# Apple Unveils macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta 5: What’s New?
Apple has officially launched **macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 5**, signaling progress towards the upcoming debut of **Apple Intelligence** next month. This beta iteration brings a host of new features and enhancements, especially in the field of AI-driven tools like **Siri** and **Apple Intelligence**. Below is an overview of the main updates and capabilities in this recent beta version.
*Image: José Adorno for BGR*
## Main Features in macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta 5
### 1. **Type to Siri**
One of the standout enhancements in this beta is the refinement of the **Type to Siri** feature. Users now have the ability to type their inquiries to Siri, allowing the assistant to process requests more intelligently. This functionality is particularly helpful for those who prefer not to speak or are in situations where vocal commands may not be suitable.
### 2. **Writing Tools**
Apple Intelligence is advancing further, introducing new **writing tools** that enable users to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across various applications, such as **Mail**, **Notes**, **Pages**, and even external apps. This feature aims to simplify the writing experience, allowing users to generate polished content more efficiently.
### 3. **Revamped Siri**
Siri has undergone a significant transformation in both appearance and capabilities. The assistant can now hold **context between requests**, resulting in a more conversational and seamless experience. Regardless of any hesitations or changes during your inquiries, Siri is better equipped to grasp your intention and provide precise answers.
### 4. **Priority Notifications**
The newly introduced **priority notifications** feature guarantees that crucial alerts are displayed prominently at the top of your notification stack. This assists users in concentrating on what is most important, with notifications condensed for faster review. Whether it’s an urgent email or an essential reminder, this feature ensures you stay updated on critical information.
### 5. **Priority Messages in Mail**
In the **Mail** app, users can now highlight **time-sensitive messages** at the top of their inbox. For example, invitations with deadlines or flight check-in notifications will be prioritized, ensuring significant communications do not go unnoticed.
### 6. **Focus Mode**
The innovative **Focus Mode** aims to minimize disruptions by smartly filtering notifications based on their relevance. For instance, if you’re waiting for a message about picking up your child from daycare, Focus Mode will elevate that notification while downplaying less urgent ones.
### 7. **Email Summarization**
Lengthy emails can be daunting, but with the new **email summarization** feature, users can tap to access a brief overview of extensive messages in the **Mail** app. This allows for quick access to key points without the need to read the entire email.
### 8. **Call Recording and Transcription in Notes**
With **macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta**, users can now **record and transcribe calls** directly in the **Notes** or **Phone** applications. Apple Intelligence will also produce summaries of these transcripts, allowing for easy review of essential information at a glance.
### 9. **Smart Reply in Mail**
The **Smart Reply** functionality in **Mail** assists users in crafting responses more effectively. Apple Intelligence can recognize the question in an email and provide pertinent suggestions for a reply, saving time and reducing effort.
### 10. **Clean Up in Photos**
The **Photos** app now boasts a **Clean Up** feature, which identifies and eliminates distracting objects from a photo’s background. This tool ensures that the photo’s subject remains the focal point without unintentionally altering important elements of the image.
### 11. **Summarization Across More Apps**
Beyond just summarizing emails and messages, **Apple Intelligence** can now provide summaries across a wider array of applications, enabling users to more easily process large quantities of information swiftly.
## What’s Ahead?
As Apple readies itself for the official launch of **Apple Intelligence**, the company continues to fine-tune its AI-centric features in macOS Sequoia 15.1. With advancements to Siri, improved writing tools, and smarter notifications, macOS is evolving to be more intuitive and user-centric. **BGR** will keep an eye on and report any future updates in upcoming beta releases.
Stay connected for more news as Apple approaches the full rollout of **macOS Sequoia 15.1** and **Apple Intelligence** next month.
