macOS 16: The Biggest Updates Coming to Your Mac Soon!
Get ready for a major refresh of your Mac operating system! The upcoming macOS 16 is expected to be announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9. Here’s what we know so far about Apple’s next major update to its Mac OS.
What’s in a Name?
Each year, prior to WWDC, Mac fans eagerly await the revelation of the new version’s name. From the debut of OS X Mavericks in 2013, Apple has adopted California-themed names for its macOS updates. As we approach the unveiling of macOS 16, let’s explore the possibilities!
Apple has filed for trademark protection on a variety of California place names. Some of these names have already been used in macOS releases, while others have been abandoned. Previously, Apple has utilized names from abandoned trademark filings for macOS updates, such as Big Sur in 2020. The remaining possibilities include:
1. Santa Rosa
2. Santa Cruz
3. Monterey Bay
4. San Luis Obispo
5. Santa Barbara
6. Los Angeles
7. San Francisco
8. Catalina Island
9. Channel Islands
10. Marin County
macOS Redesign
According to reports from *Bloomberg*, the upcoming version of macOS is set for a radical redesign, potentially marking the most significant visual refresh since the introduction of macOS Big Sur in 2020. The project, internally known as “Cheer,” aims to simplify navigation and device control while incorporating design elements from visionOS into the Mac experience. Some of the changes may include:
* A streamlined interface that makes it easier to find what you need on your Mac.
* Design elements inspired by the Vision Pro’s software interface, adapted for traditional displays.
* An immersive user experience, although some of the more “immersive” aspects from the Vision Pro experience may not translate well to the 2D world of macOS.
Other Exciting Features
Sync Captive Wi-Fi Portal Login Information Across Devices
*Bloomberg* reports that Apple is working on a feature that will allow users to enter login details for captive Wi-Fi networks just once, then automatically sync that information across their iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. This new system could be introduced as part of macOS 16.
Google Gemini Integration
According to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Google may reach a deal with Apple to add Google Gemini to the iPhone in mid-2025. If this integration occurs, it’s likely that Google Gemini will be included in iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.
AI Battery Management Option
In iOS 19, Apple is planning to introduce an AI-powered battery management option that will analyze how a device is used and make adjustments where possible to cut down on battery usage. The new feature will be part of the Apple Intelligence suite of features, with Apple drawing on battery data collected from users over time.
Default Voice Assistant Option for EU Users
*Bloomberg* reports that Apple plans to give users in the EU the ability to set a default voice assistant other than Siri. This change will be introduced across multiple software platforms and is expected to turn up on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
Accessibility Improvements
Apple has consistently prioritized accessibility features for its users. Here are some of the new Accessibility options that we can expect in macOS 16:
* Vehicle Motion Cues: This optional feature, which shows moving dots on an iPhone’s screen to help reduce motion sickness while using the device in a moving vehicle, will be expanded to Mac devices. Additionally, Apple plans to provide new ways to customize the on-screen dots on a Mac.
* Magnifier on Mac: This feature, which uses the iPhone’s camera zoom function to create a live feed for use on a Mac, will be extended with options for creating multiple live session windows and customizing each view with different brightness levels and color filters. The new Mac version of Magnifier will serve as an extension of the existing Magnifier option on the iPhone.
The annual WWDC event is just around the corner, so stay tuned for more updates about macOS 16 and other exciting Apple announcements!