Apple Revamps Spotlight with Actionable Commands in macOS Tahoe

Apple has unveiled a significant overhaul of Spotlight, the on-device search feature for macOS, at WWDC 2025. The update, slated for macOS Tahoe, will enable users to execute shortcuts and perform a wide array of actions directly from Spotlight, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows.

Spotlight’s new capabilities include the ability to write emails, set reminders, play podcasts, and manage various tasks without opening dedicated applications. This enhancement aligns with the growing trend of using command-line interfaces and chat applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini to expedite task completion.

Apple emphasizes that Spotlight is evolving into the fastest way to access and manage content on a Mac. The updated interface features a visual redesign that consolidates apps, files, clipboard history, and other results into a unified and intelligently ranked list, ensuring users find what they need quickly.

The introduction of quick keys allows users to launch specific apps or actions by typing short character strings. For instance, typing “SM” will initiate a new message, while “AR” will add a reminder. Users can also customize these quick keys for personalized functions. Developers can leverage the App Intents API to make their apps discoverable within Spotlight.

During a demo, an Apple executive demonstrated the ability to compose and send an entire email from Spotlight, specifying recipients, subject lines, and the message body, and even sending the email without leaving the Spotlight interface. The true adoption of this feature remains to be seen, but it showcases the potential for streamlined task management.

Apple has integrated Apple Intelligence with Spotlight to provide contextually aware suggestions. The search feature will anticipate user needs based on current activities and suggest relevant actions, further enhancing efficiency.

This Spotlight upgrade is part of a broader series of updates to macOS, including a new live-tracking feature that integrates with the iPhone and a “liquid glass” software redesign.