Apple’s Worldwide Builders Convention (WWDC) is coming quickly, and that’s after we will be taught all about macOS 16, the subsequent model of the Mac working system (and iOS 19 the brand new iPhone OS). This model may embrace some massive modifications for the Mac, along with extra Apple Intelligence options.
Apple hasn’t made any formal bulletins about macOS 16 to date, however rumors are beginning to leak. This text retains monitor of the experiences so you will get an thought of what to look ahead to when macOS 16 is revealed in June and arrives on Mac later within the yr.
macOS 16: Launch date
Apple official launch of macOS 16 can be within the fall, as is often the case. It’s more likely to coincide with the launch of iOS 19, though Apple has beforehand scheduled the replace to macOS after iOS, typically as quick as per week, typically so long as a month.
Right here is the latest delivery historical past for macOS.
- macOS 15 Sequoia: September 16, 2024
- macOS 14 Sonoma: September 26, 2023
- macOS 13 Ventura: October 24, 2022
- macOS 12 Monterey: October 25, 2021
- macOS 11 Large Sur: November 12, 2020
- macOS 10.15 Catalina: October 7, 2019
- macOS 10.14 Mojave: September 24, 2018
macOS 16: Developer and Public Betas
Nevertheless, you gained’t have to attend till the total launch to strive the brand new software program out. Apple will run a developer beta in addition to a public beta, so if you wish to check out the brand new options earlier than they’re launched to most people it is possible for you to to take action.
Apple publicizes the brand new model of macOS at WWDC in June. A macOS Beta is launched to builders at the moment, with a public beta launched a few month later, often after the developer beta strikes to a second stage (beta 2).
The primary developer beta is often shipped at the start of WWDC. Final yr the WWDC keynote passed off on June 10, this yr we predict it would begin on June 9. The general public beta often comes a month later (in 2024 the pubic beta arrived on July 15).
Between WWDC and the official launch within the fall, Apple will launch beta updates to builders and the general public. Anybody utilizing the beta is inspired to file bug experiences utilizing the included Apple’s Suggestions Assistant app in order that the corporate can tackle them.
Study extra about taking part in Apple’s beta software program program so you’ll be able to take a look at the brand new software program as quickly because the beta arrives.
macOS 16: New identify
In contrast to its different working programs, Apple attaches a reputation to macOS. The present identify is macOS Sequoia, which is model 15 of the software program. Since OS X 10.9 in 2013, Apple has used names which might be related to California.
Rumors of the brand new identify will swirl earlier than the official launch. Some reportedly trademarked names which have circulated lately embrace California, Condor, Diablo, Farallon, Grizzly, Mammoth, Miramar, Pacific, Redwood, Redtail, Rincon, Skyline, and Shasta. These names have been registered by an organization that’s believed to be a shell for Apple. Internally on the firm, macOS 16 is known as Cheer.
Here’s a record of the latest macOS names primarily based on locations in California:
- OS X Mavericks (model 10.9)
- OS X Yosemite (model 10.10)
- OS X El Capitan (model 10.11)
- macOS Sierra (model 10.12)
- macOS Excessive Sierra (model 10.13)
- macOS Mojave (model 10.14)
- macOS Catalina (model 10.15)
- macOS Large Sur (model 11)
- macOS Monterey (model 12)
- macOS Ventura (model 13)
- macOS Sonoma (model 14)
- macOS Sequoia (model 15)
macOS 16: Compatibility
As a result of macOS 16 might function main interface modifications, Apple might determine to make this the primary model of macOS that doesn’t run on Intel-based Macs. The indicators of this began showing a few years in the past. Apple desires to maneuver any customers of those Macs over to M-Collection Macs and will use this model of macOS as a cutoff level. It’s unknown if the UI modifications depend upon {hardware} discovered solely on M-series Macs.
With that in thoughts, you’ll be able to verify the specs of your Mac, then check out what we count on macOS 16 to be suitable with:
- MacBook Air (M1 or later)
- MacBook Professional (M1 or later)
- iMac (M1 or later)
- Mac mini (M1 or later)
- Mac Studio (M1 Max or later)
- Mac Professional (M2 Extremely or later)
macOS 16: New options
Listed below are a number of the new options anticipated in macOS 16. This record can be up to date as extra options are reported.
Main UI change
In response to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, macOS 16 (together with iOS 19 and iPadOS 19) may have a redesigned consumer interface that’s primarily based “loosely” on visionOS, Apple’s working system for its Imaginative and prescient Professional headset. Apple desires to make its working programs extra constant throughout platforms, and visionOS would be the inspiration for it.
Particulars on how Apple will implement this new design aren’t accessible but, however Apple gained’t merely simply port over the visionOS UI to the Mac and be carried out with it. It’ll mix the most effective of each worlds and probably enable Mac customers to do extra.
Due to the visionOS’s contact implementation, it’s simple to conclude that Apple is engaged on a touchscreen Mac. {Hardware} rumors are extra prevalent than software program ones, and touchscreen functionality has not been talked about about future MacBooks or Apple shows.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
Apple Intelligence made its debut with macOS 15 Sequoia and Apple is on a steady growth path with these options. Nevertheless, experiences on what these new Apple Intelligence options may have not appeared.
Tied to Apple Intelligence, a significant replace to Siri was anticipated to be launched previous to WWDC25, however these efforts require extra time. Apple often introduces Siri updates first on iOS, so this delay implies that Siri updates in macOS have been pushed again even additional.
Residence app upgrades
Loads of what’s deliberate for the iOS 19 replace will make its approach into macOS 16. Whereas specifics concerning the Residence app haven’t been reported, a number of experiences of recent sensible house {hardware} have been made, so it might comply with that Apple will replace the Residence app. Nevertheless, the Residence app is extra typically used on the iPad and iPhone, so Apple may launch the Mac model of the Residence app at a later date.
