Apple Updates Spotlight: Take Action Directly From Search

Spotlight Enhanced with Powerful New Capabilities in macOS Tahoe

During WWDC 2025 on Monday, Apple unveiled substantial improvements to Spotlight, the Mac's integrated search functionality. The updates, arriving with macOS Tahoe, empower users to execute shortcuts and perform numerous actions directly from Spotlight.

Expanding Functionality Beyond Simple Search

These actions encompass a wide range of tasks, including composing emails, creating reminders, and initiating podcast playback. Apple’s decision to upgrade Spotlight coincides with the increasing prevalence of chat applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

A noticeable trend towards utilizing command-line interfaces for task completion is emerging, and Apple appears to be positioning Spotlight to accommodate this evolving user behavior. The company emphasizes that Spotlight is evolving into the most efficient method for accessing all content stored on a Mac.

A Redesigned User Interface for Improved Navigation

Spotlight is receiving a visual overhaul, designed to simplify browsing through applications, files, and clipboard history. Results from these sources are now consolidated and presented in a ranked order, determined by their relevance to the user.

Introducing Quick Keys for Streamlined Access

Apple has introduced quick keys – concise character sequences that instantly launch specific applications or actions. For example, typing “SM” will initiate a messaging function, while “AR” will create a new reminder.

Users also have the ability to define custom quick keys for personalized functions within Spotlight. Furthermore, developers can enhance the discoverability of their applications through Spotlight by utilizing the new App Intents API.

Demonstration of Email Composition within Spotlight

In a demonstration, an Apple representative showcased the capability to compose and send a complete email directly from Spotlight. This included specifying the recipient, subject line, and message content, and even initiating the send process, all without navigating to a separate email application.

The practical adoption of this feature – sending emails entirely through macOS Tahoe’s updated Spotlight – remains to be observed.

Leveraging Apple Intelligence for Contextual Awareness

Spotlight now integrates with Apple Intelligence, enabling it to understand the user’s current context. The on-device search feature will proactively suggest actions frequently performed by the user, and relevant to their ongoing work.

Part of a Broader macOS Update

The Spotlight upgrade represents just one aspect of the extensive macOS updates revealed at Apple’s WWDC. Additional enhancements include a new live-tracking feature that synchronizes with the iPhone, alongside a visual software redesign termed “liquid glass.”