One of the software features from WWDC 2025 I’m most keen to play with is an existing one. With macOS Tahoe 26, the upcoming operating system upgrade coming to Apple’s range of Mac computers, Spotlight search is set for a big upgrade.
I love using Spotlight search. Of all the fancy features available to Mac users, Spotlight is arguably the one I find the most reliably useful every day.
As a fairly recent Mac user dating back to the M2 Pro Max MacBook Pro, the on-device search function works better than I ever remember from Windows. Rarely do I waste time looking up apps or files using a mouse; I just search for it instead. Spotlight doesn’t clutter my search with unwanted online results. More often than not, it finds what I want quickly and then gets out of the way.
So, colour me curious about what Apple calls “the biggest update ever to Spotlight”. With macOS Tahoe 26, Apple’s on-device search feature reportedly gets better at finding files, apps, messages and more, based on what’s relevant to you at a specific time. Apple says the updated Spotlight contains new filter options that better hone in on specific file types, including those stored via cloud services.
macOS Tahoe 26 lets Spotlight take action
macOS Tahoe 26’s version of Spotlight can also take various actions, all within the search bar. Apple provided the example of sending an email to a contact without opening the Mail app. Similar actions range from creating a new note or playing a specific podcast episode, just by using the system search.
For developers that support it, Spotlight will also enable shortcuts and quick access to features within apps. I can see it helping when using unfamiliar software or features you only touch once in a blue moon. If I had a dollar every time I wanted to use a niche editing tool in Affinity Photo but couldn’t remember where to find it, I wouldn’t be rich, but I’d have a bit of pocket change.
I often remember the name of such tools within apps, but rarely where to find them on a toolbar. In that instance, searching for them with a quick Command > Space bar would set me right.
In addition to a revamped Spotlight search, macOS Tahoe 26 will look a bit different on the surface. As well as unifying the naming convention so it matches the very Android-like iOS 26, the Mac software comes with Apple’s new Liquid Glass design. It’s not a new type of hardware; it’s a visual refresh designed to make every Apple device look and feel familiar to use.
Expect to see the new features and aesthetic when macOS Tahoe 26 arrives during the Australian spring. Those keen to check it out earlier can do so via the developer beta live now.
The post Why I’m keen to try Apple’s souped up Spotlight search on Mac appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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