Messages on the Mac, Thursday, Jan 8, 2026

Messages app layout changes in macOS 26

Siena demonstrated the new layout of the Messages app in macOS 26 Tahoe, highlighting significant changes from previous versions.

• Details
  • Siena: Explained that the conversations table has been moved from the top to the bottom of the interface
  • Siena: Demonstrated that users now need to navigate through the messages collection first before reaching the conversations table
  • Siena: Showed that the search field has also been moved to the bottom of the interface
  • Ali: Commented that the new layout resembles the iPad version of Messages
  • Ashlyn: Noted similar confusing layout changes in other apps like Safari
• Conclusion
  • The new layout requires users to adjust their navigation patterns
  • The changes appear to be part of Apple’s strategy to make Mac apps more consistent with iPad versions

Opening conversations in separate windows

Siena demonstrated how to open multiple conversations in separate windows for easier management.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed how to use the Actions menu to open a conversation in a new window
  • Siena: Demonstrated using Control+Option+F2 twice to access the window chooser
  • Siena: Explained how to navigate between multiple open conversation windows
  • Ivy: Asked clarifying questions about the window switching process
• Conclusion
  • Opening conversations in separate windows can make managing multiple chats easier
  • The window chooser (Control+Option+F2 twice) is an efficient way to switch between conversations

Pinning conversations

Siena demonstrated how to pin important conversations to keep them at the top of the conversations list.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed how to access the Actions menu with VO+Command+Space
  • Siena: Demonstrated pinning and unpinning conversations
  • Siena: Explained that pinned conversations stay at the top of the list
  • Ivy: Asked if pinning affects how messages are threaded
• Conclusion
  • Pinning is useful for keeping frequently used conversations easily accessible
  • Pins sync across Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
  • Pinning only affects conversation placement, not message threading

Message filtering

Siena demonstrated how to use filters to view specific types of messages.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed how to access the filter menu in the toolbar
  • Siena: Demonstrated filtering by unread messages, spam, and recently deleted messages
  • Siena: Explained how to return to viewing all messages
• Conclusion
  • Filters help manage large numbers of conversations
  • The filter menu provides several options for viewing specific message types

Sending and replying to messages

Siena demonstrated various ways to interact with messages in conversations.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed how to type and send new messages
  • Siena: Demonstrated adding reactions to messages using the Actions menu
  • Siena: Explained the difference between general replies and specific replies in group chats
  • Jackie: Asked about proper spacing when using emoticons
  • Ivy: Asked clarifying questions about identifying the message field
• Conclusion
  • The Messages app supports various ways to interact with conversations
  • The edit field is typically where VoiceOver places users when opening a conversation

Concerns about Apple’s app design direction

Participants discussed their concerns about Apple’s approach to Mac app design.

• Details
  • Ali: Expressed disappointment that Apple is porting iPad apps to Mac rather than maintaining proper desktop versions
  • Ali: Noted that the desktop versions of apps were often lacking features compared to mobile versions
  • Siena: Compared WhatsApp’s desktop app, which maintains a traditional desktop layout
  • Ashlyn: Commented that third-party developers tend to “leave things alone” rather than making unnecessary changes
• Conclusion
  • Participants generally preferred traditional desktop app layouts for Mac
  • The trend of porting iPad apps to Mac was seen as making navigation less intuitive

VoiceOver issues on Mac

Participants discussed ongoing issues with VoiceOver on Mac.

• Details
  • Siena: Mentioned that VoiceOver on Mac hasn’t been updated or “given any love” by developers
  • Ali: Noted that VoiceOver on Mac has “too many issues, too many quirks”
  • Siena: Demonstrated a glitch where VoiceOver doesn’t save activity settings
  • Ali: Mentioned that some people, like Stephen Scott, have suggested Apple should “start over” with VoiceOver on Mac
  • Ashlyn: Added that VoiceOver on iPhone also has issues
• Conclusion
  • VoiceOver on Mac appears to have been neglected compared to iOS versions
  • Persistent bugs and quirks make navigation challenging

Coming up on Techstravaganza

You can find a list of upcoming topics for the rest of January and most of February at the following link. Please note: the list of topics will soon be updated to reflect added topics. Also, next month’s Techstravaganza 2.0 on February 12, will focus on Jaws basics.

(corrected), Updated, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for January and February 2026

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