macOS 26 Tahoe - Liquid Glass Makes Debut

Apple has officially unveiled macOS 26, aka “Tahoe”, and it’s one of the biggest updates, visually speaking, that we’ve seen in years. macOS 26 includes a new design using the much hyped Liquid Glass UI, enhanced spotlight search, and some great enhancements to the messages app.

How does this update benefit business users, especially those using the Connected Accounting and ERP application?

Top features of macOS 26 for Business Users

The following list was compiled with what we felt business users (aka Connected Accounting business users) would find the most useful.  Admittedly, this list is getting tougher to compile as macOS seems to merge many iOS like features.  

1: A Whole New Look with Liquid Glass

Apple is giving macOS a serious glow-up this year. The new Liquid Glass interface changes the look and feel of windows, menus, and icons to feel lighter, brighter, and more dynamic. Subtle tints can be added to folders and all new icons have been used for Macintosh HD, Preview app, and Finder.  This is the first real design overhaul for macOS in a long time and it is a welcome change, albeit mainly window dressing.

2: Smarter Tools with AI and a Better Spotlight

Spotlight is no longer just a search bar. In macOS 26, it doubles as a command center. Applications can be launched, messages sent, files converted, and access to the the clipboard history, all from one place. On top of that, Apple has built in Apple Intelligence, Apple's new AI system. One of the most potentially useful features of Apple AI is live translation, where a call can be converted from one language to another. Live translation combined with a Phone app on the Mac means you can take calls, voicemails, use live translation, and more right from your desktop.

3: Messages App Gets Polls

It was a struggle to find a third feature for business users, other than security fixes. However, the Messages app gets some nice upgrades with the biggest, in our opinion, being able to conduct a poll in message or message group.  This has been a longtime feature in WhatsApp and it is nice to see it being applied to Messages as Meta begins to monetize WhatsApp with advertising.  Combine the Messages app improvements with their continuing push for privacy and security, we see this as a big win for business users that aren't happy with the direction of WhatsApp.

macOS 26 and Connected Compatibility

Connected's desktop application, which is a Universal app, is compatible with either Intel or native to the powerhouse Apple M class processors. Connected looks great and works seamlessly with the new Liquid Glass UI.  However, during beta testing we discovered an issue with our third party app integration (Excel, Apple Mail, and Outlook) that caused a block. A patch has been developed that can be requested as needed, and applied in most cases, without a data update and only for the select users that need it.

Note: Tahoe is the last macOS version that will run on Intel Macs. Beginning September 2026, macOS 27 will only be available for Apple Silicon.

Final Verdict

Like all new macOS versions, we recommend that business users exercise caution and only apply the update after verifying that it works with all business applications, including Connected.  If you are a user of macOS 26 and Connected, please keep in mind a patch will be required to use email and spreadsheet export automations.  You can request the patch by submitting a new support ticket and note that you are using macOS 26.

Bottom line: macOS 26 Tahoe isn’t just a refresh—it’s a turning point. A modern look, smarter AI features, and brand-new apps are here to push the Mac forward, while Intel Macs get one final farewell.

Links to External macOS 26 Reviews:

Here are some external references we found helpful with feature evaluations/explanations for macOS 26:

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/macos-26-tahoe-top-features/

Apple Insider: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/09/11/macos-tahoe-review----a-strong-update-just-not-for-the-reasons-you-expect