Apple's next Mac operating system is called macOS Tahoe, for Lake Tahoe, the company confirmed on Monday at the Worldwide Developers Conference. The new name is consistent with Apple's convention since 2013 of naming the operating system version after scenic California nature spots such as Big Sur and Sequoia.
The version number will also change, jumping from what would have been MacOS 16 to MacOS 26. Apple is changing OS versions across its platforms to line up with the year of their release, so we'll have MacOS 26, iOS 26, TVOS 26 and so on for software being introduced in 2025, but having the greatest reach in 2026.
Read more: Best Internet Providers in South Lake Tahoe
MacOS Tahoe will feature an overhauled design featuring what Apple is calling Liquid Glass. That means that the menu bar is now transparent, which Apple says should make the display feel larger. There are also more ways to customize which controls show up in the Control Center and menu bar, customize the color of folders, and add emojis or symbols to folders to personalize them. Apple's hope is that MacOS Tahoe will appear refreshed, yet still feel familiar to users.
Reps for the real Lake Tahoe respond
Those who promote the scenic region were pleased with the name news.
"If Apple's aiming for breathtaking and iconic, they picked the right name -- Lake Tahoe is awe-inspiring by design," Ryn Muat, communications and community outreach manager for VisitLakeTahoe.com, told CNET. "We're proud to represent the South Shore of Lake Tahoe and receive recognition in this way -- it's a beautiful boost for our year-round destination."
Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of VisitCalifornia.com, agreed, noting that Apple's earlier operating systems also used the names of striking Golden State destinations.
"From Yosemite and Mojave to Catalina, Big Sur, Sonoma and more -- it's clear that Apple continues to draw inspiration from its home state, choosing some of California's most scenic places year after year for its operating system names," Beteta told CNET. "Crystal clear, blue and encircled by majestic peaks, it's no surprise Apple chose Lake Tahoe for the newest operating system, bringing a glimpse of California's alpine playground to the world."