macOS Tahoe 26.1 Brings Sleek Liquid Glass Redesign, AirPlay Upgrades and Safer Child Settings

Mac users, your first major update for macOS Tahoe has arrived. Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.1, the first significant update to the new operating system that launched back in September. Arriving 49 days after the initial public release of Tahoe, this 26.1 update moves beyond simple bug fixes to deliver new features, refine existing ones, and improve security.

As the new headline suggests, the update is headlined by a sleek redesign option for 'Liquid Glass', key AirPlay upgrades, and safer child settings. For those who have been enjoying Tahoe's new 'Liquid Glass' aesthetic, you now have more control.

The update also brings key improvements to FaceTime calls, Apple Music streaming, and parental controls. Here is a full breakdown of what is new and how to get the update.

What's New in the macOS Tahoe 26.1 Update?

The macOS Tahoe 26.1 update is focused on quality-of-life improvements and enhanced user control. According to Apple's full release notes, users can expect the following features and enhancements.

A key visual update is a new toggle for 'Liquid Glass.' This Tahoe feature gives apps and notifications a transparent, glass-like look.

The new 'Liquid Glass setting gives you the option to choose between the default clear look or a new tinted look which increases opacity of the material in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen.' This is a welcome addition for users who find the default transparency distracting or prefer a more solid, less busy appearance.

For media lovers, Apple Music AutoMix now gets 'support over AirPlay'. This means you can stream your playlists to an AirPlay-compatible speaker (like a HomePod) and still get the intelligent, beat-matched crossfading between songs, making for a much smoother party or listening session.

Perhaps most practical for remote workers and family chats, the update includes 'Improved FaceTime audio quality in low-bandwidth conditions.'

This is a significant enhancement that should mean your FaceTime calls sound clearer and drop out less frequently, even when you are on a poor Wi-Fi connection or tethering from your iPhone.

Finally, Apple has expanded its parental controls. 'Communication Safety and Web content filters to limit adult websites are enabled by default for existing child accounts for ages 13-17 (Age varies by country or region).'

How to Install macOS Tahoe 26.1 and Why You Should

You can download the macOS Tahoe 26.1 update on any compatible Mac by navigating to System Settings > General > Software Update. Your Mac will check with Apple's servers, and the update should appear for download and installation. As with any operating system update, it is always a good practice to back up your Mac with Time Machine before beginning the installation.

While the new features are the main attraction, point updates like 26.1 are also critical for keeping your device secure. The update includes important security patches, which Apple details on its support page.

Furthermore, Apple notes that 'Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life.' For users who may have held off on upgrading to macOS Tahoe 26.0 due to reports of initial bugs or performance issues, this first major point release is often the best time to make the jump.

It typically includes under-the-hood optimisations that resolve the most common issues from the initial launch, providing a more stable and reliable experience.

With a sleeker 'Liquid Glass' option, seamless AirPlay AutoMix, and enhanced FaceTime and child safety settings, macOS Tahoe 26.1 is a solid refinement of Apple's latest OS. It's not just about new features; it's about a more stable and secure experience.