New Spotlight in MacOS 26: This is how Apple’s new search work

Anyone who hopefully will try the Public Beta of MacOS 26 alias Tahoe that will soon be released (the easiest way to do this is with a virtual machine) will first have to get used to it. Apple has made changes in many places in the operating system. This starts with the clearly round windows, various new transparent elements, changed icons and menu bars and many smaller and larger updates. If you operate the typical Spotlight shortcut apple+spaces, you will be confronted with the new system search: it was completely rebuilt and expanded by Apple-mainly for the better.

Launchpad says Tschüss

Apple has omitted the launchpad with the app overview, which was rarely used by many users. It is still in the dock of its icon, but instead the new app overview in Spotlight opens. Here you can find all installed applications sorted as a grid or list, sorted for program type. Of course, the system can also be searched for files (as before) and newly according to actions (the Apple and which can also be short commands) and the clipboard. Because yes: Apple has installed its own clipboard manager in MacOS for the first time.

Spotlight is now trying to display suitable areas for a search term. If you enter “short commands”, not only appears the app, but also links to help texts, the system settings and tips. Actions can also be covered with so -called Quick Keys. This can then be carried out with only two letters. Actions can be influenced directly from Spotlight: So you can set the length of a timer before it starts.

Commands wanted and found

Apple also promises that the Spotlight results are adapted to the respective user and are therefore more relevant-which should be reflected in the ranking, for example. Also new is the option of controlling apps directly from Spotlight by looking for menu commands. For example, you can open the information or setting menu of the map app from the search without the app having to run.

The new Spotlight still hooks at some corners and ends, for example you don’t know how to change settings in existing actions via keyboard. But overall it turns out that Apple has sensibly developed the tool. By the way, there is nothing to be heard from the voice assistant Siri, Spotlight does without her, even if Apple uses different AI approaches to optimize the results. MacOS 26 appears in autumn. Apple is currently selling a developer beta Registered developers. This month it should be one public beta give.