MacOS Sequoia is here as a free update, bringing some serious upgrades to your Mac. From iPhone Mirroring to the all-new Passwords app, Safari improvements, and the upcoming Apple Intelligence, there’s a lot to get excited about. Let’s dive into the top features that make this update worth your time.
Table of Contents
iPhone Mirroring – Your iPhone, Now on Your Mac
Continuity just got a huge boost with iPhone Mirroring. Ever wanted to access your iPhone right from your Mac without even picking it up? Now you can. Open your favorite iPhone apps, swipe between screens, and respond to notifications without leaving your Mac. It’s seamless and secure—your iPhone stays locked, so no one else can peek at your business while you’re at it. Plus, it works with StandBy mode, letting you keep up with notifications at a glance on your iPhone.
Do I think it’s a little silly? Sure. But I’m interested to see if this feature grows into something more by the next update.
Safari Gets Smarter
Safari, already the fastest browser out there, is stepping it up with Highlights. This new feature uses machine learning to surface relevant info on the spot, like directions, article summaries, or quick links to your favorite shows. And with the redesigned Reader and Viewer, reading articles and watching videos is easier than ever. If you’re tired of distractions while browsing, Distraction Control has your back, hiding unwanted elements on any page.
Tiling Windows Made Simple
Window Tiling in macOS Sequoia is a game-changer for multitaskers. Drag a window to the screen’s edge, and macOS will suggest the perfect tile position. You can easily snap windows side-by-side or organize them in corners for a cleaner, clutter-free view. There are also new keyboard shortcuts to make the process even quicker.
All-New Passwords App
Managing passwords just got a whole lot easier with the new Passwords app. Store and access all your logins, passkeys, and Wi-Fi passwords in one secure place, with end-to-end encryption. It’s fully integrated with Safari and syncs seamlessly across your Apple devices—and even with Windows if you’re using iCloud for Windows. Goodbye, password headaches.
Better Video Calls with FaceTime and More
Video calls on FaceTime (or third-party apps like Zoom and Webex) now come with customizable backgrounds. Choose from scenic Apple Park shots, gradients, or even your own photos to personalize your look. With Presenter Preview, you can check your screen before sharing, making accidental screen-shares a thing of the past. And thanks to Apple’s advanced segmentation tech, you’ll look your best in every call.
Coming Soon: Apple Intelligence
Starting next month, Apple Intelligence will transform what you can do on a Mac. This new system uses the M-series chip and Neural Engine for next-level language understanding and image creation. From Writing Tools that help with editing and summarizing to a more conversational Siri with better context awareness, Apple Intelligence brings powerful, privacy-focused AI right to your device. Plus, many of these features run entirely on-device, thanks to Private Cloud Compute, adding an extra layer of security.
Extra Features Worth Checking Out
- Messages: Schedule messages, add animated text effects, and react with any emoji or sticker.
- Notes: Record audio with real-time transcription, and solve math problems directly in the Notes app.
- Maps: Topographic maps and custom hiking routes for U.S. national parks.
Availability
macOS Sequoia is free to download starting today. The first set of Apple Intelligence features will go into beta next month on iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, with more rolling out over the next few months. These new features will be available on Mac with M1 chips or later, as well as on newer iPhones and iPads.
Check out apple.com/macos/macos-sequoia for the full breakdown on macOS Sequoia.