macOS Sequoia: Release Date, Features, How to Download It

Posted By Mariana Hlodan | 12 Oct 2024

In this article, we will take a closer look at the new macOS Sequoia, which was presented on June 10 at WWDC 2024. We will learn about the interesting features that distinguish it apart from other Apple operating systems, as well as consider how to download macOS Sequoia Beta version and the estimated date when the official version will be released.

What is macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia, or macOS 15, is the latest operating system for Mac. The "Sequoia" application was named after the majestic redwood tree, a symbol of California. Like iOS 18, macOS Sequoia uses Apple's advanced technology with artificial intelligence integration. This system takes into account your personal context to provide the most useful and relevant information. It helps your Mac better understand your needs and offers features that make your experience even more convenient and efficient.

macOS 15 Sequoia: top new feathers

Apple Intelligence

Writing Tools

In macOS Sequoia, when you select text and right-click, useful AI tools will appear:

Proofreading: checks the text for errors.
Rewrite: you can specify the exact style the AI should rewrite the selected text (professional, friendly, or abbreviated)
Summary and Key Points: highlight the main ideas from the text.

The incredibly cool feature of Writing Tools is that they work everywhere you write: in Mail, Notes Pages, and other apps. In the Mail app, emails in your inbox will have an AI summary instead of a subject line or first sentence. When you write a reply, macOS Sequoia will offer several "Smart Reply" options depending on the original email.

Note

As for Notes, in the new operating system, users will be able to use the audio transcription and text summary function using Apple Intelligence.

How can this be used?

The program can turn on the microphone during a meeting so you don't miss anything important.
It will create a text transcription in real time.
Automatically summarize the discussion.
In Notes, you can enter any math data and the app will automatically calculate it.

Image Playground

Image Playground is an artificial intelligence image creation tool in macOS 15. It integrates with regular apps like Messages and Pages to let you create and use artificial intelligence images. macOS Sequoia offers suggestions based on your actions in the app, or you can come up with your own ideas.

Siri

Siri has also been updated with new features thanks to Apple Intelligence. Here they are:

Siri knows what you're doing on the screen.
The program can perform tasks within applications.
Now you can enter commands in text.
Siri now understands what you're saying better.

In addition, Siri has a new look - a light bar that glows on the sides of the screen and flashes when it listens when you voice what you need to do.

ChatGPT and Private Cloud Compute

In macOS 15, you can use ChatGPT right in your apps. This will help you find information in real time and create high quality texts and images.

There is also a Private Cloud Compute feature. It sends complex requests to Apple's servers for processing. At the same time, your data remains confidential and is not stored.

Other features

iPhone Mirroring

iPhone Mirroring allows users to access their iPhone from a Mac. You can see your phone wallpaper and icons on your Mac screen, and you can view notifications, open apps and complete tasks from your Mac while your iPhone remains locked.

Safari

Safari has received several updates in macOS 15:

The button in the address bar shows the highlights of the page, such as a summary or directions on Maps.
The Reader tool has a new look that makes it easier to read content and offers more color and font options.
Videos on a webpage now grow larger or turn into smaller pop-ups depending on your activity.

Combining windows

When you drag a window to the edge of the screen, macOS Sequoia automatically moves and resizes all open windows to access more easily.

Video conferencing

When you use video conferencing apps, macOS Sequoia will show the presenter a preview of the screen that other participants see before getting an access. You can also use built-in or custom backgrounds.

Passwords app

The new Passwords app replaces Keychain and securely stores all your credentials. It syncs between Apple devices via iCloud and with Windows devices via iCloud for Windows.

Calculator and Calendar

Calculator: Saves the history of previous calculations and performs unit conversions. You can preview input data values before clicking the Equals button.
Calendar: shows events and tasks from Reminders and has an updated, more convenient month view.

macOS Sequoia: compatible devices

You can install macOS Sequoia on the following devices

iMac - 2019 and later
Mac Studio - 2022
Mac mini - 2018 and newer
Mac Pro - 2019 and newer
iMac Pro - 2017 and later
MacBook Air - 2020 and later
MacBook Pro - 2018 and newer.

However, it's worth noting that not all of these models will be able to support Apple's intelligence features - they will only work on devices with an M-series chip, i.e. M1 or later. Any Macs with Intel chips older than 2020 will not have this feature.

Thus, this fall owners of such Macs will be able to test the new features of Apple Intelligence:

MacBook Pro - 2021 and later, as well as the 13-inch version of the M1 2020
MacBook Air - 2022 and later, as well as the 2020 version of the M1
iMac - 2021 and later
Mac mini - 2020 and newer
Mac Studio - 2022 and later
Mac Pro - 2023

When will macOS Sequoia be released

Currently, macOS Sequoia is in beta version and can be downloaded through Apple's developer program. Follow the instructions below to get started. When will macOS Sequoia be released? During the summer, developers will be testing the operating system, and the official release is planned for the fall. This latest version will be a free update for all compatible Macs. However, the Apple Intelligence feature will only be available on devices with M-series chips.

How to install macOS Sequoia

Please note that the macOS 15 beta is still in development, so you may experience some bugs. Before downloading the macOS Sequoia beta, ensure your Mac has enough storage space and register for Apple's Developer Beta Program.

Before you download macOS 15, which is still in beta, it's recommended to make a backup of the latest installed version of macOS on your device. Once it’s done, you can register your device with the Developer Beta Access Utility and then proceed to download the macOS Sequoia beta.

Registration in the Developer Beta Access Utility

Download the macOS Developer Beta Access utility from Apple's developer page.
Launch it and register.
After that, you can download the beta versions through Software Update in your Mac's preferences.

How to download the beta version of macOS 15 Sequoia

Open System Settings, go to General, and then select Software Update. Click on the information button next to Beta versions.
Choose the macOS developer beta.
Click Finish and confirm the installation.

When the beta access becomes available to everyone in July, the process will remain the same, but you will need to register in the developer utility.

However, it is very important to make sure that your Mac is running macOS 10.8 or later before installing it, otherwise the beta access utility will not work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mariana Hlodan
Tech journalist

Mariana Hlodan is an experienced writer specializing in Apple products. With a background in tech journalism, Mariana offers a deep dive into the latest Apple news, product reviews and trends.