Following last week’s big release, we’re focusing on macOS 26 Tahoe details of interest to both early adopters and those waiting on the sidelines. Notably, macOS 26 now enables FileVault boot protection during installation for those signing in with an Apple Account, and while it’s easy to turn off, there is little reason to do so. macOS 26 also removes support for FireWire, which has been a fixture on the Mac for 26 years (a coincidental number, we’re sure). Additionally, an unexpected compatibility issue is preventing M3 Ultra Mac Studio users from installing macOS 26. Apple also released security updates for older operating systems, including macOS 15.7 Sequoia and macOS 14.8 Sonoma, and all the way back to iOS/iPadOS 15.8.5, to bring recent security fixes to earlier versions. Notable Mac app releases this week include Alfred 5.7, Fantastical 4.1.2 and Cardhop 2.4, Mimestream 1.8.1, OmniFocus 4.8.2, SoundSource 5.8.7, SpamSieve 3.2, Timing 2025.7, Tinderbox 11.0, and Zoom Workplace 6.6.
If you haven’t yet upgraded to OS 26 (and most people shouldn’t), you should instead install the other security updates that Apple released for older operating systems. Apple even fixed a zero-day exploit that could still impact iOS and iPadOS 15 and 16.
macOS 26 Tahoe marks the end of an era as Apple removes support for FireWire, the high-speed connection technology that preceded today’s USB and Thunderbolt standards. Those who still rely on legacy FireWire devices through adapters will need to delay upgrades and make alternative plans.
In macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple automatically enables FileVault during setup when users sign in with an Apple Account, and it changes how Recovery Keys are stored to protect against government overreach. You can turn FileVault off, but we recommend using it.
Watchlist
Keyboard-driven launcher adds support for macOS 26 Tahoe. (£34 new, free update, 5.7 MB, macOS 10.14+)
Updates the user interfaces for Apple's Liquid Glass design in macOS 26 Tahoe. ($56.99 annual subscription new, free update, various sizes, macOS 12+)
Improves compatibility with macOS 26 Tahoe. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 12.2 MB, macOS 12+)
Updated with refreshed interface that adopts the Liquid Glass design elements when running macOS 26 Tahoe. ($74.99 new for Standard, $149.99 for Pro, or $9.99 monthly subscription, free update, 39.5 MB, macOS 14+)
Brings workarounds for bugs in macOS 26 Tahoe and an update to the ARK plugin. ($45 new, free update, 37.8 MB, macOS 14.5+)
Spam-filtering utility brings further updates and optimizations for macOS 26 Tahoe. ($39.99 new, free update, 59.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Adds full support for macOS 26 Tahoe and its new Liquid Glass design. ($108/$132/$192 annual subscriptions, free update, 31.2 MB, macOS 11+)
Brings AI integration and a new Information City visualization to the note-taking assistant. ($289 new, free update, 37.5 MB, macOS 11+)
Brings a variety of additions, improvements, and bug fixes for the videoconferencing/communication app. (Free, 156.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)
