At its WWDC 2024 event, Apple previewed macOS Sequoia, the latest version of its desktop operating system. Alongside macOS Sequoia, Apple introduced iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
iPhone Mirroring
macOS Sequoia enhances Continuity with iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to access and use their iPhone directly from their Mac.
- Users can interact with their iPhone apps, receive audio through their Mac, and manage notifications seamlessly.
- The iPhone remains locked for security, while still providing access to its functions from the Mac.
Safari Updates
Safari introduces Highlights for easier web browsing, offering quick access to information like directions and summaries.
The redesigned Reader provides a distraction-free reading experience, and the new Viewer feature brings videos to the forefront with full system playback controls.
Enhanced Gaming Experience
macOS Sequoia brings new games and features to Mac, including highly anticipated titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
- The update includes Personalized Spatial Audio, reduced latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation), and improved Game Mode for smoother performance.
- Game Porting Toolkit 2 helps developers bring advanced games to Mac, iPhone, and iPad more efficiently.
Window Tiling
New window tiling features in macOS Sequoia allow users to organize their workspace more effectively. Dragging a window to the edge of the screen suggests tiled positions, enabling quick and easy arrangement of windows.
Video Conferencing Enhancements
The presenter preview feature in macOS Sequoia allows users to see what they’re about to share during video calls. Users can also apply built-in or custom backgrounds during calls in apps like FaceTime and Zoom.
Passwords App
The new Passwords app, built on Keychain, provides a secure and organized way to manage passwords, passkeys, and Wi-Fi credentials. It syncs seamlessly across Apple devices and with Windows via iCloud for Windows.
Apple Intelligence
macOS Sequoia integrates Apple Intelligence for enhanced writing and communication tools.
- Users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text with systemwide Writing Tools.
- Image Playground allows for easy creation of playful images, and the Memories feature in Photos helps craft storylines from user descriptions.
- Siri becomes more natural and contextually relevant, with integrated access to ChatGPT for advanced assistance.
Additional Features
- Messages: New features include text effects, emoji and sticker Tapbacks, and the ability to schedule messages.
- Apple Maps: Curated hikes and custom walking routes across U.S. national parks.
- Photos: Automatic organization with Collections and improved search functionality.
- Notes: Smarter note-taking with audio transcription and equation solving.
- Calculator: History of calculations and expression viewing.
- Calendar: Integration with Reminders and an updated Month View.
Availability
The developer beta of macOS Sequoia is available now through the Apple Developer Program.
- A public beta will be available next month through the Apple Beta Software Program.
- The full release will be available as a free update this fall, including Apple Intelligence features in beta with Siri set to U.S. English.