OmniFocus 4.8 Reveals Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence

OmniFocus, a favorite among task management apps, has just launched version 4.8, bringing with it significant updates. This newest iteration includes a revamped design aligning with new OS 26 updates from Apple, and it integrates Apple’s Foundation Models framework right into the app. By doing so, Omni Group is introducing AI-powered planning and automation features directly into users’ to-do lists.

Liquid Glass Design Overhaul

OmniFocus 4.8 ushers in a complete Liquid Glass makeover. Apple’s latest design language for macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and visionOS is beginning its rollout across all Omni applications, starting with this one.

This refreshed aesthetic adjusts seamlessly across different platforms, making task management not only more efficient but also visually appealing. While subjective, some might find the Liquid Glass interface cleaner compared to the older OmniFocus design. It certainly gives the app a more native feel across various platforms, an improvement from previous iterations.

Apple Intelligence Integration

The major highlight of this release is undoubtedly the support for Apple Intelligence. Utilizing Apple’s new Foundation Models framework, developers can now leverage the same on-device AI capabilities that Apple itself employs. This integration offers several advantages:

• No need for cloud APIs: All operations are handled locally on your device.
• Enhanced privacy: Your data remains secure, never leaving your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro.
• Improved speed: Tasks run without needing an internet connection.

Within OmniFocus 4.8, Apple Intelligence drives a suite of new Omni Automation plug-ins aimed at simplifying planning, making it more intuitive and less daunting. Key plug-ins include:

• Prompt Tester
• Prompt for Array Response
• Solar Power Project
• Intelligent Assist
• Help Me Estimate
• Help Me Plan
• Clipboard Events

For instance, the “Help Me Plan” feature can transform a nebulous project, like a kitchen renovation, into actionable steps such as setting a budget, hiring contractors, and buying materials. Similarly, the “Solar Power Project” organizes the installation process for solar panels, covering everything from site evaluation to ongoing maintenance. Meanwhile, “Help Me Estimate” predicts project durations based on inputs.

Advanced users have the option to delve deeper with script support. Through the automation console, responses can be viewed as text or JSON, effectively turning OmniFocus into a natural language-driven symbolic programming tool.

For those looking to learn more, Omni’s integration with Apple’s Foundation Models framework has more information available here.

Relevance of the Update

Ken Case, Omni Group’s CEO, emphasizes that the AI’s role isn’t to act as a “perfect oracle.” Instead, its purpose is to aid users in overcoming obstacles. Even a modest AI-generated idea can dismantle mental barriers, propelling projects forward. It’s important to note that all of this occurs locally, without sharing any personal data with third-party AI services.

This philosophy resonates well. Most users are not seeking flawless forecasts from AI but rather require subtle encouragement to advance their plans.

Additional Features in 4.8

Although Apple Intelligence steals the spotlight, OmniFocus 4.8 comes with other notable enhancements:

• Enhanced Spotlight integration for OmniFocus Shortcuts on macOS.
• New CarPlay widgets for iOS 26.
• Adjustable window sizes on iPadOS 26.
• Control Center controls for watchOS 26.

In addition, OmniDiskSweeper, the company’s gratis utility, has been upgraded for macOS Tahoe 26, featuring improved VoiceOver accessibility.

What do you make of these updates? Share your thoughts below.