Monday, January 19, 2026
Daily TipsMac

How to use Dark Mode in macOS Tahoe

With macOS’ Dark Mode, you can use a dark color scheme for the desktop, menu bar, Dock, and all the built-in macOS apps. 

With macOS’ Dark Mode, you can use a dark color scheme for the desktop, menu bar, Dock, and all the built-in macOS apps. 

Apple says it makes your content stand out front and center while darkened controls and windows recede into the background. For example, you can see white text on a black background in apps such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, and Messages, so it’s easier on your eyes when you’re working in dark environments. Let’s look at how to use it in macOS Tahoe.

To enable system-wide Dark Mode:

° Click the Apple menu () > System Settings.

° Select Appearance in the sidebar.

° Choose Dark, Light, or Auto (for automatic switching). 

To enable dark app icons and widgets:

° Open System Settings and go to Appearance.

° Find the “Icon & Widget Style” section (this is new in Tahoe).

° Select Dark for always-dark icons/widgets, or Auto to match your system appearance

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.