Apple reportedly chose “Tahoe” as the name for the upcoming macOS version, according to a new report. This marks the third significant redesign of the Mac operating system since the company began using California-themed naming conventions in 2013.
The name macOS Tahoe, inspired by the iconic Lake Tahoe resort area, signals Apple’s commitment to delivering another major visual overhaul to its desktop platform.
Apple names macOS 16 after Lake Tahoe as company prepares major interface redesign
Apple’s product marketing team selected Lake Tahoe as the moniker for what promises to be a substantial update to the Mac experience, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman in his PowerOn newsletter. The choice follows Apple’s established pattern of reserving particularly notable California locations for significant software releases. Gurman says the name is for macOS 26, renamed from macOS 16 in a new scheme to track years rather than versions. (We’ll continue to call it macOS 16 until the switch becomes official.)
A pattern of meaningful names
Apple transitioned from big cat names to California landmarks with OS X Mavericks in 2013. And since then, Apple has used geographic naming as a subtle indicator of update importance. The 2014 release received the “Yosemite” designation to accompany a major interface redesign. And the 2020 software that introduced Apple’s transition to in-house silicon was aptly named “Big Sur” — with emphasis on the word “big.”
“Now we’re getting the third significant macOS redesign in the California naming era, and Apple is again looking for something special,” Gurman noted in his report. “I’m told that the company has homed in on Lake Tahoe as its next moniker, making it macOS Tahoe.”
Reflective design philosophy
The Lake Tahoe name choice appears particularly thoughtful given the rumored design direction for macOS 16. The pristine alpine lake, straddling the California-Nevada border, is renowned for its crystal-clear, deep blue waters that create perfect reflections of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains and sky above.
This natural characteristic aligns with reports suggesting macOS Tahoe, like all Apple’s upcoming operating systems, will feature a glasslike design aesthetic inspired by visionOS, which powers the Apple Vision Pro headset. It could incorporate translucent windows, buttons and icons throughout the interface. Gurman mentioned the lake is “known to show the reflection of the sky and surrounding mountains — something that flicks at the striking visuals of the new user interface.”
A personal touch for Apple employees
Beyond its visual symbolism, Lake Tahoe holds personal significance for many within Apple’s ranks. The resort destination serves as “a vacation destination (and second-home site) for many Apple employees,” according to the report.
This personal connection to the location adds another subtle layer of meaning to the naming choice.
Unified versioning strategy
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
macOS Tahoe represents more than just a name change. As mentioned above, it’s part of Apple’s broader strategy to unify versioning across all its operating systems. Following a model similar to automotive manufacturers, Apple reportedly will brand all its 2025 operating systems with the “26” designation, moving away from the previous inconsistent numbering scheme.
Instead of seeing iOS 19, iPadOS 19, tvOS 19, macOS 15, watchOS 12, and visionOS 2, users will encounter iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. This unified approach should reduce confusion and create clearer messaging around Apple’s software ecosystem. It’s not clear if the convention will extend to device names.
WWDC25 anticipation
Apple is expected to unveil macOS Tahoe alongside its other operating system updates during the WWDC 2025 keynote on Monday, June 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific.
With the conference just days away, Apple users eagerly anticipate their first glimpse of what could be the most significant visual refresh to macOS since the Big Sur redesign accompanied the transition to Apple silicon.
