**macOS 15 Sequoia: An In-Depth Review**
The newest macOS update, macOS 15 Sequoia, has arrived, and although it might be referred to as “the AI version” in retrospect, the initial 15.0 release does not include the highly awaited Apple Intelligence features. These AI-based tools are anticipated to be introduced in subsequent updates, with some expected in 15.1 later this fall, while others, like image generation, might be postponed until year-end. Nevertheless, Sequoia presents numerous non-AI enhancements that render it a worthwhile update for Mac users, especially those utilizing Apple Silicon devices. Here’s a thorough exploration of what macOS 15 Sequoia brings to the table.
### System Requirements and Compatibility
Sequoia maintains support for the majority of Macs compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma, including Intel models. However, the disparity between Intel and Apple Silicon Macs is increasing, as the new Apple Intelligence functionalities will be reserved for Apple Silicon devices. Here’s the complete compatibility listing:
– 2019 iMac and newer
– 2020 MacBook Air and newer (both Intel and Apple Silicon)
– 2018 MacBook Pro and onward
– 2019 Mac Pro and beyond
– 2018 Mac mini and later
– 2017 iMac Pro
– All Mac Studio versions
Intel Macs will be left out of the Apple Intelligence features, but they can still use Sequoia, marking the first instance since 2019 that a macOS version is compatible with the same Intel Macs as the prior release.
### Notable Features in macOS 15 Sequoia
#### Window Tiling (Snapping)
A key highlight of Sequoia is the addition of window tiling, a frequently requested feature that enables users to snap windows to the edges or corners of their display, akin to Windows’ Aero Snap. This functionality simplifies multitasking by allowing users to swiftly arrange windows into halves or quarters of the screen. Keyboard shortcuts further improve the experience, making it an effective tool for those who appreciate a tidier workspace.
#### iPhone Mirroring
Sequoia debuts iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to see and interact with their iPhone screen directly from their Mac. This function is especially beneficial for managing applications lacking Mac versions or for quickly accessing iPhone-specific capabilities without needing to pick up the device. However, it comes with some constraints, such as the inability to access the lock screen or utilize Apple Pay.
#### Safari 18
Safari 18 introduces several enhancements designed to elevate the browsing experience. Highlights and Reader Summaries leverage AI to deliver swift summaries of articles, while the “Hide Distracting Items” function lets users temporarily eliminate bothersome page elements like advertisements and pop-ups. Safari Web Apps also receive upgrades with support for extensions and the capability to open links directly within web applications.
#### Passwords App
The new standalone Passwords app in Sequoia streamlines the organization of passwords, passkeys, and two-factor authentication codes in a more intuitive manner. It also connects with Chrome and Edge through an autofill extension, making it a feasible alternative to third-party password managers for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
#### Photos and Notes
The Photos app introduces a new “Trips” view to categorize photos by travel dates, while the Notes app features collapsible subheadings and Math Notes that can process equations right within a note. These minor yet beneficial updates enhance the functionality of both apps for daily usage.
### Under-the-Hood Enhancements
#### Virtualization Improvements
Sequoia upgrades Apple’s Virtualization framework, enabling users to sign in to iCloud from macOS virtual machines for the first time. This is a major advancement for developers and testers who depend on VMs for testing iCloud-related features.
#### Game Porting Toolkit 2
The Game Porting Toolkit has been refreshed to include support for AVX2 instructions and ray tracing, simplifying the process of running Windows games on macOS. While Apple promotes this toolkit as a bridge for developers to transition games to macOS, third-party applications like Whisky have enabled the running of unmodified Windows games on Mac.
#### FSKit for Userspace File Systems
Sequoia rolls out FSKit, a new framework allowing developers to incorporate support for additional file systems without needing kernel extensions. This could potentially enhance support for file systems such as NTFS, ZFS, and ext4 in the future.
### Privacy and Security Enhancements
#### Stricter Gatekeeper
Sequoia fortifies security by eliminating the option to bypass Gatekeeper via a simple right-click. Users must now navigate through System Settings to permit unsigned applications to operate, adding an additional security layer while also increasing the inconvenience for users who often execute unsigned software.
#### Private and Rotating MAC Addresses
Sequoia incorporates iOS’s “Private Wi-Fi Address” feature, which assigns a unique MAC address for each Wi-Fi connection, enhancing user privacy.
