What’s new in macOS 26

macos-26

Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology with exciting new updates across its platforms. From a fresh design language and powerful AI frameworks to cutting-edge graphics capabilities and seamless system integrations, here’s everything developers and users need to know about the latest Apple advancements unveiled at WWDC25.


A Fresh New Look: Introducing Liquid Glass

Apple’s new design approach elevates the content users care about most while creating a harmonious visual language across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Central to this evolution is Liquid Glass — a stunning dynamic material that blends the clarity of glass with fluid, organic motion.

  • What makes Liquid Glass special?
It refracts content beneath it, reflects ambient light, and features a beautiful lensing effect along its edges, offering a fresh, immersive experience that’s both elegant and distinctly Apple.

  • Why it matters:

This new material unifies the look and feel across devices while preserving the unique identity of each platform.

Explore the new design system, create captivating app icons with the Icon Composer, and dive into Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines to get started.


Powering Smarter Apps with Apple Intelligence

Apple’s Foundation Models framework unlocks the true potential of on-device large language models, enabling intelligent app features like:

  • Text extraction and summarization
  • Live translation across Apple platforms
  • Enhanced generative AI tools such as Genmoji and Image Playground

Privacy first: All AI processing happens on-device, so users’ data stays secure and private. Plus, these features work offline and are free to use with no request limits.

Start building smarter apps with deep documentation on prompt design, AI safety, and machine learning frameworks on Apple platforms.


Seamless Integration with App Intents Framework

Make your app’s core functions instantly accessible—whether users are inside your app or not. The revamped App Intents framework connects your app’s actions and content deeply with system features like:

  • Spotlight search
  • Shortcuts
  • Widgets
  • Control Center

The new Spotlight experience on Mac highlights your app’s menu actions automatically, creating a natural, frictionless way for users to interact with your app anytime, anywhere on their device.

Learn more about App Intents, explore new updates, and engage with the Apple Developer Forums for best practices.


Elevate Game Graphics with Metal 4

Metal 4 brings a suite of powerful tools that boost graphics and machine learning for the most immersive gaming experiences:

  • Run AI inference networks within shaders for realistic lighting and materials
  • Utilize MetalFX APIs to maximize graphics performance
  • Use Game Porting Toolkit 3 to bring games seamlessly to Apple platforms

Discover how Metal 4 is shaping the future of gaming with advanced visuals and smarter performance.


Transform Video Editing with Machine Learning Effects

The new Video Effects API introduces a range of ML-powered video processing tools to enrich your video editing apps:

  • Motion Blur: Add realistic blur effects digitally without complex physical setups
  • Frame Rate Conversion: Smooth out jittery footage, create slow-motion effects, and fill gaps from dropped frames
  • Image & Video Super-Resolution: Upscale videos and images up to 4x for sharper, high-quality results

These tools give creators more ways to craft compelling stories with professional-grade effects powered by AI.


Stay Updated with Live Activities on Mac

Live Activities, previously available on iPhone, now appear on your Mac’s menu bar. Stay on top of real-time events like sports scores, workouts, rideshares, or food deliveries—right from your desktop.

Check out the latest widget and ActivityKit updates to keep your apps timely and interactive.


Ready to Build with Xcode 26 Beta?

Apple’s latest macOS advancements are available now in Xcode 26 beta. Access updated documentation and sample code to start developing apps and games that leverage these new technologies introduced at WWDC25.


Wrap-Up

Apple’s newest tools and frameworks provide incredible opportunities to create beautiful, intelligent, and immersive experiences across all Apple devices. Whether you’re designing with Liquid Glass, harnessing on-device AI, or pushing graphics with Metal 4, the future of app development has never looked brighter. 

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