The latest public beta of macOS Sequoia is now available for download, offering an array of new features and enhancements aimed at boosting productivity and entertainment. Announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, macOS Sequoia (also known as macOS 15) brings innovations like enhanced Safari capabilities and advanced artificial intelligence tools.
One of the most exciting new features of macOS Sequoia is iPhone Mirroring, which is part of Apple's Continuity suite. This feature allows users to interact with their iPhone directly from their Mac when the iPhone is locked or in Standby mode. I loved how this feature enabled seamless content drag-and-drop and notification responses between devices. However, there were some navigation issues, such as difficulty returning to previous windows, that need to be addressed.
Another notable feature is Window Tiling, inspired by Windows' Snap feature. Window Tiling in macOS Sequoia allows users to organize multiple windows on their screen efficiently. I was able to project up to six tiles simultaneously by dragging windows to the screen edges. This enhancement simplifies multitasking and reduces the need to switch between windows constantly.
The new Passwords app offers a streamlined way to manage passwords, passkeys, and verification codes across Apple devices with end-to-end encryption. It supports syncing Windows passwords through iCloud, enhancing security and convenience across the Apple ecosystem. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who rely on multiple Apple devices and need a cohesive way to manage their credentials.
Enhancements in web conferencing are also a significant addition. Building on macOS Sonoma, Sequoia introduces Presenter Preview and background features for virtual meetings. Presenter Preview lets users see their shared content before broadcasting it in apps like FaceTime and Zoom, ensuring a more polished presentation. The Backgrounds feature allows for custom virtual backdrops during calls, adding a personal touch to virtual meetings.
Safari has received significant upgrades in macOS Sequoia. The new Highlights feature uses machine intelligence to display relevant information such as directions, links, and reviews directly from webpages. The redesigned Reader feature offers a distraction-free reading experience with summaries and tables of contents, making it easier to focus on the content. The Viewer feature enhances video content by bringing videos to the forefront with picture-in-picture capabilities.
Exclusive to Macs with the M-series Apple silicon chip, Apple Intelligence introduces several AI-powered tools expected in future beta updates. Writing Tools include features like Rewrite, which offers different versions of your text in various tones; Proofread, which checks for grammar and stylistic errors; and Summarize, which condenses text into key points or summaries. These tools are designed to enhance text editing and improve productivity.
Another exciting addition is Image Playground, a new app that generates images based on user input in various styles, such as illustration, sketch, and animation. This feature is accessible via a dedicated app or through Messages, providing a fun and creative way to generate visual content. Memory Customizations in the Photos app is another useful feature, allowing users to create specific storylines in Memories with curated photos and videos. The new Clean Up tool, similar to Google's Magic Eraser, enables easy removal of unwanted elements from photos.
The Notes app has also seen significant improvements. It now features transcription of audio sessions, the ability to summarize notes, and a new Math Notes feature that solves equations directly within the app. These enhancements make the Notes app more versatile and useful, especially for academic tasks and professional work.
Siri has been significantly improved in macOS Sequoia, with more natural speech and better contextual understanding. Users can now type requests, and Siri benefits from integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT, providing more nuanced and sophisticated responses. This upgrade makes Siri a more powerful and reliable virtual assistant.
Additional features in macOS Sequoia include a revamped Calculator app that supports advanced expressions and a history of calculations, and a new Game Mode that enhances performance and reduces latency for a smoother gaming experience. These updates add to the overall user experience, making everyday tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
To download the public beta of macOS Sequoia, ensure your Mac is backed up using a physical drive or iCloud. Then, navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update, and select the macOS Sequoia Public Beta. The file size is around 14.6GB, so make sure you have enough space on your hard drive.
macOS Sequoia aims to revolutionize Mac usage with AI integration, enhanced user experience, and robust security. While some features are not yet fully enabled in the beta, they promise significant improvements for both casual and power users. With its combination of cutting-edge technology and practical enhancements, macOS Sequoia is set to be a game-changer for Mac users. Whether you're a casual user or a power user, there's something in macOS Sequoia that will improve your daily computing tasks, making it a must-try update for anyone looking to get the most out of their Mac. Get ready to upgrade and explore all that this new operating system has to offer, and experience the future of Mac computing today.
Â
