macOS 26 Tahoe Beta Review Roundup: First Impressions from WWDC 2025’s Public Beta

The macOS 26 Tahoe Beta Review Roundup is buzzing with excitement following Apple’s unveiling of its latest operating system at WWDC 2025 on June 9.

With the public beta now available as of July 2025, users and tech enthusiasts have been diving into macOS Tahoe’s sleek Liquid Glass design, enhanced Spotlight search, and new Apple Intelligence features.

From developers to everyday Mac users, the feedback on this developer and public beta paints a picture of a visually stunning yet occasionally buggy update.

This article compiles the first reviews and reactions, offering a comprehensive breakdown of what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for macOS 26 Tahoe.

What Is macOS 26 Tahoe’s Standout Feature?

The Liquid Glass design is the talk of the town. Apple introduced this translucent, visionOS-inspired aesthetic, which applies to the Dock, Finder, widgets, and built-in apps.

According to The Verge, the design feels “more subtle” on Macs due to larger screen real estate, acting as an accent rather than an overhaul. Users on X, like @alexonline888, praise its smoothness, noting, “It’s soooo smooth. I’m forgetting this is a developer beta.”

However, some, including @SamGuichelaar, argue it reduces macOS’s unique “soul,” feeling too iOS-like. The customizable menu bar and Control Center, with options for colorful app icon tints and emoji folder symbols, have been well-received for personalization, as noted by Mashable.

How Is the New Spotlight Search Performing?

Spotlight’s major upgrade is a fan favorite. WIRED calls it a “power user dream,” highlighting its ability to perform in-app actions like sending emails or playing podcasts directly from the search bar.

Apple’s WWDC keynote demo showed an executive drafting and sending an email via Spotlight without opening the Mail app. TechCrunch notes its integration with third-party cloud drives like Google Drive, enhancing file search capabilities.

However, X user @lipeng0820 reported a bug where Spotlight’s dictionary function failed, indicating some kinks in the beta phase. Despite this, the consensus is that Spotlight’s smarter, action-oriented approach boosts productivity.

What Are the New Apps and Features Like?

macOS 26 Tahoe introduces a Phone app, a Games app, and enhanced Continuity features. The Phone app, mirroring iPhone functionality, allows call screening and voicemail access on Macs, which MacRumors praises for seamless integration.

The Games app consolidates Apple Arcade titles and includes a Game Overlay for in-game settings, earning positive nods from Mashable. Apple Intelligence features, like Live Translation for FaceTime and AI-powered Reminders, are exciting but limited in the beta, per The Verge.

X user @BrandonButch lists over 60 new features, including clipboard history and improved window tiling, calling it a “massive update.”

Are There Any Major Bugs or Issues?

As with any beta, bugs are part of the experience. X user @lipeng0820 detailed issues like iStat Menus disappearing from the menu bar, music preview volume controls not saving, and weather app location failures.

@tgod34748 criticized the replacement of Launchpad with a new Apps menu, calling it a step backward. The Verge warns of potential stability issues and battery drain, advising users to install betas on secondary devices.

Apple’s developer notes acknowledge unresolved issues, such as alarms not playing when displays are asleep for long periods. Despite these,

@stufflistings found macOS Tahoe “way smoother” than iOS 26, suggesting relative stability for a beta.

How Do Users Feel About the iOS-Like Design Shift?

The shift toward an iOS and iPadOS-like interface has sparked debate. @SamGuichelaar on X called it a “severe downgrade,” arguing it erodes macOS’s distinct identity. Conversely, @alexonline888’s enthusiasm reflects a segment of users who embrace the unified ecosystem.

The Verge notes that Apple’s goal was design parity across platforms, but some designers, per WIRED, worry the glassy aesthetic might interfere with functionality. The removal of Launchpad, replaced by an Apps menu, has been particularly divisive, with

@dev_bonnie pleading for its return as an option.

What’s the Performance Like on Compatible Macs?

Apple’s testing on a 15-inch MacBook Air with an M4 chip and 16GB RAM showed strong performance, with Safari 26.0 outperforming Chrome in benchmarks like JetStream 2.2 and Speedometer 3.1.

MacRumors confirms compatibility with Apple silicon Macs and select Intel-based models with T2 chips, but Tahoe is the last macOS to support Intel processors. Users report smooth performance on M1 and newer Macs, though some glitches persist, as noted by @alexonline888. Battery life varies, with Apple’s tests indicating solid results for video streaming under controlled conditions.

Highlights of macOS 26 Tahoe Public Beta  

• Liquid Glass Design: Translucent, customizable UI with vibrant app tints and folder emojis.

• Spotlight Overhaul: Smarter search with in-app actions and third-party cloud integration.

• New Apps: Phone app for calls and Games app for unified gaming experience.

• Apple Intelligence: Live Translation and AI Reminders, though limited in beta.

• Bugs to Watch: Issues with Launchpad, Spotlight dictionary, and weather app functionality.

• Compatibility: Supports Apple silicon and select Intel Macs with T2 chips.

• Public Beta Release: Available July 2025, with full launch in fall 2025.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The macOS 26 Tahoe Beta Review Roundup reveals a promising yet imperfect update. Its Liquid Glass design and Spotlight enhancements have won over many, but bugs and the iOS-like shift have sparked mixed reactions.

As Apple refines the beta ahead of the fall 2025 release, macOS Tahoe is shaping up to be a bold step forward for Mac users. Whether you’re excited about the new aesthetic or wary of its changes, the public beta offers a glimpse into Apple’s vision for the future.

Share your thoughts on X and stay tuned for updates as we approach the official launch.