All the Top New Features in MacOS Sequoia

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MacOS Sequoia, also known as MacOS 15, is the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system. The new OS packs a ton of new capabilities on the Mac, including a password management app, video conferencing tools, and all the features that came with Safari updates. Apple IntelligenceThe company’s new artificial intelligence-powered system. Below, we break down how to download it and all the latest in this software update

Be sure to check us out iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 roundup For all the new features coming to your iPhone and iPad, and our view What’s new in watchOS 11.

Updated January 2025: We’ve added details on macOS 15.2, including additional Apple Intelligence features.

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macOS Sequoia, or macOS 15, is a free update for Apple computers. But some features, such as Apple Intelligence (more on that later) are exclusive to Macs with M-series Apple Silicon chips. To find out which Mac model you have, click the Apple icon in the menu bar in the upper left corner of your display and click This is about Mac. We have listed all models capable of running macOS Sequoia below.

  • MacBook Air: 2020 and beyond
  • MacBook Pro: 2018 and beyond
  • Mac mini: 2018 and beyond
  • iMac: 2019 and beyond
  • iMac Pro: 2017 and beyond
  • Mac Pro: 2019 and beyond
  • Mac Studio: 2022 and beyond

How to Install MacOS Sequoia

Before installing the new OS, we recommend you back up your Mac first. You can do this by Backing up your files Save your files with Time Machine or iCloud. apple’s Support articles There are step-by-step instructions on how to do this.

To download the software, click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen. Then click System Settings > General > Software Update. Then, click Update now (or upgrade now). From there, click Upgrade Now—your Mac will begin downloading and installing macOS Sequoia.

New MacOS version updates

We have listed all the main features of macOS Sequoia below But throughout the year, Apple will continue to release additional updates that include new capabilities (that weren’t included in the initial launch), security patches, and bug fixes. To update your Mac to the latest version, go to settings > general > Software update And follow the instructions above.

MacOS 15.2: This update includes Image Playground, Siri and ChatGPT support in the writing tool, rewrite prompts in the writing tool, AirTag shared location tracking in Find My, and minor improvements to the Photos app.

MacOS 15.1: The update includes iPhone mirroring, window tiling, text effects and emoji tapbacks in Messages, a redesigned reader in Safari, math notes in the Calculator app, and access to hiking trails on Maps. It also includes Apple Intelligence features for M-series Macs, such as writing tools, smart replies and mail summaries, clean up on photos, transcription summaries and call recordings in notes, reduced focus, and the new Siri (you can type requests and move the Siri window around the screen). , and many more.

MacOS Sequoia features

Below, you’ll find all the major features included in macOS 15 Apple has more Details here.

iPhone Mirroring

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Photo: Apple

Sometimes your iPhone is in another room or deep in your bag. For those moments when you need to use it but just don’t feel like getting up to find it, you’ll be able to pull it up to your computer. As part of Apple’s Continuity feature, iPhone mirroring gives you the ability to access and interact with your iPhone wirelessly using your Mac.

When the feature is activated, you will see your iPhone’s custom home screen. From there, you can drag and drop content (like photos, videos, and files) between both devices using the keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, open and use any of your apps, swipe through all the pages on your home screen. As well as view notifications and responses. While you are doing all this, your iPhone will be locked. It also works when your iPhone is in standby mode, a feature in iOS 17 that turns your iPhone into a smart display while charging.

Safari update

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Photo: Apple

MacOS Sequoia offers a few new features in Safari. With Highlights, Safari will use machine intelligence to show you relevant information from webpages, such as directions, links, summaries, and restaurant reviews. Apple redesigned the reader to reduce confusion. In addition to a smooth view of the article, you’ll also see a summary and a table of contents (for longer articles). If the webpage includes a video, the viewer will bring it to the front while giving you access to the playback controls (includes picture-in-picture).

Window tiling

Video: Apple

People who always keep a ton of browser windows open at the same time will appreciate the new window tiling feature that helps organize them for a better viewing experience. When you drag a window to the edge of the screen, the new OS will automatically suggest a tiled position on your screen. (This is similar Snap to Windows.) You can then drop the window into place, arrange multiple windows side by side, or place them in the four corners to make room for more apps. For quick organization, you can also use keyboard and menu shortcuts

Video conference tool

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Photo: Apple

Last year, Apple added a ton of new video conferencing tools macOS Sonoma Including various features for presenter overlays, reactions, and Mac’s built-in webcam. The company is adding a few more this year. With apps like FaceTime and Zoom, you’ll have access to a new presenter preview capability that lets you see what you’re about to share before actually sharing it. Meanwhile, the built-in background feature lets you apply system wallpaper, color gradients or your own photos as a backdrop for video calls. Apple says the feature will be available in third-party apps like FaceTime and Webex.

A new password app

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Photo: Apple

If you’ve never liked keychains, now you have a better option: macOS Sequoia comes with a new Passwords app that lets you access all your passwords (including Wi-Fi passwords), passkeys, and verification codes in one place. It keeps all your Apple devices in sync, runs on Windows machines (using iCloud for Windows app), and supports end-to-end encryption.

More with messages

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Photo: Apple

Some new messaging features are also coming to macOS Sequoia and, by extension, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. You’ll be able to format your texts within messages using bold, italic, underline and strikethrough type treatments. You will also have the ability to add animated effects to a specific word within a text. For some phrases and words, you’ll also see suggestions as you type. Apple has also added new tapbacks—instead of using the traditional heart, thumbs up, thumbs down, question mark, or exclamation mark, you’ll also see options to use emojis and stickers. Another standout new feature is the option to schedule your messages ahead of time so they will be sent later

other features

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Photo: Apple

  • Apple Maps: With Maps, you’ll have access to thousands of hiking trails across all 63 US national parks, all of which can be filtered by elevation, length, and route type. You’ll be able to save your maps to access them when you’re out in the wilderness without a data signal
  • Calculator app: Apple is giving its Calculator app an upgrade, adding new features such as the ability to enter and press Equals to see the final answer before viewing full expressions (including trigonometry, parentheses, and multiple operations). You will also be able to view your calculation history.
  • Calendar: Within the Calendar app, you’ll see both events and tasks from the Reminders app. There’s also an updated month view designed to make it easier to see all your appointments at a glance—all of which are color-coded.
  • Photo: A new collections feature within the Photos app will automatically organize your library by topic, including trips, recent days, and people and pets. With Pinned Collections, you’ll be able to quickly access certain collections and albums You’ll now see your favorite albums appear under Utilities and in Pinned Collections You can also clear your recently shared albums and recently viewed history
  • Game Mode: This feature was originally announced last year with macOS Sonoma. With MacOS Sequoia, Apple has improved Game Mode with smoother frame rates and “advanced power management features” to boost performance across its Macs. It also supports personalized spatial audio and reduces audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
  • Home App: Apple is adding Guest Access that lets you manage how and when people can enter your home. There’s a new feature based on current utility rates that shows how much electricity you’re using and how much it’s costing you.
  • Battery: The ability to turn on Low Power Mode was introduced with macOS Monterey. Now it’s available in the battery menu in the top-left corner of your screen so you don’t have to dig through system settings anymore
  • Find my: Within the Find My app, you’ll now see a new Lost AirTag section that lets you share the location of your AirTag with up to five other people, to help track it down. Soon, you’ll be able to share it with airlines too (in case your luggage gets lost). Just send the specified link via message, note, mail, airdrop and more. They have to authenticate it using their Apple account and the link will expire after a week.

Apple Intelligence feature

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Photo: Apple

In addition to the above features, Apple Intelligence—the company’s “personal intelligence system”—is built into macOS Sequoia as well as iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. These features are only available in Sequoia 15.1 and newer versions

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