# macOS Sequoia: Features, Apple Intelligence, Download, and Compatibility
macOS Sequoia 15 represents Apple’s most recent operating system aimed at powering its MacBook laptops and desktop models. In the wake of macOS Sonoma, which prioritized enhancements in video calling and gaming performance, macOS Sequoia pivots to emphasize Apple Intelligence while unveiling a variety of new features intended to boost productivity and user satisfaction.
In this article, we will delve into the essential features of macOS Sequoia, its launch date, instructions for downloading it, and the Mac models that can utilize this update.
## What is macOS Sequoia?
macOS Sequoia is the 15th significant iteration of Apple’s macOS operating system. It builds on prior versions by incorporating Apple Intelligence, a collection of AI-driven tools aimed at amplifying user productivity and creativity. This upgrade also contains enhancements for Safari, integration with iPhone, and innovative ways to manage windows and video calls.
## macOS Sequoia Release Date
macOS Sequoia was officially unveiled on **September 16, 2024**, following its announcement at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. The initial developer beta became available on June 10, succeeded by a public beta in July.
## Apple Intelligence: The Highlight of macOS Sequoia
A key addition to macOS Sequoia is **Apple Intelligence**, a feature powered by AI that is exclusive to Macs equipped with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, and beyond). Apple Intelligence is crafted with user privacy as a priority, ensuring that AI capabilities are incorporated without compromising personal data.
### Key Features of Apple Intelligence:
1. **Writing Tools**: Enables users to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across various applications, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party software.
2. **Image Playground**: A creative resource that allows users to generate whimsical images almost instantly, with choices for Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. This functionality is embedded within apps like Messages and also offered as a standalone application.
3. **Memories in Photos**: Users can craft personalized narratives by entering a description, with Apple Intelligence automatically selecting optimal photos and videos to compile into a movie with a storyline.
4. **Clean Up Tool**: This tool in the Photos app assists users in removing distracting elements from a photo’s background while maintaining the integrity of the main subject.
5. **Siri Enhancements**: Siri now accommodates typed commands and enables users to fluidly alternate between text and voice inputs.
6. **ChatGPT Integration**: For those requiring more sophisticated AI capabilities, macOS Sequoia integrates ChatGPT, enhancing Writing Tools and various AI-driven functionalities.
These capabilities are included in the **macOS 15.1** update, which was rolled out shortly after the initial launch of macOS Sequoia.
## Other Noteworthy Features of macOS Sequoia
### iPhone Mirroring
One of the prominent features in macOS Sequoia is **iPhone Mirroring**, allowing users to engage fully with their iPhone directly from their Mac. This function lets users access their iPhone’s applications, navigate through Home Screen pages, and operate the iPhone using the Mac’s keyboard, trackpad, or mouse. Audio from the iPhone is also transmitted through the Mac, facilitating a fluid experience.
With the **macOS 15.1** update, users now have the ability to **drag and drop files** between their iPhone and Mac, simplifying data transfer.
### Safari Enhancements
Safari has experienced multiple upgrades in macOS Sequoia:
– **Highlights**: A new feature that facilitates the discovery of pertinent information online, such as directions, summaries, and quick links.
– **Reader Mode**: An updated Reader Mode provides a distraction-free reading environment, complete with a simplified view, summaries, and a table of contents for longer articles.
– **Video Detection**: Safari now automatically identifies videos on a webpage and introduces a new Viewer mode that highlights the video, complete with full system playback controls.
### Window Tiling and Video Conferencing
macOS Sequoia offers fresh methods for organizing windows on your desktop. When a window is dragged to the edge of the display, macOS will propose a tiled arrangement, simplifying the organization of multiple windows.
For video conferencing, macOS Sequoia includes a **presenter preview** feature, allowing users to see what they intend to share before displaying it in applications like FaceTime and Zoom.
### Passwords App and Privacy Enhancements
The new **Passwords App** centralizes all your passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, and verification codes in one location, streamlining the management of your digital security.
Additionally, macOS Sequoia incorporates the ability to **lock and hide apps**, ensuring that sensitive content like
