Apple has introduced macOS Sequoia, the latest version of its desktop operating system, bringing new productivity tools and intelligence features to Mac users. Among the updates are iPhone Mirroring, enhancements to Safari, a new Passwords app, and improvements in gaming experiences.
iPhone Mirroring Expands Continuity
macOS Sequoia enhances Continuity with iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to fully access and control their iPhone directly from their Mac. Users can interact with their iPhone’s Home Screen, apps, and notifications using their Mac’s keyboard, trackpad, and mouse. This feature also supports seamless drag-and-drop functionality between iPhone and Mac.
Safari Updates with Highlights
Safari also introduced the Highlights feature for easier information discovery on webpages. A redesigned Reader provides a streamlined view of articles, summaries, and tables of contents for longer pieces. The new Viewer tool highlights videos on pages, offering improved playback controls.
New Passwords App
The new Passwords app in macOS Sequoia consolidates access to passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other credentials. Built on Keychain’s foundation, it offers secure, end-to-end encrypted iCloud syncing, ensuring credentials are easily accessible across Apple devices and Windows via iCloud for Windows.
Enhanced Gaming Experience
macOS Sequoia promises a better gaming experience with new titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Frostpunk 2. Personalized Spatial Audio and reduced audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation) improve immersion. Game Mode enhancements provide smoother frame rates and better performance.
Apple Intelligence Integration
Apple Intelligence, integrated into macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18, combines generative models with personal context to enhance productivity. It offers systemwide writing tools, image capabilities, and advanced Siri functionalities. This personal intelligence system is optimized for devices with M-series chips and ensures privacy through on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute.
Additional Features
- Window Tiling: New tools for organizing windows into layouts, with automatic suggestions for tiled positions.
- Video Conferencing: Presenter preview and customizable backgrounds for FaceTime and third-party apps.
- Messages: New text effects, emoji, and the ability to schedule messages.
- Apple Maps: Curated hikes and custom walking routes, including offline access.
- Photos: Improved Collections organization and faster search capabilities.
- Notes: Audio transcription and summarization features, along with automatic equation solving.
- Calculator: Enhanced with a history view and expression display.
- Calendar: Integration of events and tasks from Reminders, with an updated Month View.
Availability
The developer beta of macOS Sequoia is now available through the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta coming next month. The official release is set for this fall as a free software update.
Source: Apple Newsroom
