you can now manage calls in a way that minimizes distractions, displaying video calls in a small, manageable window rather than taking over the entire screen. The contact posters we’ve all come to appreciate are also present.
Seamless Transition, At Last
Building on the success of the Phone app, Apple has extended the text and video calling features from iOS 26 to macOS Tahoe. In Messages, you’ll enjoy Live Translation. FaceTime sessions now have live captions, and similar translation functionality is available within the Phone app.
Moreover, Live Activities are now included in macOS. Notifications related to food deliveries or live sports scores will appear in your Menu Bar, granting you the option to interact directly without switching devices. This kind of integration excites me, as it demonstrates Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience.
Finally, not only can you interact with these Live Activity alerts, but they also open as intended when clicked. Looking ahead, I see an encouraging focus on the often-overlooked Menu Bar, prompting anticipation for better user tools from Apple.
A Few Smaller Tweaks
The Control Center, until now somewhat inflexible, receives a customizable touch in macOS Tahoe. Users can personalize the dashboard with quick-access tools via a simple drag-and-drop interface, similar to their experience on iPhone.
Lock screen customizations and more are unified under iOS 18’s design principles, even extending to icon theming and tinting systems. The Journal app makes its way to the Mac, and the redesigned Photos app introduces easier filtering and sorting options.
In conclusion, Apple seems to have grasped the essence of harmony with these updates to macOS Tahoe. While some changes may draw mixed reactions, the focus on blending the iPhone user experience into macOS could be a strategic move to attract new users while retaining existing ones.
What new features should I explore in macOS Tahoe?
Explore the upgraded Spotlight, functional Phone app, and enhanced Control Center for a modern experience on macOS Tahoe.
How does macOS Tahoe differentiate itself from previous versions?
macOS Tahoe brings a more integrated iPhone experience, including features like Live Activities and a full Phone app, making communication seamless.
What can I expect from the Phone app on macOS Tahoe?
The Phone app gives you access to calls, voicemails, and features like Call Screening, closely reflecting the functionality found on the iPhone.
Are there significant upgrades for users transitioning from older macOS versions?
Yes, users will find a wealth of new features designed to create a smoother transition, especially those familiar with iOS functionalities.
For anyone exploring what’s new in Apple’s ecosystem, I encourage you to dive deeper into related content. Continue your journey with Moyens I/O (https://www.moyens.net).