macOS 16: Everything We Know So Far

[MacRumors]

The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple's annual developer and software-oriented event, is less than three weeks away. We haven't heard a great deal about macOS 16 ahead of its announcement this year, so we could be in for some major surprises when June 9 rolls around. Here's what we know so far about the next major update to Apple's Mac operating system.

macOS 16 Name?

Every year heading into WWDC, one question on many Mac fans' minds is what Apple will choose as the name for the next version of macOS. The tradition dates all the way back to the beginning of Mac OS X with its big cat names, and then in 2013 Apple shifted to Calfornia-themed names with the unveiling of OS X Mavericks.

Back in the early days after the debut of OS X Mavericks, we discovered a total of over 20 California-themed trademark applications filed by various limited liability companies that were all but certain to be shell companies created by Apple to hide its identity.

Over time, some of the trademarks like Yosemite, Sierra, Mojave, and Monterey were indeed used by Apple for its major Mac operating system updates, while trademark applications for several other names have been abandoned.

Apple has previously used names from abandoned trademark filings – such as Big Sur in 2020 – for macOS releases. So, macOS 16 could still adopt a name Apple sought to protect years ago.

The below list covers the remaining macOS name possibilities that Apple had filed to protect:

• California
• Condor
• Diablo
• Farallon
• Grizzly
• Mammoth
• Miramar

• Pacific
• Redtail
• Redwood
• Rincon
• Shasta
• Skyline
• Tiburon

Compatibility

Apple began transitioning the Mac lineup to Apple Silicon in 2020 and completed it by 2023. Since then, support for Intel Macs has steadily declined with each new macOS release.

Only a few Intel-based machines are supported in Apple's last update, macOS Sequoia:

• 2018 Mac mini
• 2019–2020 iMac models
• 2017 iMac Pro
• 2020 MacBook Air
• 2018–2020 MacBook Pro models
• 2019 Mac Pro

With the increasing prevalence of AI features, it could be that macOS 16 is the last version to support at least some Intel-based Macs, minus Apple Intelligence features that require Macs with Apple silicon chips. If Apple dropped support for the oldest models in the above list, that would see Apple stay faithful to delivering at least five years of software support for its devices.

Rumored Design Changes

Apple is planning a radical redesign of macOS with version 16, and it could be the most significant visual refresh since macOS Big Sur was introduced in 2020, according to Bloomberg.

MacRumors concept render​

The upcoming Mac operating system will reportedly be part of Apple's sweeping effort to create a more consistent interface across all of its platforms, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. The redesign will update the "style of icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons" throughout the system.

According to people familiar with the project, which is dubbed "Cheer" internally, Apple aims to simplify navigation and device control while bringing design elements from visionOS to the Mac experience. While specific details remain limited, some of the changes could include:

• Complete refresh of icons, menus, and system buttons
• New window styles and management features
• Simplified navigation system
• Visual elements inspired by visionOS (possible circular app icons?)
• More translucent interface elements
• Greater visual consistency with iOS and iPadOS

The redesign is described as "loosely based" on the Vision Pro's software interface, while being adapted for traditional displays. Bloomberg notes that some "immersive" elements from the Vision Pro experience won't translate to the 2D world of macOS.

The design overhaul is reportedly a major focus for Apple's software engineering organization and user interface team within its design group. Alan Dye, who helped craft iOS 7's revolutionary redesign in 2013, is said to be overseeing software design for the project.

While Apple is working to make its operating systems look more consistent, the company is deliberately avoiding merging them completely. Bloomberg reports that Apple believes it can create better Macs and iPads by maintaining separate operating systems, while also encouraging consumers to purchase both types of devices.

New Features

Captive Wi-Fi Data Syncing

Apple is developing a new feature that will synchronize captive Wi-Fi portal login information across devices, according to Bloomberg. The system will allow users to enter login details for captive Wi-Fi networks – commonly found in hotels, airports, and coffee shops – just once, then automatically sync that information across their iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.

Apple is reportedly readying the feature in time for WWDC 2025, suggesting it will likely arrive with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.

Google Gemini

According to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Google could reach a deal with Apple to add Google Gemini to the iPhone in the middle of 2025. That timing suggests the functionality could be added in iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. Google Gemini would be added as an alternative to ChatGPT for Siri requests.

Set Default Digital Assistant (EU Only)

Apple is planning to give users in the EU the ability to set a default voice assistant other than Siri, according to Bloomberg. Apple reportedly plans to introduce the change across multiple software platforms, so expect it to turn up on iPhone, iPad, and... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: macOS 16: Everything We Know So Far

 

[n-evo]

The “MacRumors concept render” looks absolutely horrific.

 

[winxmac]

Either Redwood or Skyline.

 

[MrENGLISH]

I’m ready to move on from the California based names.

 

[dumastudetto]

I’m hoping macOS 16 is where Intel machines are cutoff. They’ll still receive updates for a couple more years with macOS 15. It’s time to leave the past behind.

 

[Dr McKay]

The “MacRumors concept render” looks absolutely horrific.

Menu bar needs to be THICCER

 

[Darth Tulhu]

I personally like Miramar as a name, but I really don't care that much.

Whatever happened to Sea Lion? 😌

 

[cicalinarrot]

The “MacRumors concept render” looks absolutely horrific.

You're telling me that some guy who works for a blog and just tried some idea on photoshop is less good than the team of ultra-paid designers of the richest, design-oriented company in the world?
What a shock.

 

[StephanD88]

If there’s gonna be a huge UI overhaul then I would guess Pacific, as the Pacific is huge. But maybe that’s too easy.

 

[Populus]

I’m hoping macOS 16 is where Intel machines are cutoff. They’ll still receive updates for a couple more years with macOS 15. It’s time to leave the past behind.

Yeah, I’d like them to take advantage of that and perform a deep cleanup of the code, using more Swift in it.

But I think there’s a chance that the MacBook Air 2020 will receive one more update. As well as other 2020 Intel Macs, such as the 2020 MBP. And while they’re at it, they maybe support 2019 Macs as well.

Think about it: customers who purchased a MacBook Air or Pro in spring 2020 only got the Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma and Sequoia updates… okay, five yearly updates for the last Intel machines sounds fair.

Yeah, now I think it is likely macOS 16 will be the first Apple Silicon only.

 

[reyesmac]

They can make the os look as silly as they want to, as long as AppleScript and other scripting languages still work with it. Once they stop using certain technologies they pretty much change their system so users using legacy systems end up having a worse experience. My guess is the new interface will look bad on regular non retina monitors, by design. Another trick they do is change the system in such a way that requires developers to upgrade their apps, thereby forcing them to agree to new terms and conditions and sandboxing their apps even more. So, what are the actually useful things for the consumers in this upgrade that doesn't tie them to iCloud or some new service payment scheme?

 

[Bazza1]

"...more consistent interface..." sounds like more of the dumbing down of MacOS to better reflect that of the 2007 iPod Touch OS as used on iPhone / iPad. This is not a step forward. Add all the "Squirrel!" apps, features and pretty icons you like, it's still a hobbled system.
As for including Google in any effort to make Apple Intelligence / Siri / more palatable to those who have already turned off the 'feature' - uh, no.

 

[Mactech20]

Hoping 2018 Mini's and 2019 iMacs make the cut. I have a bunch to sell and I don't want the resale value to plummet.

 

[AppleTO]

I’d like to see the option of logging into macOS with Apple account credentials. At this point for most people there is no point in having separate accounts where you essentially have to login twice. Windows and ChromeOS have worked like this for years. This would likely also bridge a gap where in enterprise you would be able to login to managed Apple accounts, which can be federated via other services. (Without an MDM and third party apps being involved).

 

[n-evo]

You're telling me that some guy who works for a blog and just tried some idea on photoshop is less good than the team of ultra-paid designers of the richest, design-oriented company in the world?
What a shock.

So why bother in the first place?

 

[jeremz1ne]

MacOS Tahoe!! LETS GO

 

[syklee26]

Sticky as a widget would be nice.

 

[cicalinarrot]

So why bother in the first place? That said there are some amazing macOS mockups made by enthusiasts floating around.

They have someone who can make graphics, they gave it a try. Plus, if you've seen basically all Linux interfaces, it's not easy at all to make a decent looking OS.
It does show the more rounded style that Vision OS has, that's it, this is why they bothered.

Relax, guys. And think twice before being absurdly rude to people who are just doing their job just because you are on the internet, please. Not sure what you people do for a living but I think if someone who enjoys what you do for free came to you and told you what you've done is "absolutely horrific" to your face, you'd call them sociopaths.

 

[yukari]

Current Settings layout and the menu are atrocious. They really need to completely revamp Settings

 

[now i see it]

It’ll look great!

 

[jrath1]

Mac OS Death Valley although not listed, is the most appropriate name for the current state of the OS.

 

[Cape Dave]

The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple's annual developer and software-oriented event, is less than three weeks away. We haven't heard a great deal about macOS 16 ahead of its announcement this year, so we could be in for some major surprises when June 9 rolls around. Here's what we know so far about the next major update to Apple's Mac operating system.

macOS 16 Name?

Every year heading into WWDC, one question on many Mac fans' minds is what Apple will choose as the name for the next version of macOS. The tradition dates all the way back to the beginning of Mac OS X with its big cat names, and then in 2013 Apple shifted to Calfornia-themed names with the unveiling of OS X Mavericks.

Back in the early days after the debut of OS X Mavericks, we discovered a total of over 20 California-themed trademark applications filed by various limited liability companies that were all but certain to be shell companies created by Apple to hide its identity.

Over time, some of the trademarks like Yosemite, Sierra, Mojave, and Monterey were indeed used by Apple for its major Mac operating system updates, while trademark applications for several other names have been abandoned.

Apple has previously used names from abandoned trademark filings – such as Big Sur in 2020 – for macOS releases. So, macOS 16 could still adopt a name Apple sought to protect years ago.

The below list covers the remaining macOS name possibilities that Apple had filed to protect:

• California
  
• Condor
  
• Diablo
  
• Farallon
  
• Grizzly
  
• Mammoth
  
• Miramar
• Pacific
  
• Redtail
  
• Redwood
  
• Rincon
  
• Shasta
  
• Skyline
  
• Tiburon

Compatibility

Apple began transitioning the Mac lineup to Apple Silicon in 2020 and completed it by 2023. Since then, support for Intel Macs has steadily declined with each new macOS release.

Only a few Intel-based machines are supported in Apple's last update, macOS Sequoia:

• 2018 Mac mini
  
• 2019–2020 iMac models
  
• 2017 iMac Pro
  
• 2020 MacBook Air
  
• 2018–2020 MacBook Pro models
  
• 2019 Mac Pro

With the increasing prevalence of AI features, it could be that macOS 16 is the last version to support at least some Intel-based Macs, minus Apple Intelligence features that require Macs with Apple silicon chips. If Apple dropped support for the oldest models in the above list, that would see Apple stay faithful to delivering at least five years of software support for its devices.

Rumored Design Changes

Apple is planning a radical redesign of macOS with version 16, and it could be the most significant visual refresh since macOS Big Sur was introduced in 2020, according to Bloomberg.

MacRumors concept render​

The upcoming Mac operating system will reportedly be part of Apple's sweeping effort to create a more consistent interface across all of its platforms, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. The redesign will update the "style of icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons" throughout the system.

According to people familiar with the project, which is dubbed "Cheer" internally, Apple aims to simplify navigation and device control while bringing design elements from visionOS to the Mac experience. While specific details remain limited, some of the changes could include:

• Complete refresh of icons, menus, and system buttons
  
• New window styles and management features
  
• Simplified navigation system
  
• Visual elements inspired by visionOS (possible circular app icons?)
  
• More translucent interface elements
  
• Greater visual consistency with iOS and iPadOS

The redesign is described as "loosely based" on the Vision Pro's software interface, while being adapted for traditional displays. Bloomberg notes that some "immersive" elements from the Vision Pro experience won't translate to the 2D world of macOS.

The design overhaul is reportedly a major focus for Apple's software engineering organization and user interface team within its design group. Alan Dye, who helped craft iOS 7's revolutionary redesign in 2013, is said to be overseeing software design for the project.

While Apple is working to make its operating systems look more consistent, the company is deliberately avoiding merging them completely. Bloomberg reports that Apple believes it can create better Macs and iPads by maintaining separate operating systems, while also encouraging consumers to purchase both types of devices.

New Features

Captive Wi-Fi Data Syncing

Apple is developing a new feature that will synchronize captive Wi-Fi portal login information across devices, according to Bloomberg. The system will allow users to enter login details for captive Wi-Fi networks – commonly found in hotels, airports, and coffee shops – just once, then automatically sync that information across their iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.

Apple is reportedly readying the feature in time for WWDC 2025, suggesting it will likely arrive with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.

Google Gemini

According to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Google could reach a deal with Apple to add Google Gemini to the iPhone in the middle of 2025. That timing suggests the functionality could be added in iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. Google Gemini would be added as an alternative to ChatGPT for Siri requests.

Set Default Digital Assistant (EU Only)

Apple is planning to give users in the EU the ability to set a default voice assistant other than Siri, according to Bloomberg. Apple reportedly plans to introduce the change across multiple software platforms, so expect it to turn up on iPhone, iPad, and... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: macOS 16: Everything We Know So Far

If they do not make the colored dots BIGGER and easier to click on, then I already HATE it! For the love of God, pay some damn attention to UI/UX.

 

[rp2011]

They gotta save Diablo for the first touchscreen Mac.

 

[matsan]

Stop mucking around with UI and focus on refining and fixing what’s broken. Bringing over the UI concept from such a successful (ironic!) product as Vision Pro before that has matured (or been put out to pasture) seems to me like an enormous waste of effort!

 

[LeeW]

I know it’s only a concept render but if that was really how it was going to look I would rather go back to windows 3.1 and dos.