macOS Tahoe (26.0) Release: What You Need to Know

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Published | September 10, 2025

Apple plans to release its new operating system, macOS Tahoe (26.0), on September 15, 2025.

ITS has completed limited testing of the beta version of macOS Tahoe. While basic university applications (Box, Microsoft Office, Zoom, etc.) appear to function properly, not all applications have been extensively tested. Some minor issues with hyperlinks in the Outlook desktop application have been noted. There is currently no urgency to upgrade your system to macOS Tahoe.

What is changing?

Notable new features include the Liquid Glass Design, customizable Control Center and menu bar layouts, a redesigned Spotlight and Launchpad, and expanded Apple Intelligence and automation features. To learn more, visit Apple’s website.

What has ITS done?

ITS has conducted limited testing of the beta version of macOS Tahoe and found no major issues with common university applications (Acrobat, Box, Microsoft Office, Zoom, etc.). If you rely on specialty applications, please confirm that they are supported on macOS Tahoe.

To reduce potential disruptions, ITS will delay deploying this upgrade to university-owned machines for 30 days. If you would like to request an exception and adopt macOS Tahoe earlier, please email help@wlu.edu

What systems can upgrade?

The following Macs support macOS Tahoe:

  • MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
  • MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019; 13-inch, 2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
  • Mac mini (2020 and later)
  • iMac (2020 and later)
  • Mac Pro (2019 and later)
  • Mac Studio (2022 and later)

If you’re not sure which Mac model you have, click the Apple icon in the menu bar (upper-left corner) and select About This Mac.

What should you do?

  • There is no urgency to upgrade at this time. Waiting a few weeks for initial bugs and compatibility issues to be patched is recommended. Keep in mind that ITS will not deploy this upgrade to university-owned machines until 30 days after release.
  • Check the list above to see if your Mac is compatible with macOS Tahoe.
  • Back up your data. Ensure important files are stored in Box and/or on an external drive.
  • Confirm you have enough free space. Tahoe requires a minimum of 20–30GB depending on the version you are upgrading from (Apple icon > About This Mac > Storage).
  • If you are running Ventura, you will no longer receive security updates. Please upgrade to either macOS Sonoma (14.7.8) or macOS Sequoia (15.6.1), which continue to receive patches. If your Mac cannot upgrade, contact your ITS Client Services representative.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the ITS Helpdesk at (540) 458-4357.

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