macOS Sequoia 15.0 Release Notes: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Mac Update

macOS Sequoia 15.0 Release Notes: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Mac Update

Apple is set to release macOS Sequoia 15.0 alongside other major software updates like iOS 18.0 and watchOS 11.0 on Monday, September 16, 2024. With a variety of new features and improvements, this update enhances productivity, creativity, and user experience on Mac devices. Below, we dive into everything new in macOS Sequoia 15.0 and how it will elevate your Mac’s functionality.

System Requirements for macOS Sequoia 15.0

macOS Sequoia has tighter system requirements than its predecessor. Notably, 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air models with dual-core Intel chips will no longer be supported. However, those with newer Apple silicon Macs or more recent Intel-based machines will be able to enjoy all that Sequoia has to offer.

Apple Intelligence Arriving in Future Updates

While Apple Intelligence—Apple’s take on generative AI—won’t make its debut with the initial release of macOS Sequoia, it’s scheduled to arrive with macOS Sequoia 15.1 in October. This will introduce features like Writing Tools, Image Playground (for image generation), Genmoji (custom emojis based on user prompts), and ChatGPT integration. These AI-driven capabilities are expected to roll out gradually throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Major New Features in macOS Sequoia 15.0

iPhone Mirroring

A game-changing feature, iPhone Mirroring allows you to access your iPhone directly from your Mac.

• You can browse your iPhone’s Home Screen, open apps, and control them seamlessly on your Mac.
• Keyboard and trackpad support lets you type and navigate through apps using gestures like pinch-to-zoom.
• Receive iPhone notifications on your Mac, and take action on them without switching devices.

Enhanced Window Tiling

• Drag and tile windows to the screen’s edges or corners to create an efficient, multi-window workspace.
• Keyboard shortcuts now enable quicker window management, making multitasking even more efficient.

Safari Enhancements

• Distraction Control helps you focus by hiding disruptive content on web pages.
• Highlights surfaces key information from articles you read, offering summaries and essential details.
• A redesigned Reader mode provides a clean and immersive reading experience, with a streamlined view, table of contents, and summaries for longer articles.
• Picture-in-Picture automatically minimizes video when you navigate away from the page.

Passwords App

Managing your login credentials is now easier than ever with the new Passwords app.

• Store all your website and app passwords in one secure location, including Wi-Fi credentials and verification codes.
• Sync passwords securely across devices using iCloud with end-to-end encryption, accessible even on Windows via the iCloud Passwords app.

Improved Video Conferencing

• Presenter Overlay lets you preview shared screens before showing them during video calls.
• Customize your video call backgrounds with your own photos or select from built-in options.

Messages

• Add flair to your conversations with text effects, including dynamic, animated visuals for letters, words, and emojis.
• Use emoji and sticker Tapbacks to react quickly to messages with a swipe.
• Send Later functionality lets you schedule iMessages to be sent at a future time.

Productivity and Creativity Features

Maps

Plan your next adventure with topographic maps, displaying trails, elevation, and points of interest across U.S. national parks. You can also save hikes to your device for offline access.

Notes

• Add audio recordings to your notes, and enjoy live transcriptions that are searchable.
• Solve math expressions instantly within notes and simplify long text with collapsible sections.
• Highlight important text using one of five colors to organize your notes visually.

Photos

• Automatically organize your library with Collections, featuring sections like Days, Trips, and Featured Photos.
• Slow down high-frame-rate video with the new video speed control feature, adding in-and-out points for better editing.

Apple TV App

The Apple TV app introduces smart subtitles that automatically appear when the content language doesn’t match your device’s language or when you skip back while watching.

Additional Features and Enhancements –macOS Sequoia 15.0

• AirPods Voice Isolation offers clearer call quality, even in noisy environments, and Personalized Spatial Audio immerses you in games and other media.
• The Calculator app now solves complex expressions and converts units more easily.
• Reminders in Calendar allow you to organize and complete tasks alongside meetings and appointments.
• Guest access in Home lets you give visitors time-based access to smart home features like locks and garage doors.

Security and Regional Restrictions – macOS Sequoia 15.0

Some features of macOS Sequoia, such as iPhone Mirroring, will not be available in certain regions, including the European Union, due to regulatory restrictions. Apple will provide details on security fixes and vulnerability patches on their support page. Some capabilities may require newer hardware, such as devices equipped with Apple silicon chips.

This macOS Sequoia update is packed with innovative features, providing users with tools to be more productive and creative. Whether you’re looking to streamline your multitasking, enhance your communication, or take advantage of powerful new AI integrations, macOS Sequoia 15.0 is set to deliver an elevated Mac experience.

For the latest updates and detailed notes, make sure to check the System Settings > General > Software Update section on your Mac.

macOS Sequoia 15.0