Apple has begun rolling out macOS Tahoe 26.4, delivering a modest update that centres on refinements rather than major new features. While the release does not introduce headline changes, it includes a range of smaller enhancements, performance improvements and bug fixes aimed at improving the overall user experience.

The update leans heavily on incremental upgrades. One of the more useful additions is a Battery Charge Limit setting, allowing users to restrict charging between 80 per cent and 100 per cent. This feature is designed to support long-term battery health and has been widely requested by Mac users.

Safari also sees the return of a more compact tab bar, offering a cleaner and more space-efficient browsing layout that had previously been removed. Alongside this, Apple has introduced a fresh set of emoji, including more unusual additions such as an orca and a distorted face, continuing its regular expansion of visual expressions.

Three Mac models facing forwards, 16-inch MacBook Pro in Silver at left with Phone app on screen showing recent contacts, 24-inch iMac in Blue in centre macOS Tahoe wallpaper on screen, and 13-inch MacBook Air in Midnight at right, screen shows Spotlight Search over the desktop with Liquid Glass versions of the Dock and various widgets such as Calendar, Clock and Weather

Another notable change is the introduction of notifications for applications that still depend on Rosetta 2. This translation layer enables Intel-based apps to run on Apple Silicon devices, and the new alerts highlight Apple’s ongoing transition away from Intel compatibility. The move signals increasing pressure on developers to update their software for newer hardware.

Several built-in apps have also received smaller updates. Freeform gains enhanced tools for Apple Creator Studio subscribers, including improved image editing features and access to a premium content library, while standard users retain the existing version. Purchase Sharing has been adjusted to allow family members to use their own payment methods, adding flexibility for shared accounts. In Reminders, new keyboard shortcuts make it easier to flag tasks as urgent, and accessibility improvements mean subtitle and caption settings now offer real-time previews.

Despite these changes, one major feature remains absent. There are still no upgrades to Siri’s artificial intelligence capabilities, an area many users had expected to see progress. Reports of delays in Apple’s broader AI plans appear to be reflected in this release, with enhancements pushed further down the line.

Overall, macOS Tahoe 26.4 focuses on polishing the existing system rather than introducing significant new functionality, offering steady improvements while leaving larger innovations for future updates.