# macOS Sequoia: Apple’s Newest Operating System for Mac
macOS Sequoia 15, the most recent operating system introduced by Apple, has officially debuted, offering a variety of new features and upgrades for Mac users. With an emphasis on Apple Intelligence, smooth integration with other Apple devices, and groundbreaking tools, macOS Sequoia seeks to transform the user experience for both MacBook and desktop users. Here’s all you need to know about this revolutionary update.
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## **What is macOS Sequoia?**
macOS Sequoia 15 succeeds macOS Sonoma, which primarily focused on enhancing video calls and gaming capabilities. Sequoia adopts a different direction, centering on artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools, improved productivity features, and tighter connections within the Apple ecosystem.
The title “Sequoia” follows Apple’s tradition of naming its macOS releases after notable California landmarks, signifying strength, growth, and innovation.
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## **Release Date**
macOS Sequoia was made publicly accessible on **September 16, 2024**, after its launch at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Developers gained early access to the beta version on June 10, with a public beta rolled out in July.
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## **Key Features of macOS Sequoia**
### **1. Apple Intelligence: AI at Its Core**
Restricted to Macs equipped with Apple Silicon, Apple Intelligence serves as the heart of macOS Sequoia. It incorporates AI-driven tools throughout the system while emphasizing privacy. Notable features include:
– **Writing Tools**: Revise, edit, and summarize text in apps such as Mail, Notes, and Pages, along with third-party applications.
– **Image Playground**: Craft custom animations, illustrations, or sketches directly within Messages or a specialized app.
– **Photo Memories**: Create tailored photo and video narratives by merely entering a description.
– **Clean Up Tool**: Eliminate unwanted elements from images without modifying the subject.
– **Enhanced Siri**: Effortlessly switch between spoken and typed commands, with improved contextual comprehension.
– **ChatGPT Integration**: For more advanced AI functionalities, users can activate ChatGPT to supplement Apple Intelligence.
These functionalities were introduced with the macOS 15.1 update, further augmenting the system’s features.
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### **2. iPhone Mirroring**
A notable highlight of macOS Sequoia is **iPhone Mirroring**, which enables users to manage their iPhone directly from their Mac. This feature includes:
– Complete access to the iPhone’s Home Screen, applications, and alerts.
– The capacity to control the iPhone using the Mac’s keyboard, trackpad, and mouse.
– Smooth drag-and-drop capabilities between iPhone and Mac, launched in macOS 15.1.
This feature is especially beneficial for multitasking and enhances the Continuity experience.
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### **3. Enhanced Safari**
Safari in macOS Sequoia brings various updates to enhance browsing:
– **Highlights**: Swiftly access summaries, directions, and related links.
– **Reader Mode**: A refreshed layout for distraction-free article reading, complete with summaries and tables of contents.
– **Video Detection**: Automatically find and spotlight videos on web pages, along with Picture-in-Picture functionality.
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### **4. Window Tiling and Video Conferencing**
macOS Sequoia presents new tools to boost multitasking and collaboration:
– **Window Tiling**: Dragging a window to the edge of the screen automatically suggests a tiled arrangement.
– **Presenter Preview**: A new video conferencing tool that allows users to preview their shared materials before presenting in applications like FaceTime and Zoom.
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### **5. Passwords App**
The newly introduced **Passwords App** enhances Keychain, providing a centralized hub for handling passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, and verification codes. Users can also lock and conceal apps, ensuring sensitive information remains confidential and accessible exclusively through Face ID or Touch ID.
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### **6. Additional Features**
– **Messages**: Fresh text effects, emoji Tapbacks, and the ability to schedule messages.
– **Apple Maps**: Curated hiking trails and offline navigation for national parks in the U.S.
– **Notes**: Audio transcription and summarization, in addition to automatic equation solving.
– **Calculator**: A history function to monitor previous calculations.
– **Calendar**: Integration with Reminders for a comprehensive view of tasks and events.
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## **Updates and Improvements**
### **macOS 15.1**
The initial major update for macOS Sequoia introduced:
– Apple Intelligence tools such as Writing Tools and Clean Up.
– Enhanced iPhone Mirroring with drag-and-drop capabilities.
– Upgraded Siri with improved contextual comprehension.
### **macOS 15.2**
Launched on December 11, macOS 15.2 included:
– **Image Playground**: Expanded creative tools for generating animations and illustrations.
