macOS doesn’t usually get a lot of leaks and rumors, at least not until we get very close to the WWDC event. This year too, I am sure the rumor mill will start churning out more leaks and rumors as we get closer to the June 9 date. However, even now, we do have a bunch of credible leaks and rumors that give us a decent look at what macOS 16 might be like. So, here are all the macOS 16 expected features.
Update on May 22, 2025: Added three more features expected in macOS 16.
1. Redesigned UI
Just like the features expected in iOS 19, macOS 16 is also expected to focus heavily on UI improvements and changes. As per reports, the next iteration of the Mac operating system will take heavy design cues and inspiration from visionOS.
That means we can expect more translucent windows, and an overall more floaty vibe across apps. We might even see the floating tab bar implemented in certain apps.
I’m not entirely sold on the idea of making drastic changes to macOS, but I’m hoping that the changes, if they do happen, are good.
2. Refined System Preferences
I don’t think there are any macOS updates that don’t “refine” the System Preferences. It’s a tale as old as time, and at the very least, has been a regular “feature” in macOS updates since the days of OS X Mavericks.
This time around as well, there are expectations that the System Preferences will be refined to make things more clear and easier to navigate. As of macOS Sequoia, the System Preferences is quite the mess, and hopefully macOS 16 can make some improvement to things.
3. Stage Manager Improvements
Another macOS 16 expected feature is an improved Stage Manager. As it currently stands, Stage Manager is a pretty decent multi-tasking system, and having apps off to the side of your screen can come in handy — certainly it looks quite nice.
However, there are things that can be improved with Stage Manager, and if the reports are to be believed, Apple is planning on making such improvements to the feature. Personally, I already use Stage Manager on my Mac, but if Apple makes it better, I might start recommending it to others as well — something I’ve not done so far.
Also Read: WWDC 2025: What to Expect
4. Apple Intelligence
Ah, Apple Intelligence. The AI for the rest of us. We’ve been waiting for Apple Intelligence to really show up on our devices ever since Apple first showed it off at WWDC last year. However, as per reports, macOS 16 might finally bring in a lot of the AI capabilities Apple touted so loudly last year.
I am hoping to see better integration of Siri with on-device apps, and please oh please, better understanding of on-screen context for commands. We don’t exactly know what AI features we can expect with macOS 16, but I’m certain Apple will talk about it during the keynote presentation.
5. Google Gemini
Speaking of Apple Intelligence, it’s also expected that Apple will add Google’s Gemini AI to macOS 16. As per a statement from Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the company could reach a deal with Apple which will bring Gemini to iPhones.
It’s not a far stretch to expect such a deal to also include Gemini on other Apple devices.
6. Vehicle Motion Cues for Mac
Apple added the Vehicle Motion Cues accessibility feature on iPhones last year, and if the latest reports are anything to go by, the feature will make its way to MacBooks this year as well.
macOS 16 is expected to add the Vehicle Motion Cues feature to Mac, letting people use their MacBooks in moving vehicles without getting motion sickness.
7. Magnifier on Mac
Apple is also planning on bringing the Magnifier app to Mac. The feature will use the iPhone’s zoom camera for the magnified images, and will beam these images to Mac using Continuity features.
Well, those were are the features we are expecting to see in macOS 16 so far. Obviously, as we get closer to WWDC 2025, we will get more information about what to expect from macOS 16 as well as the devices compatible with macOS 16, and we will definitely update this article as time goes by. So, what do you think about macOS 16? Are you excited to install it on your Mac? Let us know in the comments.
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