macOS Sequoia is now accessible. If you wish to know what the brand new options are and whether or not your Mac might be appropriate with Sequoia, learn on.
The brand new model of macOS is known as Sequoia, named after the Californian Nationwide Park and, extra particularly, the world’s largest bushes. Among the many new options coming to Macs in Sequoia are iPhone mirroring, which places your iPhone display screen in your Mac’s show and allows you to work together with it by way of your mouse and keyboard, a brand new Video conferencing presenter preview, and modifications to Safari. As well as, builders might be simply in a position to port video games between iPhone, Mac, and iPad.
The free software program replace brings a raft of interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new options. On this article, we focus on all the pieces it is advisable to learn about macOS 15 Sequoia together with methods to obtain it. We additionally hyperlink to varied tutorials about methods to use the brand new options. Some options will solely work on Macs with an M-series chip, together with a number of Apple Intelligence options that may supply assist with writing, creating photos, modifying photographs, and extra.
Some folks have been operating Sequoia for a while because of Apple’s beta testing program. On this article, we additionally focus on the most recent variations of the beta.
macOS Sequoia: Launch date
Apple launched macOS Sequoia to the general public sooner than typical, alongside iOS 18 on Monday, September 16.
Count on early downloads to be gradual as a result of it’s not solely macOS Sequoia that might be accessible to obtain from Apple’s servers–iOS 18, watchOS and iPadOS 18 will even be accessible at across the identical time. So Apple’s servers might be busy.
Within the latest previous, the discharge has come a number of weeks after the new model of iOS ships. Listed below are the discharge dates for the earlier 5 variations of macOS:
- macOS 15 Sequoia: September 16, 2024
- macOS 14 Sonoma: September 26, 2023
- macOS 13 Ventura: October 24, 2022
- macOS 12 Monterey: October 25, 2021
- macOS 11 Huge Sur: November 12, 2020
- macOS 10.15 Catalina: October 7, 2019
- macOS 10.14 Mojave: September 24, 2018
macOS Sequoia : How one can set up
Putting in macOS Sequoia is a breeze. Open System Settings and go to Normal > Software program Replace; macOS will examine for any accessible updates and information you thru the method of putting in them. You merely should comply with the directions, which we clarify in our macOS updating information. And it’s simpler nonetheless for those who’ve turned on Computerized Updates, which you are able to do from the identical display screen.
Nevertheless, for those who do encounter issues the next could also be helpful:
macOS Sequoia compatibility: Which Macs will be capable to run macOS 15?
The next Macs get help for macOS 15.
- iMac from 2019 and later
- Mac Professional from 2019 and later
- iMac Professional from 2017
- Mac Studio from 2022 and later
- MacBook Air from 2020 and later
- Mac mini from 2018 and later
- MacBook Professional from 2018 and later
There are two 13-inch MacBook Air fashions from 2018 and 2019 operating Sonoma that gained’t be capable to set up Sequoia.
The compatibility checklist is turning into a urgent concern for customers of Intel Macs. After Apple launched its M-series Macs, the corporate stated it might proceed to help Intel Macs for a number of years, nevertheless it didn’t supply specifics. The clock is ticking on Intel Macs, however the final technology of Intel Macs stays on the macOS 15 compatibility checklist with a couple of Intel Macs that may run macOS Sequoia.
Nevertheless, solely Macs with an M1, M2, or M3-series chip will help the brand new AI options known as “Apple Intelligence.” That features the next:
- iMac from 2021 and later
- Mac Professional from 2023
- Mac Studio from 2022 and later
- MacBook Air from late 2020 and later
- Mac mini from late 2020 and later
- MacBook Professional from late 2020 and later
In case your Mac can’t be up to date to Sequoia that doesn’t imply you’re fully deserted by Apple. Apple will present safety updates for some Macs that don’t run macOS 15. Usually, Apple gives software program updates for the previous two variations of macOS. See: How lengthy does Apple help Macs? On common, Macs get 6.6 years of macOS updates.
To seek out out which model of macOS and older Mac can run check out our macOS compatibility checklist.
macOS Sequoia: Ought to I set up Sequoia?
So long as your Mac can run it, we advocate updating to Sequoia. The brand new options–all of which we focus on beneath–look attractive sufficient. We tackle how macOS Sequoia compares to Sonoma? in a separate article.
Nevertheless, it’s clever to attend every week or so for the inevitable points with the early launch to be addressed: regardless of the beta program, there are sometimes points as soon as the software program replace will get out into the vast Mac world. It’s additionally clever to attend as a result of the obtain will seemingly take quite a bit longer for those who attempt quickly after it turns into accessible.
macOS Sequoia Beta: Newest model
Apple’s beta testing program for builders and public testers has been operating since June/July and can proceed even after the launch of macOS Sequoia to most of the people. There’s a separate macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta that features Apple Intelligence options. Beneath you will discover details about the most recent beta variations and methods to set up them.
If you wish to run the developer beta, it is advisable to be a registered Apple software program developer, which has each free and paid ($99/£79) variations. Since June 2023 Apple has opened the beta to all registered builders–so now everybody can get the earliest potential entry to the macOS beta with out paying a penny. Anybody can join the Public Beta, which needs to be extra steady than the developer beta, however it might nonetheless be unstable. By nature, beta software program will not be as steady as the ultimate model–options could also be applied after which withdrawn, or they could not work correctly, UI can change, and third-party app compatibility isn’t assured.
As soon as registered, whenever you go to System Settings > Normal > Software program Replace in your Mac, you’ll see a brand new tab for Beta Updates, which can checklist the model of the beta you’re operating. For instance, if you wish to set up the developer beta choose macOS 15 Public Beta, alternatively, if it’s the general public beta you need, choose macOS 15 Public Beta.
We clarify How one can be part of Apple’s beta program individually, together with particulars of methods to get a free developer account. If you wish to set up the beta, comply with our macOS beta set up information. When you then need to uninstall it, we’ve got a information for that: How one can take away macOS beta.
The beta testing will proceed even after Apple releases macOS Sequoia to most of the people as Apple develops new options unavailable at launch.
Learn How one can be part of Apple’s beta program for extra recommendation.
Newest developer beta
- macOS 15 – developer RC – Newest model September 9, 2024
- macOS Sequoia 15.1 – developer beta 4 – Newest model September 17, 2024
Apple started the beta program quickly after it revealed the small print of macOS 15 at WWDC. The developer beta is accessible for anybody who needs to run it, nevertheless it needs to be famous that betas could be buggy, so we don’t advocate putting in it on a major gadget. Learn: How one can set up the Mac beta.
The second model of the developer beta arrived on June 24. This model introduced iPhone Mirroring–the power to entry an iPhone by a Mac. (See the brand new options part beneath for extra particulars). The third developer beta arrived on July 10. The macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 4 was launched on July 23. Developer beta 5 was launched on August 5. Developer beta 6 was launched on August 12. Developer beta 7 on August 20, and developer beta 8 on August 28. The RC ultimate verison of macOS 15 developer beta arrived on September 9.
On July 29, Apple jumped to macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta and launched some Apple Intelligence options. It’s because the preliminary launch of macOS 15 Sequoia is not going to embody AI options. On August 12, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 2. Beta 3 of macOS Sequoia 15.1 got here on August 28. It’s a developer beta and can solely run on M-series Macs. A report by 9to5Mac states that Apple Intelligence is not going to run if the 15.1 beta is operating on an exterior drive. It’s not recognized if this situation will stay when Apple formally releases 15.1.
Newest public beta
- macOS 15 – RC – Newest model September 9, 2024
Working alongside the developer beta is a public beta. Public beta testers can’t check out the Sequois 15.1 beta (until they join a developer account), however Apple is operating a macOS Sequoia 15 public beta.
Apple launched the macOS Sequoia public beta on July 15, 2024. In 2023 Apple Apple launched the primary public beta of macOS 14 on July 12. The second replace to the pubic beta got here on July 23, 2024, and the third on August 6. The Sequoia public beta 5 was launched on August 20, 2024. Apple launched the Sequoia public beta 6 on August 28, 2024. The ultimate launch candidate arrived on September 9.
macOS Sequoia: All the brand new options
Many new options arrived in macOS 14 Sonoma in 2023 together with modifications to Widgets, a brand new Sport Mode, the power to simply flip net pages into net apps, and enjoyable additions to video conferencing apps. Rumors advised that there wouldn’t be many new options in macOS 15, with AI-related enhancements in iOS 18 taking a lot of the improvement focus. Nevertheless, there are some some AI enhancements coming alongside iPhone mirroring in your Mac show, a brand new Presenter Preview for video conferencing apps, and Sport Porting Toolkit 2 for porting video games between Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Apple has introduced quite a few new options for the replace which we are going to describe beneath. Not all the brand new options might be accessible at launch although. Some new options will come “later this 12 months” in a subsequent software program replace.
iPhone mirroring
iPhone mirroring is a brand new improvement of Continuity. Continuity is a characteristic that has existed on Macs for quite a lot of years meaning you need to use your Mac along with different units in a seamless manner, making minimize and paste, display screen sharing and mouse and keyboard sharing potential throughout units.
With the brand new means to reflect an iPhone on a Mac’s show, it is going to be potential for a Mac to connect with an iPhone and show the iPhone display screen on the Mac’s show. This manner a consumer will be capable to management their iPhone from their Mac, utilizing the keyboard and mouse to work together. Drag and drop between the Mac and iPhone will even be potential. Customers can even mirror the iPhone in a window on the Mac.
It’s going to even be potential to launch their iPhone apps by way of their Mac. Any audio from the iPhone will play by the Mac’s audio system.
Throughout any manipulation of the iPhone by way of the Mac, the iPhone will stay locked so no one can see what’s being carried out. It’s going to even be potential to make use of the cellphone usually whereas it’s linked to the Mac.
Customers will even be capable to obtain iPhone notifications on a Mac. They may seem alongside Mac notifications. These could be interacted with even when the iPhone isn’t close by. Click on on a notification and be taken into the app in your iPhone by way of the Mac’s show.
Learn: How iPhone Mirroring permits you to entry your iPhone in your Mac in macOS Sequoia
Window Tiling
macOS Sequoia will convey a brand new, neater, strategy to prepare home windows. When a consumer drags a window to the sting of the display screen it’ll present a spot on the desktop you can slot that window into. This can make it simple to shortly prepare tiles side-by-side in order that extra apps are in view.
There might be new keyboard and menu shortcuts to assist customers manage tiles even quicker.
Learn: Why you don’t need to ditch your tiling window supervisor simply but
Video conferencing
A brand new presenter preview will present customers what they’re about to share earlier than they share it. This characteristic will work with Zoom and different apps, in addition to FaceTime.
It’s going to even be potential to use built-in backgrounds with coloration gradients and wallpapers. Customers will even be capable to add their photographs. These Background replacements could be utilized in varied video calling apps, even mid-call.
Safari 18
Safari 18 will embody a number of new options together with a brand new Highlights characteristic which can assist customers uncover data. The Reader characteristic can also be getting a redesign to attenuate distractions if you find yourself studying an article. Becoming a member of the extra streamlined model of the article that may already be accessed, customers will see a abstract and a desk of contents for longer articles.
If there’s a video on the web page it is going to be positioned entrance and heart and the consumer may have entry to playback controls and picture-in-picture playback will even be potential.
Different rumored options included a “Internet Eraser,” and a brand new web page controls menu. An replace in 2025 can also be stated to be bringing an AI enhancement to Visible Lookup not simply in Safari, however all through the OS, though we’re awaiting affirmation.
Learn: How one can use Distraction Management to take away advertisements and This new Safari characteristic permits you to snap away annoying advertisements.
New Passwords app
Apple is bringing the iCloud Keychain into the twenty first century. Apple says the brand new Passwords app will make it even simpler to entry passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and different credentials multi function place. It’s going to seamlessly syncs between each Apple units and Home windows with the iCloud for Home windows app.
Calculator
It had been rumored that Apple is engaged on a brand new Calculator app. It might be redesigned to resemble the iOS model, with new options together with a historical past tape, revamped conversions, and a resizable window. Apple did reveal that it is going to be potential to see earlier calculations with a historical past characteristic.
Calendar and Reminders
The Calendar app will permit customers to handle Reminders. Customers will be capable to view occasions and duties from Reminders within the Calendar. An up to date Month View will even be accessible and each apps will see UI modifications.
Different new options
Gaming enhancements
In 2023 Apple launched the Sport Porting Toolkit to assist builders convey their video games to Apple units quicker than ever. Now Sport Porting Toolkit 2 provides the most-requested capabilities from sport builders.
As well as, enhancements to Sport Mode on the Mac will unlock smoother body charges, and superior energy administration options enhance efficiency throughout the Mac lineup.
Apple proudly shared particulars of a number of gaming titles that might be coming to the Mac, together with:
- Murderer’s Creed Shadows
- Management Final Version
- Frostpunk 2
- Palworld
- RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard
- RESIDENT EVIL 2
- RoboCop: Rogue Metropolis
- Sniper Elite 4,
- Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown
- World of Warcraft: The Struggle Inside (coming later this 12 months).
- Wuthering Waves
Apple famous that they’re “leveraging highly effective software program applied sciences like MetalFX Upscaling to speed up efficiency and ship high-quality visuals throughout the Mac lineup” and that they’re “profiting from the most recent M3 household of chips to ship breathtaking visuals with ray tracing.”
Personalised Spatial Audio will lead to considerably diminished audio latency with AirPods Professional (2nd technology).
Apple Intelligence options
A number of reviews over the previous few months have indicated that Apple is doing lots of work in the direction of AI, and that generative AI (utilizing AI to create content material) may have an enormous position in macOS. These reviews weren’t improper.
Apple’s new private intelligence system is coming to Mac, iPhone, and iPad with macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence will solely be supported by Macs with an M-series chip although, so Intel Macs is not going to supply these new options.
Learn: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it’s, what it does, and whenever you’ll get it
Writing
Apple Intelligence will assist customers improve their writing and communications. Writing Instruments are in-built systemwide that may supply to rewrite, proofread, and summarize textual content in writing-focused apps akin to Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
Pictures
New picture capabilities will even come to M-series Macs. In Picture Playground, customers will be capable to create photos in three types: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
Pictures
A brand new Reminiscences in Pictures characteristic will create a video from photographs and movies based mostly on an outline offered by the consumer. Apple Intelligence will select the photographs and movies, develop a storyline based mostly on the photographs, and prepare them right into a film.
As well as, a brand new Clear Up software will determine and take away undesirable objects from the background of a photograph.
Siri
Siri can also be getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is built-in into Siri. As a result of some queries might be dealt with off-device Apple is introducing Personal Cloud Compute in order that when knowledge is shipped to server-based fashions for processing it isn’t saved or made accessible to Apple
One of many easiest modifications to Siri is that it is going to be simpler to sort to Siri relatively than having to talk to the on-device assistant. Apple might have lastly twigged that folks don’t all the time need to discuss to their telephones.
Subsequent model of macOS
Since Apple stopped utilizing the names of jungle cats with macOS 10.9 Mavericks, it’s used California locations to determine its annual OS updates. The final a number of years have been Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Huge Sur, and Catalina. Apple has trademarked a number of different place names, together with Condor, Mammoth, Redwood, and Sequoia. But it surely’s anybody guess which Californian location macOS 16 might be named after.
However what subsequent when it comes to software program? Count on much more Apple Intelligence options to come back within the late 2025 replace to macOS and count on that iOS, iPadOS and macOS might be nearer than ever.