macOS 26: The Game-Changing Update That Leaves Windows 11 Behind
Apple’s macOS 26 is rolling out this fall, and it’s a total refresh that gives the Mac a major edge over Windows 11. From a brand-new design called Liquid Glass to better iPhone integration and smarter system features, this update makes Windows feel a bit… dated.
Liquid Glass: A Stunning Redesign
The most eye-catching change in macOS 26 is the Liquid Glass design – a sleek, translucent visual style that unifies the entire system. Sidebars, toolbars, and the dock now have a polished, see-through look that shows more of your content without feeling cluttered. With added depth and rounded elements, the whole OS looks modern and cohesive.
You can also fully personalize your Mac’s appearance, tweaking the control center like on iPhone, switching between dark and light mode, changing dock themes, and even customizing folder icons.
Compare that with Windows 11 – where old menus still lurk beneath the surface and the UI can feel mismatched. Sure, Windows lets you pick a theme and a color, but legacy elements often clash with the rest of the system. The result? A messier, less unified experience.
Built-in Phone App: Seamless Calling
macOS 26 now includes a native Phone app, syncing recent calls and contacts directly from your iPhone. It even brings over iOS 26’s new features like Hold Assist and Call Screening. Making or receiving calls on your Mac is now effortless.
On Windows 11, the process is way more complicated. You’ll need to install the Phone Link app, sync via Bluetooth, go through multiple login steps, and hope the connection holds. Or plug in your phone with a cable and cross your fingers. By contrast, macOS just needs your iCloud account – no fuss, no drama.
Spotlight Supercharged
macOS 26 turns Spotlight into a true power tool. It’s no longer just a search box – now it supports Shortcuts, shows clipboard history, and can perform advanced actions within apps. You can send messages, control photo edits, and trigger automations, all from Spotlight.
Windows 11’s search is trying to evolve, but it’s still clunky. Unless you know exactly what setting you’re looking for, good luck finding it. And the background indexing can slow your system to a crawl, which is why many users disable it completely. macOS, on the other hand, just works – no slowdown, no hassle.
Live iPhone Activities on Mac
macOS 26 enhances Continuity by showing live iPhone activities on your Mac – whether you’re tracking a ride, following a food delivery, or checking timers. Click the notification, and iPhone Mirroring opens so you can take action right from your Mac.
It’s another brilliant example of how Apple’s ecosystem creates a seamless, almost magical experience. No pairing. No setup. It just works.
With macOS 26, Apple delivers an update that’s not just cosmetic – it’s deeply functional. For those still on Windows 11, this might just be the update that finally tempts you to make the switch.