macOS Sequoia: A Look at the Top New Features

Apple has officially introduced macOS 15, also known as macOS Sequoia, continuing its tradition of naming operating systems after notable locations in California. This new OS iteration brings a suite of enhancements and features designed to elevate the Mac user experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what macOS Sequoia has to offer and which Macs will support it.

Compatibility

MacOS Sequoia will be a free update for Apple computers, but certain features, such as Apple Intelligence, are exclusive to Macs with M-series Apple silicon chips. Here is a list of compatible models:

• MacBook Air: 2020 and later
• MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
• Mac Mini: 2018 and later
• iMac: 2019 and later
• iMac Pro: 2017 and later
• Mac Pro: 2019 and later
• Mac Studio: 2022 and later

Currently, macOS Sequoia is available as a developer beta, with the public beta rolling out in July and the official release expected this fall.

Top New Features

 iPhone Mirroring

A standout addition is the iPhone Mirroring feature, which allows users to access and interact with their iPhones directly from their Mac. This includes dragging and dropping content between devices, using apps, and viewing notifications, all while the iPhone remains locked or in Standby mode.

Safari Updates

Safari in macOS Sequoia includes several enhancements:

Highlights: Uses machine intelligence to show relevant information from webpages.

Reader Mode: Offers a distraction-free view with summaries and tables of contents.

Viewer: Brings videos to the forefront with accessible playback controls.

Passwords App

Replacing Keychain, the new Passwords app offers a centralized location for managing passwords, passkeys, and verification codes. It syncs across Apple devices and is compatible with Windows via the iCloud app, supporting end-to-end encryption.

Videoconference Tools

New videoconference tools include a presenter preview mode and built-in background replacement options for apps like FaceTime and Zoom. Users can now see what they’re about to share before presenting and use system wallpapers or personal photos as backgrounds.

Window Tiling

Inspired by Windows’ Snap feature, Window Tiling in macOS Sequoia helps organize open browser windows. Users can drag windows to screen edges for automatic tiling suggestions, arrange them side by side, or place them in screen corners.

Enhanced Messaging

Messages receive several upgrades, including text formatting options (bold, italic, underline, strikethrough), animated effects, and predictive suggestions. New Tapbacks allow for emoji and sticker reactions, and users can schedule messages to be sent later.

Apple Intelligence Features

Available only on M-series Macs, Apple Intelligence introduces several AI-powered tools:

Writing Tools: Offers features like Rewrite, Proofread, and Summarize for enhancing text in various applications.

Image Playground: Generates images in styles like Illustration, Sketch, and Animation based on descriptions or existing photos.

Customized Memories: Allows users to create personalized stories in the Photos app.

Smarter Notes: Includes transcription and summarization capabilities, as well as a Math Notes feature for solving equations.

Other Notable Features

Apple Maps: Provides access to hiking trails in U.S. national parks with offline availability.

Calculator App: Enhanced to display complete expressions and calculation histories.

Photos App: New Collections feature organizes photos by topics like Trips and People & Pets, with Pinned Collections for quick access.

Calendar: Integrates events and tasks, with an improved Month View for better at-a-glance organization.

Game Mode: Offers improved frame rates, advanced power management, and support for Personalized Spatial Audio and reduced audio latency with AirPods Pro.

macOS Sequoia represents a significant upgrade for Mac users, packed with innovative features and enhancements. Whether it’s the improved Safari, advanced videoconferencing tools, or the new Passwords app, macOS Sequoia is designed to provide a seamless and enhanced user experience. The beta version is available now, with a full release expected later this year.