The Latest macOS 15 Sequoia Unveiled by Apple at 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference
What is macOS 15 Sequoia?
Apple recently announced macOS 15 Sequoia, the newest operating system for Macs, named after the Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This release marks the first OS to support Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI platform. The AI features include audio transcription in Notes, Smart Reply in Mail, and an enhanced Siri capable of understanding natural language prompts. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior VP of software engineering, highlighted the power of Apple silicon combined with macOS ease of use in this groundbreaking release.
Main Features of macOS 15 Sequoia
Apple Intelligence Features
Writing Tools
macOS 15 offers AI Writing Tools accessible across various writing platforms, including Mail, Notes, and Pages. These tools include Proofread for grammar suggestions, Rewrite for alternate writing styles, and summarization options like Summary or Key Points. Users can expect AI-generated email previews and Smart Reply options in Mail for enhanced productivity.
Notes
Notes now incorporates audio transcription and summarization features using Apple Intelligence. Users can expect real-time transcription during meetings, automatic calculation solving, and more.
Image Playground
Image Playground is an AI image tool embedded within macOS 15, allowing users to generate AI images seamlessly across native apps like Messages and Pages.
Siri
Siri receives significant AI enhancements, introducing on-screen awareness, in-app actions, improved natural language processing, and a refreshed visual appearance.
ChatGPT and Private Cloud Compute
macOS 15 enables connectivity to ChatGPT for real-time information access and enhanced text and image generation. Additionally, users can leverage Private Cloud Compute for more intensive computing tasks, safeguarding data privacy.
Other Notable Features
iPhone Mirroring
iPhone Mirroring allows users to interact with their iPhone on Mac, ensuring privacy by displaying the phone’s content within a window on the PC screen.
Safari Enhancements
Safari enhancements include page Highlights in the address bar, revamped Reader tool, and improved video viewing experience.
Window Tiling
macOS 15 introduces automatic window rearrangement for a more organized desktop based on user actions.
Video Conferencing
Enhanced video conferencing features provide presenters with a preview of their shared screen content and offer customizable background options.
Passwords App
Replacing Keychain, Passwords securely stores user credentials with syncing capabilities across Apple and Windows devices.
Calculator and Calendar Updates
The Calculator app now offers history tracking and unit conversions, while Calendar presents an improved Month View and syncs Reminders for seamless event management.
Device Compatibility and Release Date
macOS Sequoia is compatible with various Mac devices, specifically those equipped with Apple M-series chips for optimal Apple Intelligence functionality. The beta version is currently available for developers, with a public release scheduled for Autumn 2024.
How to Download and Install macOS 15 Sequoia
Registered developers can access the beta version through the Apple Developer Program, following simple steps within System Settings. It’s recommended to back up your Mac before installation to prevent data loss.
If you are not yet ready to transition to Sequoia, you can explore TechRepublic’s cheat sheets for macOS 14 Sonoma and macOS 13 Ventura for more insights.