macOS 15 Sequoia superguide: What you need to know about the Mac update

macOS Sequoia is now available. If you want to know what the new features are and whether your Mac will be compatible with Sequoia, read on.

The new version of macOS is called Sequoia, named after the Californian National Park and, more specifically, the world’s largest trees. Among the new features coming to Macs in Sequoia are iPhone mirroring, which puts your iPhone screen on your Mac’s display and lets you interact with it via your mouse and keyboard, a new Video conferencing presenter preview, and changes to Safari. In addition, developers will be easily able to port games between iPhone, Mac, and iPad.

The free software update brings a raft of interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new features. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about macOS 15 Sequoia including how to download it. We also link to various tutorials about how to use the new features. Some features will only work on Macs with an M-series chip, including several Apple Intelligence features that will offer help with writing, creating images, editing photos, and more.

Some people have been running Sequoia for some time thanks to Apple’s beta testing program. In this article, we also discuss the latest versions of both the developer and public beta.

macOS Sequoia: Release date

• Launched on September 16

Apple released macOS Sequoia to the public earlier than usual, alongside iOS 18 on Monday, September 16. iOS 18, watchOS and iPadOS 18 were released at the same time.

macOS Sequoia: Latest version

The latest version of macOS Sequoia is macOS 15.0, but expect macOS 15.0.1 to arrive soon as Apple addresses any problems with the initial release.

Apple is also working on macOS Sequoia is macOS 15.1, which includes Apple Intelligence features.

macOS Sequoia: How to install

Installing macOS Sequoia is a breeze. Open System Settings and go to General > Software Update; macOS will check for any available updates and guide you through the process of installing them. You simply have to follow the instructions, which we explain in our macOS updating guide. And it’s easier still if you’ve turned on Automatic Updates, which you can do from the same screen.

However, if you do encounter problems the following may be useful:

macOS Sequoia compatibility: Which Macs will be able to run macOS 15?

The following Macs get support for macOS 15.

• iMac from 2019 and later
• Mac Pro from 2019 and later
• iMac Pro from 2017
• Mac Studio from 2022 and later
• MacBook Air from 2020 and later
• Mac mini from 2018 and later
• MacBook Pro from 2018 and later

There are two 13-inch MacBook Air models from 2018 and 2019 running Sonoma that won’t be able to install Sequoia.

The compatibility list is becoming a pressing concern for users of Intel Macs. After Apple introduced its M-series Macs, the company said it would continue to support Intel Macs for several years, but it did not offer specifics. The clock is ticking on Intel Macs, but the last generation of Intel Macs remains on the macOS 15 compatibility list with a few Intel Macs that can run macOS Sequoia.

However, only Macs with an M1, M2, or M3-series chip will support the new AI features referred to as “Apple Intelligence.” That includes the following:

• iMac from 2021 and later
• Mac Pro from 2023
• Mac Studio from 2022 and later
• MacBook Air from late 2020 and later
• Mac mini from late 2020 and later
• MacBook Pro from late 2020 and later

If your Mac can’t be updated to Sequoia that doesn’t mean you are completely abandoned by Apple. Apple will provide security updates for some Macs that don’t run macOS 15. Generally, Apple provides software updates for the past two versions of macOS. See: How long does Apple support Macs? On average, Macs get 6.6 years of macOS updates.

To find out which version of macOS and older Mac can run take a look at our macOS compatibility list.

macOS Sequoia: Should I install Sequoia?

As long as your Mac can run it, we recommend updating to Sequoia. The new features–all of which we discuss below–look enticing enough. We address how macOS Sequoia compares to Sonoma? in a separate article. We also run through 6 reasons why you need to upgrade to macOS Sequoia.

However, it’s wise to wait a week or so for the inevitable issues with the early release to be addressed: despite the beta program, there are often issues once the software update gets out into the wide Mac world. It’s also wise to wait because the download will likely take a lot longer if you try soon after it becomes available.

macOS Sequoia Beta: Latest version

Apple’s beta testing program for developers and public testers has been running since June/July and will continue even after the launch of macOS Sequoia to the general public. There is a separate macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta that includes Apple Intelligence features. Below you can find information about the latest beta versions and how to install them.

If you want to run the developer beta, you need to be a registered Apple software developer, which has both free and paid ($99/£79) versions. Since June 2023 Apple has opened the beta to all registered developers–so now everyone can get the earliest possible access to the macOS beta without paying a penny. Anyone can sign up for the Public Beta, which should be more stable than the developer beta, but it may still be unstable. By nature, beta software is not as stable as the final version–features may be implemented and then withdrawn, or they may not work properly, UI can change, and third-party app compatibility isn’t guaranteed.

Once registered, when you go to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac, you’ll see a new tab for Beta Updates, which will list the version of the beta you’re running. For example, if you want to install the developer beta select macOS 15 Public Beta, alternatively, if it’s the public beta you want, select macOS 15 Public Beta.

We explain How to join Apple’s beta program separately, including details of how to get a free developer account. If you want to install the beta, follow our macOS beta installation guide. If you then want to uninstall it, we have a guide for that: How to remove macOS beta.

The beta testing will continue even after Apple releases macOS Sequoia to the general public as Apple develops new features unavailable at launch.

Read How to join Apple’s beta program for more advice.

Latest developer beta

• macOS 15.0
• macOS Sequoia 15.1 – developer beta 4 – Latest version September 17, 2024

Apple began the beta program soon after it revealed the details of macOS 15 at WWDC. The developer beta is available for anyone who wants to run it, but it should be noted that betas can be buggy, so we don’t recommend installing it on a primary device. Read: How to install the Mac beta.

The second version of the developer beta arrived on June 24. This version brought iPhone Mirroring–the ability to access an iPhone through a Mac. (See the new features section below for more details). The third developer beta arrived on July 10. The macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 4 was released on July 23. Developer beta 5 was released on August 5. Developer beta 6 was released on August 12. Developer beta 7 on August 20, and developer beta 8 on August 28. The RC final verison of macOS 15 developer beta arrived on September 9.

On July 29, Apple started work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta and introduced some Apple Intelligence features. This separate beta development was necessary because the initial launch of macOS 15 Sequoia wouldn’t include the AI features. On August 12, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 2. Beta 3 of macOS Sequoia 15.1 came on August 28. And the fourth version of macOS Sequoia 15.1 came on September 17. This is a developer beta and will only run on M-series Macs. A report by 9to5Mac states that Apple Intelligence will not run if the 15.1 beta is running on an external drive. It’s not known if this condition will remain when Apple officially releases 15.1.

Latest public beta

• macOS 15 – RC – Latest version September 9, 2024

Running alongside the developer beta is the macOS Sequoia 15 public beta. Public beta testers can’t try out the Sequois 15.1 beta (unless they sign up for a developer account).

Apple released the macOS Sequoia public beta on July 15, 2024 (in 2023 Apple Apple released the first public beta of macOS 14 on July 12). The second update to the pubic beta came on July 23, 2024, and the third on August 6. The Sequoia public beta 5 was released on August 20, 2024. Apple released the Sequoia public beta 6 on August 28, 2024. The final release candidate arrived on September 9.

macOS Sequoia: All the new features

Many new features arrived in macOS 14 Sonoma in 2023 including changes to Widgets, a new Game Mode, the ability to easily turn web pages into web apps, and fun additions to video conferencing apps. Rumors suggested that there wouldn’t be many new features in macOS 15, with AI-related improvements in iOS 18 taking most of the development focus. However, there are some some AI improvements coming alongside iPhone mirroring on your Mac display, a new Presenter Preview for video conferencing apps, and Game Porting Toolkit 2 for porting games between Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Apple has announced numerous new features for the update which we will describe below. Not all the new features will be available at launch though. Some new features will come “later this year” in a subsequent software update.

iPhone mirroring

iPhone mirroring is a new development of Continuity. Continuity is a feature that has existed on Macs for a number of years that means you can use your Mac together with other devices in a seamless way, making cut and paste, screen sharing and mouse and keyboard sharing possible across devices.

With the new ability to mirror an iPhone on a Mac’s display, it will be possible for a Mac to connect to an iPhone and display the iPhone screen on the Mac’s display. This way a user will be able to control their iPhone from their Mac, using the keyboard and mouse to interact. Drag and drop between the Mac and iPhone will also be possible. Users can also mirror the iPhone in a window on the Mac.

It will also be possible to launch their iPhone apps via their Mac. Any audio from the iPhone will play through the Mac’s speakers.

During any manipulation of the iPhone via the Mac, the iPhone will remain locked so nobody can see what is being done. It will also be possible to use the phone normally while it is connected to the Mac.

Users will also be able to receive iPhone notifications on a Mac. They will appear alongside Mac notifications. These can be interacted with even when the iPhone isn’t nearby. Click on a notification and be taken into the app on your iPhone via the Mac’s display.

Read: How iPhone Mirroring lets you access your iPhone on your Mac in macOS Sequoia

Window Tiling

macOS Sequoia will bring a new, neater, way to arrange windows. When a user drags a window to the edge of the screen it will show a place on the desktop that you can slot that window into. This will make it easy to quickly arrange tiles side-by-side so that more apps are in view.

There will be new keyboard and menu shortcuts to help users organize tiles even faster.

Read: Why you don’t want to ditch your tiling window manager just yet

Video conferencing

A new presenter preview will show users what they’re about to share before they share it. This feature will work with Zoom and other apps, as well as FaceTime.

It will also be possible to apply built-in backgrounds with color gradients and wallpapers. Users will also be able to upload their photos. These Background replacements can be applied in various video calling apps, even mid-call.

Safari 18

Safari 18 will include several new features including a new Highlights feature which will help users discover information. The Reader feature is also getting a redesign to minimize distractions when you are reading an article. Joining the more streamlined version of the article that can already be accessed, users will see a summary and a table of contents for longer articles.

If there is a video on the page it will be placed front and center and the user will have access to playback controls and picture-in-picture playback will also be possible.

Other rumored features included a “Web Eraser,” and a new page controls menu. An update in 2025 is also said to be bringing an AI enhancement to Visual Lookup not just in Safari, but throughout the OS, although we are awaiting confirmation.

Read: How to use Distraction Control to remove ads and This new Safari feature lets you snap away annoying ads.

New Passwords app

Apple is bringing the iCloud Keychain into the 21st century. Apple says the new Passwords app will make it even easier to access passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other credentials all in one place. It will seamlessly syncs between both Apple devices and Windows with the iCloud for Windows app.

Calculator

It had been rumored that Apple is working on a new Calculator app. It may be redesigned to resemble the iOS version, with new features including a history tape, revamped conversions, and a resizable window. Apple did reveal that it will be possible to see previous calculations with a history feature.

Calendar and Reminders

The Calendar app will allow users to manage Reminders. Users will be able to view events and tasks from Reminders in the Calendar. An updated Month View will also be available and both apps will see UI changes.

Other new features

Gaming improvements

In 2023 Apple introduced the Game Porting Toolkit to help developers bring their games to Apple devices faster than ever. Now Game Porting Toolkit 2 adds the most-requested capabilities from game developers.

In addition, improvements to Game Mode on the Mac will unlock smoother frame rates, and advanced power management features boost performance across the Mac lineup.

Apple proudly shared details of several gaming titles that will be coming to the Mac, including:

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows
• Control Ultimate Edition
• Frostpunk 2
• Palworld
• RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard
• RESIDENT EVIL 2
• RoboCop: Rogue City
• Sniper Elite 4,
• Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
• World of Warcraft: The War Within (coming later this year).
• Wuthering Waves

Apple noted that they are “leveraging powerful software technologies like MetalFX Upscaling to accelerate performance and deliver high-quality visuals across the Mac lineup” and that they are “taking advantage of the latest M3 family of chips to deliver breathtaking visuals with ray tracing.”

Personalized Spatial Audio will result in significantly reduced audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Apple Intelligence features

Several reports over the past few months have indicated that Apple is doing a lot of work towards AI, and that generative AI (using AI to create content) will have a big role in macOS. Those reports weren’t wrong.

Apple’s new personal intelligence system is coming to Mac, iPhone, and iPad with macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence will only be supported by Macs with an M-series chip though, so Intel Macs will not offer these new features.

Read: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it is, what it does, and when you’ll get it

Writing

Apple Intelligence will help users enhance their writing and communications. Writing Tools are built in systemwide that will offer to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in writing-focused apps such as Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.

Images

New image capabilities will also come to M-series Macs. In Image Playground, users will be able to create images in three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.

Photos

A new Memories in Photos feature will create a video from photos and videos based on a description provided by the user. Apple Intelligence will pick out the photos and videos, develop a storyline based on the photos, and arrange them into a movie.

In addition, a new Clean Up tool will identify and remove unwanted objects from the background of a photo.

Siri

Siri is also getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is integrated into Siri. Because some queries will be handled off-device Apple is introducing Private Cloud Compute so that when data is sent to server-based models for processing it is not stored or made accessible to Apple

One of the simplest changes to Siri is that it will be easier to type to Siri rather than having to speak to the on-device assistant. Apple may have finally twigged that people don’t always want to talk to their phones.

Next version of macOS

Since Apple stopped using the names of jungle cats with macOS 10.9 Mavericks, it’s used California places to identify its annual OS updates. The last several years have been Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina. Apple has trademarked several other place names, including Condor, Mammoth, Redwood, and Sequoia. But it’s anyone guess which Californian location macOS 16 will be named after.

But what next in terms of software? Expect even more Apple Intelligence features to come in the late 2025 update to macOS and expect that iOS, iPadOS and macOS will be closer than ever.

In the recent past, the release has come several weeks after the new version of iOS ships. Here are the release dates for the previous five versions of macOS:

• macOS 15 Sequoia: September 16, 2024
• macOS 14 Sonoma: September 26, 2023
• macOS 13 Ventura: October 24, 2022
• macOS 12 Monterey: October 25, 2021
• macOS 11 Big Sur: November 12, 2020
• macOS 10.15 Catalina: October 7, 2019
• macOS 10.14 Mojave: September 24, 2018

Source : Macworld