Apple officially released macOS Sequoia on Monday, bringing with it a host of innovative features that promise to enhance the user experience. Among the most anticipated features are iPhone Mirroring, window tiling tools, and the upcoming Apple Intelligence. macOS Sequoia is compatible with a wide range of Mac models, from 2019 and newer iMacs to 2018 and newer MacBook Pros.
iPhone mirroring
One of the standout features of macOS Sequoia is iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to access and control their iPhone directly from their Mac. This feature extends the Continuity system, making it easier to work across devices. Users can now navigate their iPhone using their Mac’s mouse and keyboard, type messages, and even check and respond to notifications without picking up their phone. Custom wallpaper and app icons appear on the Mac just as they do on the iPhone, for a seamless experience.
In addition, iPhone mirroring works in conjunction with standby, ensuring that users can still glance at their iPhone for quick information while using the feature. This integration not only increases productivity, but also provides a more consistent experience across Apple devices.
Window tiling tools
MacOS Sequoia introduces new ways to arrange windows, helping users stay organized with their preferred layout. Simply drag a window to the edge of the screen and the system automatically suggests a tiled position. Users can quickly arrange tiles side by side or in corners to keep multiple applications in view. New keyboard and menu shortcuts make organizing these tiles even faster, reducing the need for third-party applications such as BetterSnapTool.
Safari upgrades
Already known as one of the fastest browsers on the planet, Safari receives significant updates in MacOS Sequoia. The new Highlights feature, powered by machine learning, surfaces relevant information such as directions, article summaries, and quick links to learn more about people, music, movies, and TV shows. The redesigned Reader mode offers a streamlined view with a summary and table of contents, making it easier to quickly read articles. In addition, the new Viewer helps users focus on video while still having full access to the system’s playback controls. Distraction Control allows users to hide distracting elements on web pages, enhancing the browsing experience.
Passwords app and video conferencing
A new Passwords app consolidates all passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords and other credentials into one secure location. Backed by end-to-end encryption, it works seamlessly with Safari and syncs across all Apple devices and Windows via the iCloud for Windows application.
Video conferencing also gets a boost with the ability to apply built-in backgrounds or upload custom photos during FaceTime or third-party app calls. Presenter Preview lets users see what they’re about to share before they share it, ensuring a polished presentation.
Apple Intelligence
Launching next month, Apple Intelligence will provide personalized and relevant assistance that leverages the power of generative models and personal context while maintaining user privacy. This feature will help with writing tasks, create images, and provide more natural interactions with Siri. Apple Intelligence will be available on Macs with M-Series chips, using Apple’s silicon and Neural Engine to understand and generate speech and images.
macOS Sequoia also introduces enhancements to Messages, Notes and Maps. Users can now schedule messages, create audio recordings with live transcription in Notes, and access detailed topographic maps and walking routes in Maps.
macOS Sequoia is available as a free update for compatible Macs, including iMac (2019 and later), iMac Pro, Mac Studio, Mac Pro (2019 and later), Mac Mini (2018 and later), MacBook Air (2020 and later), and MacBook Pro (2018 and later).