macOS 15 Sequoia brought some exciting new features to Mac users—like iPhone Mirroring and Apple Intelligence. With those upgrades setting the bar high, the buzz around macOS 16 is growing louder. Rumors suggest it could introduce a major design overhaul and smarter AI integration.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the rumored macOS 16 features, its possible release timeline, and supported Mac devices.
Rumored features in macOS 16
Several leaks have surfaced regarding the upcoming macOS 16, reportedly codenamed “Cheer.” Although “Mammoth” has also made the rounds as a possible name, Apple has yet to confirm anything. Let’s dive into what you might expect.
1. Major macOS 16 design overhaul
One of the biggest expectations from macOS 16 is a massive UI redesign. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is working on “one of the most dramatic software overhauls” across macOS 16, iOS 19, and iPadOS 19.
The Mac interface may adopt elements from visionOS, the operating system behind the Apple Vision Pro. This could include:
- Transparent windows
- Layered 3D effects
- A cleaner, minimal design
This redesign might be the boldest since macOS Big Sur, which brought rounded icons and refreshed menus in 2020. The changes may also tie into Apple’s rumored touchscreen Mac development.
2. Smarter Siri and Apple Intelligence upgrades
Apple Intelligence is expected to take center stage in macOS 16. Building on features introduced in Sequoia, future updates could include:
- Siri with personal context awareness
- On-screen content understanding
- Advanced large language model (LLM) integration
While some of these upgrades were hinted for macOS 15, Apple reportedly postponed them to perfect their rollout. According to Mark Gurman, the more powerful SiriGPT may arrive with macOS 16.4, expected in spring 2026.
3. New Emojis coming to macOS 16
Though minor, new emojis are always a fun addition to any update. Apple generally follows the Unicode Consortium’s releases. For 2025, expect new emoji icons to roll out with the early macOS 16 beta, just like previous additions (e.g., taco, heart-hands).
4. Home app enhancements in macOS 16
The Home app on Mac could see new features and design tweaks in macOS 16. While rumors are scarce, the iOS 19 beta hints at a revamped experience that may carry over to the Mac version.
Wishlist upgrades include:
- Improved UI for managing smart devices
- Drag-and-drop scene creation
- Dashboard-style layout optimized for larger Mac displays
- A visionOS-inspired glassy look
With Matter support improving in macOS 15, Apple may continue this trend for a smoother smart home experience.
macOS 16 expected release date and announcement
Apple follows a consistent schedule for macOS updates:
- Announcement: Likely at WWDC 2025, expected on June 9, 2025
- Developer Beta: Released during WWDC week
- Public Beta: Typically in late June or July
- Final Release: Expected in September or October 2025, alongside new Macs and iOS 19
Mark your calendar for WWDC 2025—it’ll be the official reveal of macOS 16.
Which Macs will support macOS 16?
Apple hasn’t confirmed the macOS 16 compatibility list, but based on trends, here’s what to expect. macOS Sequoia supports Macs from 2019 onward, and the cutoff may shift further for macOS 16.
Expected Supported Macs:
- MacBook Air (M1 or later)
- MacBook Pro (M1 or later)
- iMac (M1 or later)
- Mac mini (M1 or later)
- Mac Studio (M1 Max or later)
- Mac Pro (M2 Ultra or later)
If Apple Intelligence features become more demanding, some older Macs may not support the full set of features—even if they run macOS 16.
Signing off
macOS 16 could be a game-changing update. From a potential visual redesign inspired by visionOS, to advanced AI-powered features and smarter Siri integration, this update may redefine how we use the Mac.
Got a macOS 16 wishlist? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—and stay tuned to this page for the latest macOS 16 leaks and announcements!
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