macOS 26: Three new Mac apps, and new features in existing ones

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macOS 26 brings a major new user–interface to the Mac, as well as some powerful new functionality. Apple has also updated a lot of its own apps, in addition to bringing three apps to the Mac for the first time.

Here’s what the company has to share …

The all–new Games app

Games is an all–new Apple app which is coming to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The company says it offers one–stop access to all the games you’ve ever downloaded, integrated with Apple Arcade.

The Games app makes it easier than ever for players to enjoy all their games in one convenient place and see what’s happening across their games, including major events and updates, so they never miss a moment.

It allows players to see all the games they have ever downloaded from the App Store for their iPhone and iPad, and brings together all the games they have on Mac.

The app is also the best way to experience Apple Arcade, Apple’s subscription service with more than 200 award-winning and highly rated games for the whole family, including Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Sneaky Sasquatch, and Mini Motorways.

Journal, on Mac for the first time

When Apple first launched its Journal app, intended to help users reflect and practice gratitude by capturing and writing about special moments, many were surprised to find that it was iPhone–only. However, that changes in macOS 26, as it comes to Mac for the first time.

Phone app

Continuity has long allowed you to answer incoming calls on your Mac, but macOS 26 takes things to a whole new level with a full–featured Phone app.

Apple is also bringing new features to a number of its existing Mac apps.

Photos

The Photos app gets much more personalized views.

Messages and FaceTime

Messages gets a whole slew of new functionality, while FaceTime gets a more modest, er, face–lift.

Reminders

The Reminders app gets a number of new Apple Intelligence features to make life easier.

Passwords

The Passwords app was already a huge improvement on the Keychain of old, and now gets change–logs.

Notes

Finally, the Notes app also gets to benefit from Apple Intelligence to add powerful new functionality.

Markdown support has also been added.

Which macOS 26 feature most excites you? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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Image: Apple and Michael Bower/9to5Mac

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