The anticipation surrounding Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is palpable, with the announcement expected any day now and the event likely scheduled for June. This year’s excitement is amplified by rumors of a significant design overhaul for macOS. Here’s everything we know so far about macOS 16.
macOS 16 Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
AppleApple typically unveils its new macOS versions at WWDC, followed by a fall release. If Apple adheres to this pattern, macOS 16 should be revealed during the first or second week of June, with a public release likely coinciding with the next iPhone and iOS launch in September. While all planned features may be announced at WWDC, some, like potential AI integrations, might be rolled out gradually, mirroring the approach taken with macOS Sequoia.
For those eager to experience macOS 16 before the official release, beta versions will be available. A developer beta usually launches during WWDC, followed by a public beta roughly a month later. Joining the Apple Beta Software Program is straightforward through the Apple Beta Software Program website using your Apple ID. However, remember that beta software can have bugs, so installation on a secondary device is recommended.
macOS 16 Name: What Will It Be Called?
Apple Sequoia tree wallpaper.Apple has a tradition of naming its macOS versions after California landmarks, like the current macOS Sequoia (giant sequoia trees), Sonoma (Sonoma County wine region), and Monterey (Monterey Bay). Predicting the next name is challenging, but rumored trademarks registered by a potentially Apple-linked company include California, Grizzly, Miramar, and Redwood.
macOS 16 Design Overhaul: A Fresh Look Inspired by visionOS?
Collage of visionOS design elements.According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, macOS 16 is expected to receive a major design refresh, impacting icons, apps, menus, windows, and system buttons. This revamp will extend across Apple’s operating systems, potentially drawing inspiration from visionOS, the operating system for the Apple Vision Pro.
This could mean circular app icons and increased translucency for a more visually integrated experience. While translucency in visionOS allows users to see their surroundings, in macOS 16, it might offer a glimpse of the desktop wallpaper. This design overhaul aims to create greater visual consistency between macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.
macOS 16 Features: Will Apple Intelligence and Siri Finally Arrive?
The future of Apple Intelligence and Siri remains uncertain. The rollout has been slow, hampered by EU regulatory issues and legal challenges surrounding Apple’s advertising of unreleased Siri features. Rumors suggest these updates might be delayed until 2026 or even 2027. A lawsuit alleges false advertising for promoting Siri features on the iPhone 16 that were subsequently delayed. This legal precedent could influence whether Apple discusses the new Siri at WWDC this year.
macOS 16 Compatibility: Which Macs Will Be Supported?
With each new macOS release, some older Macs become incompatible. Given that macOS Sequoia supports M-series and the last generation of Intel Macs, macOS 16 might be exclusive to Apple Silicon Macs. While not guaranteed, dropping support for Intel Macs seems plausible, especially five years into the Apple Silicon transition. However, Apple could extend Intel support for a while longer.
