Apple recently announced extensive upgrades to Spotlight at WWDC 2025, enhancing its functionality significantly. Spotlight on macOS Tahoe will now allow for direct actions like sending emails and setting reminders. The feature will also introduce quick keys for streamlined commands and leverage Apple Intelligence for contextual action recommendations.
At the recent WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled significant updates to Spotlight, the search feature for Mac computers. Dubbed macOS Tahoe, the revamped Spotlight will allow users to perform a myriad of actions directly, including writing emails, setting reminders, and playing podcasts, reflecting a growing trend toward streamlined command interfaces.
As chat applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT gain traction, Apple seems to be positioning Spotlight within this evolving landscape, aiming to make it the quickest method for accessing all content on a Mac. The company claims that users will now experience a more efficient way to search through apps, files, and even clipboard history, with all results now neatly grouped and ranked based on relevance.
The new version will also feature what Apple calls “quick keys”—short character strings that can quickly launch certain apps or tasks. For instance, typing “SM” sends a message, while “AR” adds a reminder, and users can even customize these shortcuts for specific functions within Spotlight. Developers can now enhance their app’s discoverability by utilizing the new App Intents API.
During a demonstration at the event, an Apple executive showcased how users could complete actions like sending an email with Spotlight, filling out required fields such as the recipient and subject, and hitting “send,” all without switching applications. However, it remains to be seen how users will embrace this new feature.
Moreover, Apple has integrated Spotlight with its Apple Intelligence, enabling it to suggest contextually aware actions based on the users’ activities. This move aims to make the experience more intuitive, predicting the common tasks users might take.
The Spotlight enhancements were part of a broader slate of updates announced for macOS at the conference. Additionally, Apple revealed plans for a live-tracking feature that will sync with the iPhone and a slick new “liquid glass” software design, signaling a significant shift in the Mac operating system’s capabilities and interface.
