macOS 16 Rumors: Release Date, New Features, Supported Devices, and More
- Apple’s macOS 16 could be its boldest redesign in years—expect surprises.
- Not every Mac is invited to this party; see if yours makes the cut.
- A big refresh for macOS and iOS is coming—but brace yourself for some controversy.
Apple is gearing up for its next major operating system, macOS 16, set to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. Following tradition, Apple will likely preview the software in early June, with a full public release expected later in September.
Release Date
Historically, Apple announces new macOS updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), typically scheduled for the first week of June. While WWDC shifted from in-person to virtual events during the pandemic, the company has recently adopted a hybrid format. Now, developers and select media attend live screenings at Apple's Cupertino headquarters while the main event remains a pre-recorded presentation.
Photo via Apple // The first beta version of macOS 16 is expected to make its showcase debut at WWDC'25, likely some time in June.
Official availability for macOS 16 is likely pegged for September 2025, though exact dates may vary. However, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports potential delays for major features—particularly those tied to Apple Intelligence—which might not appear until early 2026, possibly with macOS 16.4.
macOS 16 Naming
While Apple internally refers to macOS 16 as "Cheer," the official public name remains a mystery. "Mammoth" has been floated multiple times—dating back to trademark filings from 2021—but hasn't yet materialized as an official title.
New Features
A Unified Design Approach
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, macOS 16 promises a substantial visual overhaul, aimed at bringing Apple's various software platforms closer in appearance and usability. Gurman notes, the upcoming redesign will “fundamentally change the look of the operating systems” by updating the style of "icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons.”
This overhaul could be the most significant visual shift since macOS Big Sur in 2020 and mirrors the scale of changes introduced by iOS 7 in 2013. That update dramatically flattened Apple's skeuomorphic design, causing initial shock but eventually becoming widely accepted by users.
Apple Intelligence
Apple's efforts to compete with Google and OpenAI remain central to macOS 16. Current Apple Intelligence upgrades have been modest, mostly impacting routine, everyday interactions. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg states, however, that bigger changes—such as a ChatGPT-like AI model—are still in development:
These upcoming upgrades will make Siri easier to use on a day-to-day basis, but it’s not the brain transplant that the service really needs.— Mark Gurman, Bloomberg
Apple's goal is ambitious. Internally dubbed "LLM Siri," this next-gen assistant reportedly handles complex requests swiftly and intuitively. Apple is already testing this technology across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, aiming to integrate it fully by 2026.
Developer Dylan McDonald, CEO of Sun Apps, weighed in on the potential direction Apple could take with the new design:
Apple will expand the use of blurs, particularly progressive ones [...] system navigation bars will likely get a significant overhaul with more styles and options, likely using progressive blur similar to visionOS.
McDonald highlighted recently released Apple apps like Apple Invites and Apple Sports as possible early indicators of this redesign. Both apps feature vivid colors, progressive blurs, and distinct outlines—perhaps hinting at what's coming for macOS and iOS.
Supported Devices
Apple continues dropping older Mac models with each new OS release. Based on recent patterns, these Macs will likely support macOS 16:
- MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- Mac Studio (2022 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2019 and newer)
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2018 and newer)
- Mac Studio (2022 and newer)
What about iOS 19?
macOS 16 isn't the only platform seeing dramatic changes. Gurman also indicates a substantial redesign for iOS 19, mirroring macOS updates. This would represent the most significant refresh since Apple's sweeping overhaul in iOS 7. Apple intends to unify design elements across all devices—potentially borrowing cues from its visionOS design style first introduced in Apple Vision Pro.
Historically, Apple's design refreshes—like the controversial macOS Big Sur and the minimalist shift with iOS 7—polarized users initially. Still, each redesign became broadly accepted over time, shaping the Apple experience we know today.
Final Thoughts
As WWDC 2025 approaches, anticipation builds. Will Apple deliver a groundbreaking user experience or provoke heated debates among its loyal fanbase? Either way, macOS 16 seems poised to redefine our Macs—whether we're ready or not.
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