Apple’s next major software update for the Mac is macOS Tahoe, also known as macOS 26. Alongside the new Liquid Glass design and major Spotlight upgrades, macOS Tahoe will bring three new Apple apps to the Mac. Here’s what’s coming.
Journal
Apple’s Journal app first arrived on iPhone with iOS 17.2 in late 2023. It’s been exclusive to iOS ever since then, but that’s changing this year.
Journal is coming to the Mac in macOS Tahoe, and also the iPad in iPadOS 26.
All your journal entries will sync over iCloud automatically, and Journal offers a two-panel layout on the Mac that’s better suited for larger screens. Personally, I’m most excited about having a proper keyboard to journal with, as the iPhone’s software keyboard isn’t great for longer entries.
Journal’s existing iPhone feature set is of course supported, and new this year are the ability to create multiple separate journals, view entries on a map based on where you wrote them, and more.
Phone
Continuity ties between the Mac and iPhone are expanding once again in macOS Tahoe.
For years, the Mac has supported answering calls that were coming from your iPhone. And last year, iPhone Mirroring provided full access to the Phone app via your Mac.
But in macOS Tahoe, Apple is adding a proper Phone app directly to the Mac. Here are the details:
The Phone app on Mac has the familiar features of the Phone app on iPhone — including Recents, Favorites, and Voicemails — and the latest updates like Call Screening and Hold Assist. Call Screening automatically answers calls from unknown numbers and asks the caller for information so a user can decide whether or not to answer. And when a user is stuck on hold, Hold Assist allows them to keep their spot in line while they wait for a live agent, so users can continue working on their Mac.
Considering all the ways Macs have been able to support phone calls in the past, it makes sense to finally have a dedicated Phone app on the platform.
Apple Games
Apple offers a strong ecosystem of cross-platform media apps, such as the Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts apps.
This year there’s a brand new addition: Apple Games.
The new Games app will arrive simultaneously in macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and iPadOS 26 as a one-stop hub for all your gaming needs.
Features include the ability to discover new games, launch any titles installed on your Mac, and keep up with friends via leaderboards, challenges, and more.
New macOS Tahoe apps: wrap-up
Just a few years ago, the Mac would regularly lag behind Apple’s other platforms in getting new cross-platform apps. Apple tended to prioritize the iPhone and iPad in its app development, with the Mac lagging behind a year or two. Fortunately, things have started to change in recent years, and macOS Tahoe’s three new apps are the latest evidence of that.
Which of macOS Tahoe’s new apps are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.
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