All the best new features in MacOS Sequoia
macOS Sequoia, also known as macOS 15, is the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system. The new operating system brings many new features to the Mac, including a password management app, video conferencing tools, and updates to Safari, as well as all the features that come with Apple Intelligence— the company’s new system based on artificial intelligence. Below we’ll take a look at how to download it and all the latest goodies in this software update.
Be sure to check out ours Overview of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 for all the new features coming to your iPhone and iPad and our look at what’s new in watchOS 11.
Updated January 2025: We’ve added details about macOS 15.2, which includes additional Apple Intelligence features.
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macOS Sequoia or macOS 15 is a free update for Apple computers. But some features, like Apple Intelligence (more on that later), are exclusive to Macs with the Apple M-series silicon chip. To find out which Mac model you have, click the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top left of your display and click About this Mac. Below we have listed all the models that can work with macOS Sequoia.
- 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
How to install MacOS Sequoia
Before installing the new operating system, we highly recommend that you back up your Mac first. You can do this by backup your files with Time Machine or storing your files in iCloud. of Apple support article 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 the screen. Then click System Settings > General > Software Update. Then click on Update now (or Upgrade now). From there, click Upgrade Now—your Mac will begin downloading and installing macOS Sequoia.
Updates to new MacOS versions
Below we have listed all the main features in macOS Sequoia. But throughout the year, Apple will continue to release additional updates that include new features (that weren’t included in the initial launch), security fixes, 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, ChatGPT support in Siri and Writing Tools, retype prompts in Writing Tools, shared location tracking with AirTag in Find My, and minor improvements to the Photos app.
macOS 15.1: This 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 in Maps. It also includes Apple Intelligence features for the M-series Mac, such as writing tools, smart replies and mail summaries, cleaning in photos, summaries of transcriptions and call recordings in Notes, focus reduction of interruptions and the new Siri (you can to type queries and move the Siri window around the screen) etc.
MacOS Sequoia Features
Below you’ll find all the major features included in macOS 15. Apple has more details here.
iPhone Mirroring
Photo: Apple
Sometimes your iPhone is in the other room or deep in your bag. For those times when you need to use it but just can’t find it, you’ll be able to download it to your computer. As part of Apple’s Continuity features, iPhone Mirroring lets you both access and wirelessly interact with your iPhone with your Mac.
When the feature is in action, you’ll see your iPhone’s personalized home screen appear. From there, you can use the keyboard, trackpad, or mouse to drag and drop content (like photos, videos, and files) between the two devices, open and use any of your apps, swipe through all the pages on the home screen, like as well as view and respond to notifications. While doing all this, your iPhone will remain locked. It also works while your iPhone is in standby mode, a feature from iOS 17 that turns your iPhone into a smart display while it’s charging.
Safari updates
Photo: Apple
MacOS Sequoia brings several new features to Safari. With Highlights, Safari will use machine intelligence to show you relevant information from the web page, such as directions, links, summaries, and restaurant reviews. Apple has also redesigned Reader to minimize distractions. In addition to a sleeker article view, you’ll also see a summary and table of contents (for longer articles). If the web page includes a video, Viewer will bring it to the fore while giving you access to playback controls (including Picture-in-Picture).
Window covering
Video: Apple
Those who always keep multiple browser windows open at the same time will appreciate the new window arrangement feature that helps them organize them for a better viewing experience. When you drag a window to the edge of the screen, the new operating system will automatically suggest a tile position on your screen. (It is similar to Capture Windows.) You can then drop the window in place, stack multiple windows next to each other, or place them in any of the four corners to make room for more apps. For faster organization, you can also use keyboard shortcuts and menu shortcuts.
Video conferencing tools
Photo: Apple
Last year, Apple added many new video conferencing tools macOS Sonoma including presenter overlay, reactions, and various features for the Mac’s built-in webcam. This year, the company is adding a few more. With apps like FaceTime and Zoom, you’ll have access to a new Presenter Preview feature that lets you see what you’re about to share before you actually share it. Meanwhile, the built-in backgrounds feature lets you apply system wallpapers, color gradients, or your own photos as video call backgrounds. Apple says the feature will be available for FaceTime and third-party apps like Webex.
New password app
Photo: Apple
If you’ve never loved Keychain, now you have a better option: macOS Sequoia comes with a new Passwords app that lets you access all your passwords (Wi-Fi passwords included), passkeys, and verification codes on one place. It keeps all your Apple devices in sync, works on Windows machines (using iCloud for Windows application) also supports end-to-end encryption.
More messages
Photo: Apple
Several new Messages features are coming to macOS Sequoia — and by extension, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 as well. You’ll be able to format your messages in Messages using bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough. You will also have the option to add animated effects to a specific word in a text. For some phrases and words, you’ll also see suggestions appear 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 emoticons and stickers. Another notable new feature is the option to schedule your messages in advance to be sent later.
Other functions
Photo: Apple
- Apple Maps: With Maps, you’ll have access to thousands of hiking trails in all 63 US national parks, all of which can be filtered by elevation, length, and trail type. You’ll also be able to save them so you can access your maps when you’re out in the wilderness without a data signal.
- Application calculator: Apple is upgrading its Calculator app, adding new features like the ability to enter and continue previewing complete expressions (with trigonometry, parentheses, and multiple operations) before pressing equal to see the final answer. You will also be able to see a history of your calculations.
- Calendar: In the Calendar app, you can see both events and tasks from the Reminders app. There’s also an updated month view, which aims to make it easier to see all your appointments at a glance – all of which are colour-coded.
- Pictures: A new collections feature in the Photo app will automatically organize your library by topics, including travel, recent days, and people and pets. With Pinned Collections, you’ll have quick access to certain collections and albums. You’ll also now see your Favorites album appear under Utilities and in Pinned Collections. You can also clear your recently shared album 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 improve the performance of its Macs. It also supports custom spatial audio and reduces audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
- Home Application: Apple adds guest access, which lets you control how and when people can enter your home. There’s a new feature that shows how much electricity you’re using and how much it’s costing you based on current utility rates.
- Battery: The ability to turn on low power mode was introduced with macOS Monterey. It’s now available in the Battery menu in the top left corner of the screen, so you don’t have to dig into system settings anymore.
- Find mine: 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 can also share it with airlines (if your luggage is lost). Just send the specific link via Messages, Notes, Mail, AirDrop and more. They will have to authenticate it using their Apple account and the link will expire after a week.
Apple intelligence features
Photo: Apple
In addition to the features above, 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 later.
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