Apple’s latest operating system, macOS 26, brings a host of new applications and significant updates to existing ones, enhancing the overall user experience on Mac devices. This release introduces three new apps—Games, Journal, and Phone—while also delivering substantial improvements to Photos, Messages, Notes, and more.
New Applications in macOS 26
Games App
The new Games app serves as a centralized hub for all gaming activities on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It consolidates all previously downloaded games, including those from Apple Arcade, into a single, convenient location. This integration ensures that players can easily access their entire gaming library and stay informed about major events and updates within their games. The app also offers a seamless experience for Apple Arcade subscribers, providing access to over 200 games suitable for the whole family.
Journal App
Previously exclusive to the iPhone, the Journal app is now available on Mac, offering users a comfortable platform for capturing and reflecting on daily moments and special events. The app allows for the inclusion of photos, videos, audio recordings, and location data, enabling a rich and personalized journaling experience. This expansion to Mac ensures that users can document their experiences more conveniently, leveraging the larger screen and keyboard for more detailed entries.
Phone App
Building upon the Continuity feature that allowed users to answer calls on their Mac, the new Phone app provides a comprehensive calling experience. It includes familiar features from the iPhone’s Phone app, such as Recents, Favorites, and Voicemails. Additionally, it introduces Call Screening, which automatically answers calls from unknown numbers and requests information from the caller, allowing users to decide whether to answer. The Hold Assist feature enables users to maintain their place in line during hold times, freeing them to continue working on their Mac without interruption.
Enhancements to Existing Applications
Photos
The Photos app has undergone a redesign to offer more personalized views. Users can now quickly access filtering and sorting options and customize the size of collection tiles, tailoring the library’s appearance to their preferences. The introduction of Pinned Collections allows users to keep their favorite albums and memories easily accessible, enhancing the organization and enjoyment of their photo library.
Messages
The Messages app has been updated to include new features that enhance communication. Users can now add custom backgrounds to their chats, creating a more personalized messaging environment. The addition of Polls in group chats facilitates decision-making among participants, while group typing indicators provide real-time feedback on who is actively contributing to the conversation. These features aim to make messaging more interactive and engaging.
Notes
The Notes app now supports Markdown, allowing users to format their notes with ease and consistency. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a structured approach to note-taking. Additionally, the app introduces the ability to transcribe phone calls directly into a note using audio from the Phone app, streamlining the process of capturing important information during calls.
FaceTime
FaceTime has been enhanced with a new landing page that displays recent callers using Contact Posters, providing a visually appealing overview of recent interactions. The introduction of floating controls that slide out of the way when not needed ensures a cleaner interface during calls. A new More button grants quick access to features like SharePlay and Live Translation, enriching the video calling experience.
Safari
Safari has received performance improvements, making it faster and more secure. Enhanced ad tracking protection ensures greater privacy while browsing. These updates aim to provide a smoother and safer internet experience for users.
Accessibility Features
macOS 26 introduces several new accessibility features to make the Mac more inclusive:
– Magnifier with iPhone Camera: This feature turns the iPhone into a live zoom lens, allowing users to magnify their surroundings for better visibility.
– Vehicle Motion Cues: Designed to reduce motion sickness when using a Mac in a moving vehicle, this feature provides visual cues that help users maintain orientation.
– Accessibility Reader: Offers simplified reading views with customizable fonts and colors, making content more accessible to users with visual impairments.
– Braille Access: Provides full system integration with braille devices, enabling navigation and note-taking for users who rely on braille.
Conclusion
macOS 26 represents a significant step forward in enhancing the Mac user experience. The introduction of new applications like Games, Journal, and Phone, along with substantial updates to existing apps, demonstrates Apple’s commitment to providing a more integrated and personalized computing environment. These enhancements cater to a wide range of user needs, from gaming and communication to productivity and accessibility, ensuring that macOS remains a versatile and user-friendly platform.
