What you MUST know before updating to macOS Tahoe 26
This article highlights the key things you need to know before upgrading to the latest macOS Tahoe, helping you avoid potential issues. For a deeper dive, I highly recommend checking out this excellent guide from Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/WyeReX. Think of this as a quick TL;DR, especially for those using VSTs and other music software, to understand how this Mac update may affect your setup.
What is it?
- macOS Tahoe 26 is the next major version of Apple’s Mac operating system, released on September 15, 2025.
- macOS Tahoe will be the last macOS to support Intel Based Mac Computers.
Which Macs are supported?
- Any Macs with Apple silicon (M1 and later) are supported.
- Four intel macs from 2019-2020 are still supported, though with limitations (especially where newer “Intelligence” features are concerned).
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- Mac Pro (2019)
- iMac (Retina 5K,27-inch, 2020)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Which Macs Will Not Support macOS Tahoe?
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (2018)
Compatibility & caution for content creators
Our biggest piece of advice — shared by many — is to avoid upgrading immediately. Wait until your DAWs, VSTs, and other crucial tools have confirmed support and updates. Sweetwater has compiled a comprehensive, regularly updated list of music software developers here: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/WyeReX. I recommend bookmarking it, as it also covers sound libraries like Kontakt. Remember, both your sample apps and sound libraries need to be fully compatible with macOS Tahoe 26 before you make the jump.
Other notable issues
- 32-bit software is not supported under Tahoe. At this time, most software still using 32-bit code has been discontinued anyway, but still just a reminder.
- Certain drivers may not be compatible straight away. If they state they are Class Compliant on macOS then they should work natively with the update. However it is still wise to check for yourself.
- FireWire Support has gone from macOS.
- Logic Pro will be updated from the get go, but obviously 3rd party plugins will not work if not compatible.
Want to get a weekly digest of only the best audio plugin deals? No extra fluff? Join our newsletter:
What’s new with macOS Tahoe 26
Design & Interface / Visuals
- The Liquid Glass design language introduces a significant visual refresh, featuring more transparent, glass-like effects across sidebars, toolbars, the menu bar, apps, and widgets. Enhanced refraction and reflection effects help to highlight content.
- Customizable icons, folders, and widgets allow for greater personalization. You can now tint icons, use clear variants, and assign colors or emojis/symbols to folders, making them more visually distinct. Desktop widgets have also been liberated from the Notification Center.
- The Lock Screen and Control Center have been personalized. You can customize the typography on the Lock Screen and have more control over the layout and content in the Control Center, including the ability to choose which controls appear, how they are organized, and even add controls from Mac and iPhone apps.
Productivity / OS Features
- Spotlight has received an upgrade, now supporting “actions” such as sending messages or emails, creating notes or reminders, and running Shortcuts. It also features new tabs/views in Spotlight: Apps, Files, Actions, and Clipboard History, enabling faster and more contextual searches.
- Improvements in Automation and Shortcuts provide more powerful triggers, allowing shortcuts to auto-run based on conditions like time, file changes, or connecting/disconnecting hardware. Apple Intelligence enhances Shortcuts with features like summaries and image generation.
- Live Translation and Language Features are now built into Messages, Phone, and FaceTime, offering captions and translation of spoken content, all while maintaining privacy by working on-device.
Performance, stability, and compatibility improvements have been made through various system updates to enhance reliability and OS stability.
In summary, to avoid unnecessary disruption and lost productivity, we recommend holding off on updating to macOS Tahoe 26 until all of your essential software has confirmed compatibility. This way, you can plan the upgrade for the right moment and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free update experience.
Please note some of these links may be affiliate links and MSD may earn a small commission from your purchase which will help support the site. Offers and prices are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
