macOS Sequoia has been obtainable for appropriate Macs since September 2024, however additional updates to Seqoia are anticipated over the following few months, with the primary main replace being macOS 15.1, which arrived on October 28.
If you need to know what the new features are, whether or not it is possible for you to to get pleasure from all of them, and in case your Mac is ebven appropriate with Sequoia, learn on. We are additionally monitoring any issues, the latest updates, and what’s new in the beta.
The new model of macOS is known as Sequoia, named after the Californian National Park and, extra particularly, the world’s largest bushes. Among the new features 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 new Video conferencing presenter preview, and modifications to Safari. In addition, builders will likely 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 features. In this text, we focus on the whole lot it is advisable learn about macOS 15 Sequoia together with obtain it. We additionally hyperlink to numerous tutorials about use the new features. Some features will solely work on Macs with an M-series chip, together with a number of Apple Intelligence features that can supply assist with writing, creating photos, modifying pictures, and extra.
Some individuals have been working Sequoia for a while because of Apple’s beta testing program. In this text, we additionally focus on the latest variations of each the developer and public beta.
Update November 20: On November 20 Apple issued an necessary replace to Sequoia. The macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 emergency replace patches a pair of scary vulnerabilities which have already been used in distant assaults. Apple additionally up to date the Sequoia 15.2 beta to model 4.
macOS Sequoia: Latest model
- macOS 15.1.1 – November 20
The latest model of macOS Sequoia is macOS 15.1.1. It’s an ’emergency replace’ essential to patch flaws in JavaScript and WebEquipment that Apple says “could have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac programs.” There is not any launch for Macs working macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 or Ventura 13.7.1, but, however that replace is prone to come quickly.
macOS 15.1 arrived on October 28. This main replace brings the primary raft of Apple Intelligence features to Macs with the M-series chip.
macOS 15.0.1 was launched on October 3, 2024. It didn’t include new features, but it surely did embrace two necessary bug fixes. One bug repair corrected the error that led Messages to stop when replying to a message that shared an Apple Watch face. The different repair was for compatibility with third-party safety software program.
Apple launched macOS Sequoia to the general public sooner than regular, alongside iOS 18 on Monday, September 16. iOS 18, watchOS and iPadOS 18 have been launched on the similar time. The subsequent main replace to Sequoia will likely be macOS 15.1 which is predicted by the top of the month.
For details about what’s coming in the following model have a look at the latest version of the Sequoia beta part under.
macOS Sequoia: Features in macOS Sequoia 15.1
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Foundry
macOS Sequoia 15.1 contains quite a lot of new AI features that work on M-series Macs:
Writing Tools – providing spelling and grammar assist and serving to you edit or summarize textual content. These features can be utilized across the working system.
Siri – new design and Type To Siri. (Type to Siri isn’t a new function, however Apple’s making it extra apparent for these of us who hate speaking to Siri). Siri will likely be higher at sustaining context when you ask associated questions.
Reduce Interruptions – a new AI Focus Mode that can filter out unimportant notifications.
Smart Reply – you’ll be capable of use these in Messages and Mail.
Photos – Memory Movie will create slideshows based mostly on a textual content description. You may use a Clean Up device to take away undesirable parts of a photograph. Improvements to photograph search.
Summaries – Safari will be capable of summarize articles.
iPhone Mirroring – Drag recordsdata from iPhone to Mac and again.
Audio transcriptions – You can get audio transcriptions of your audio recordings in Notes.
macOS Sequoia: What’s coming in in macOS Sequoia 15.2
- Release date: December 2024 (anticipated)
On October 23, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 1 to builders. Beta 2 arrived on November 4.
This replace will convey much more Apple Intelligence features together with enhancements to Writing Tools, generative AI Image Playground, ChatGPT integration for Siri and Writing Tools, together with:
- Writing Tools updates – extra choices.
- Genmojji – new emoji you possibly can create.
- Image Playground – capability to generate photos based mostly on textual content prompts.
- Image Wand – makes use of Apple’s picture era instruments to create a picture and add as context to a be aware.
- ChatGPT integration – use ChatGPT with Siri.
- Mail – AI-powered auto-categories to assist handle your Inbox.
macOS Sequoia: Problems & bugs
Several third-party safety instruments have reported points with the new model of the Mac working system. Read extra right here: Hold off on updating to macOS Sequoia if you’re using cybersecurity tools.
CrowdStrike referenced “modifications in the community stack” in an alert despatched to its clients and has held off on assist for the new OS.
ESET indicated that there’s a drawback is with ESET Cyber Security model 6, an older model that “will likely be End of Life quickly.”
Firefox apparently has firewall-related points with Sequoia.
Messages might stop if a message together with an Apple Watch face was replied to (mounted in macOS 15.0.1)
Compatibility with third-party safety software program was addressed in macOS 15.0.1.
Having issues with Sequoia? Read: How to downgrade macOS Sequoia to Sonoma
macOS Sequoia compatibility: Which Macs will be capable of run macOS 15?
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Foundry
The following Macs get assist for macOS 15.
- iMac from 2019 and later
- Mac Pro from 2019 and later
- iMac Pro from 2017
- Mac Studio from 2022 and later
- MacGuide Air from 2020 and later
- Mac mini from 2018 and later
- MacGuide Pro from 2018 and later
There are two 13-inch MacGuide Air fashions from 2018 and 2019 working Sonoma that gained’t be capable of set up Sequoia.
The compatibility record is changing into a urgent concern for customers of Intel Macs. After Apple launched its M-series Macs, the corporate mentioned it could proceed to assist Intel Macs for a number of years, but it surely didn’t supply specifics. The clock is ticking on Intel Macs, however the final era of Intel Macs stays on the macOS 15 compatibility list with a number of Intel Macs that can run macOS Sequoia.
However, solely Macs with an M1, M2, or M3-series chip will assist the new AI features known as “Apple Intelligence.” That contains the next:
- iMac from 2021 and later
- Mac Pro from 2023
- Mac Studio from 2022 and later
- MacGuide Air from late 2020 and later
- Mac mini from late 2020 and later
- MacGuide Pro from late 2020 and later
If your Mac can’t be up to date to Sequoia that doesn’t imply you might be utterly deserted by Apple. Apple will present safety updates for some Macs that don’t run macOS 15. Generally, Apple offers software program updates for the previous two variations of macOS. See: How long does Apple support Macs? On common, Macs get 6.6 years of macOS updates.
To discover out which model of macOS and older Mac can run check out our macOS compatibility list.
macOS Sequoia: Should I set up Sequoia?
As lengthy as your Mac can run it, we advocate updating to Sequoia. The new features–all of which we focus on under–look engaging sufficient. We handle how macOS Sequoia compares to Sonoma? in a separate article. We additionally run by way of 6 reasons why you need to upgrade to macOS Sequoia.
However, it’s sensible 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 extensive Mac world. It’s additionally sensible to attend as a result of the obtain will probably take loads longer in the event you strive quickly after it turns into obtainable.
Refer to the issues and bugs part above to see if any of the recognized points may have an effect on you.
macOS Sequoia: How to put in
Installing macOS Sequoia is a breeze. Open System Settings and go to General > Software Update; macOS will examine for any obtainable updates and information you thru the method of putting in them. You merely should observe the directions, which we clarify in our macOS updating guide. And it’s simpler nonetheless in the event you’ve turned on Automatic Updates, which you are able to do from the identical display screen.
However, in the event you do encounter issues the next could also be helpful:
macOS Sequoia Beta: Latest model
Apple’s beta testing program for builders and public testers has been working since June/July and can proceed even after the launch of macOS Sequoia to most of the people. There is a separate macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta that features Apple Intelligence features. Below you’ll find details about the latest beta variations and set up them.
If you need to run the developer beta, it is advisable 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. Anyone can join the Public Beta, which must be extra secure than the developer beta, however it could nonetheless be unstable. By nature, beta software program is just not as secure as the ultimate model–features could also be applied after which withdrawn, or they could not work correctly, UI can change, and third-party app compatibility isn’t assured.
Once registered, while you go to System Settings > General > Software Update in your Mac, you’ll see a new tab for Beta Updates, which can record the model of the beta you’re working. 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 to join Apple’s beta program individually, together with particulars of get a free developer account. If you need to set up the beta, observe our macOS beta installation guide. If you then need to uninstall it, now we have a information for that: How to remove macOS beta.
The beta testing will proceed even after Apple releases macOS Sequoia to most of the people as Apple develops new features unavailable at launch.
Read How to join Apple’s beta program for more advice.
Latest developer beta
Apple started testing macOS 15.2 shortly earlier than the discharge of macOS 15.1. Read: How to install the Mac beta.
On October 23, Apple launched the primary macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta for builders with a number of new Apple Intelligence features, together with Genmoji, ChatGPT Integration with Siri, and the Image Playground for creating AI photos. It is predicted to reach in December. The first beta was restricted to Apple silicon Macs whereas the second beta is for all appropriate Macs.
(*15*)Sequoia beta 15.2.
Foundry
Latest public beta
Apple hasn’t launched a beta of macOS 15.2 to the general public but.
macOS Sequoia: All the new features
Many new features arrived in macOS 14 Sonoma in 2023 together with modifications to Widgets, a new Game Mode, the flexibility to simply flip net pages into net apps, and enjoyable additions to video conferencing apps. Rumors recommended that there wouldn’t be many new features in macOS 15, with AI-related enhancements in iOS 18 taking many of the improvement focus. However, some AI enhancements are coming alongside iPhone mirroring in your Mac show, a new Presenter Preview for video conferencing apps, and Game Porting Toolkit 2 for porting video games between Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Apple has introduced quite a few new features for the replace which we are going to describe under. Not all of the new features will likely be obtainable at launch although. Some new features will come “later this 12 months” in a subsequent software program replace.
iPhone mirroring
iPhone mirroring is a new improvement of Continuity. Continuity is a function that has existed on Macs for quite a lot of years which means you should utilize your Mac along with different units in a seamless method, making lower and paste, display screen sharing and mouse and keyboard sharing potential throughout units.
With the new capability to reflect an iPhone on a Mac’s show, will probably be potential for a Mac to hook up with an iPhone and show the iPhone display screen on the Mac’s show. This method a person will be capable of management their iPhone from their Mac, utilizing the keyboard and mouse to work together. Drag and drop between the Mac and iPhone may also be potential. Users may mirror the iPhone in a window on the Mac.
It may also be potential to launch their iPhone apps by way of their Mac. Any audio from the iPhone will play by way of the Mac’s audio system.
During any manipulation of the iPhone by way of the Mac, the iPhone will stay locked so no one can see what’s being performed. It may also be potential to make use of the telephone usually whereas it’s related to the Mac.
Users may also be capable of obtain iPhone notifications on a Mac. They will seem alongside Mac notifications. These could be interacted with even when the iPhone isn’t close by. Click on a notification and be taken into the app in your iPhone by way of the Mac’s show.
Read: How iPhone Mirroring lets you access your iPhone on your Mac in macOS Sequoia
Apple
Window Tiling
macOS Sequoia will convey a new, neater, method to prepare home windows. When a person drags a window to the sting of the display screen it would present a spot on the desktop that you would be able to slot that window into. This will make it straightforward to rapidly prepare tiles side-by-side in order that extra apps are in view.
There will likely be new keyboard and menu shortcuts to assist customers arrange tiles even sooner.
Read: Why you don’t want to ditch your tiling window manager just yet
Apple
Video conferencing
A new presenter preview will present customers what they’re about to share earlier than they share it. This function will work with Zoom and different apps, in addition to FaceTime.
It may also be potential to use built-in backgrounds with shade gradients and wallpapers. Users may also be capable of add their pictures. These Background replacements could be utilized in numerous video calling apps, even mid-call.
Apple
Safari 18
Safari 18 will embrace a number of new features together with a new Highlights function which can assist customers uncover info. The Reader function can be getting a redesign to attenuate distractions when you’re studying an article. Joining 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 will probably be positioned entrance and middle and the person could have entry to playback controls and picture-in-picture playback may also be potential.
Other rumored features included a “Web Eraser,” and a new web page controls menu. An replace in 2025 can be mentioned to be bringing an AI enhancement to Visual Lookup not simply in Safari, however all through the OS, though we’re awaiting affirmation.
Read: How to use Distraction Control to remove ads and This new Safari feature lets you snap away annoying ads.
Apple
New Passwords app
Apple is bringing the iCloud Keychain into the twenty first century. Apple says the new Passwords app will make it even simpler to entry passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and different credentials all in one place. It will seamlessly syncs between each Apple units and Windows with the iCloud for Windows app.
Apple
Calculator
It had been rumored that Apple is engaged on a new Calculator app. It could also be redesigned to resemble the iOS model, with new features together with a historical past tape, revamped conversions, and a resizable window. Apple did reveal that will probably be potential to see earlier calculations with a historical past function.
Calendar and Reminders
The Calendar app will permit customers to handle Reminders. Users will be capable of view occasions and duties from Reminders in the Calendar. An up to date Month View may also be obtainable and each apps will see UI modifications.
Other new features
Gaming enhancements
In 2023 Apple launched the Game Porting Toolkit to assist builders convey their video games to Apple units sooner than ever. Now Game Porting Toolkit 2 provides the most-requested capabilities from sport builders.
In addition, enhancements to Game Mode on the Mac will unlock smoother body charges, and superior energy administration features enhance efficiency throughout the Mac lineup.
Apple proudly shared particulars of a number of gaming titles that will likely be coming to the Mac, together with:
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Control Ultimate Edition
- Frostpunk 2
- Palworld
- RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard
- RESIDENT EVIL 2
- RoboCop: Rogue City
- Sniper Elite 4,
- Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- World of Warcraft: The War Within (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 “benefiting from the latest M3 household of chips to ship breathtaking visuals with ray tracing.”
Personalized Spatial Audio will outcome in considerably decreased audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd era).
Apple Intelligence features
Several reviews over the previous few months have indicated that Apple is doing quite a lot of work in the direction of AI, and that generative AI (utilizing AI to create content material) could have a giant function in macOS. Those reviews weren’t mistaken.
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 won’t supply these new features.
Read: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it is, what it does, and when you’ll get it
Writing
Apple Intelligence will assist customers improve their writing and communications. Writing Tools are constructed in systemwide that can supply to rewrite, proofread, and summarize textual content in writing-focused apps comparable to Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
Apple
Images
New picture capabilities may also come to M-series Macs. In Image Playground, customers will be capable of create photos in three types: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
Photos
A new Memories in Photos function will create a video from pictures and movies based mostly on an outline supplied by the person. Apple Intelligence will select the pictures and movies, develop a storyline based mostly on the pictures, and prepare them right into a film.
In addition, a new Clean Up device will establish and take away undesirable objects from the background of a photograph.
Siri
Siri can be getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is built-in into Siri. Because some queries will likely be dealt with off-device Apple is introducing Private Cloud Compute in order that when information is shipped to server-based fashions for processing it’s not saved or made accessible to Apple
One of the only modifications to Siri is that will probably be simpler to sort to Siri slightly than having to talk to the on-device assistant. Apple could have lastly twigged that folks don’t at all times need to discuss to their telephones.
Next model of macOS
Since Apple stopped utilizing the names of jungle cats with macOS 10.9 Mavericks, it’s used California locations to establish its annual OS updates. The final a number of years have been Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina. Apple has trademarked a number of different place names, together with Condor, Mammoth, Redwood, and Sequoia. But it’s anybody guess which Californian location macOS 16 will likely be named after.
But what subsequent in phrases of software program? Expect much more Apple Intelligence features to come back in the late 2025 replace to macOS and anticipate that iOS, iPadOS and macOS will likely be nearer than ever.
In the latest previous, the discharge has come a number of weeks after the new version of iOS ships. Here 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 Big Sur: November 12, 2020
- macOS 10.15 Catalina: October 7, 2019
- macOS 10.14 Mojave: September 24, 2018
