MacOS Sequoia, also known as macOS 15, is the latest version of Apple's desktop operating system. The new operating system packs a ton of new capabilities for Macs, including a password manager, video conferencing tools, and updates to Safari and all the features that come with it. Apple is smart—the company's new artificial intelligence-powered system. Below, we break down how to download it and all the latest features in this software update.
Be sure to check out ours Overview of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 for all the new features coming to your iPhone and iPad and our look at the What's new in watchOS 11.
Updated January 2025: We've added details about macOS 15.2, including additional Apple Intelligence features.
Index
MacOS Sequoia or macOS 15 is a free update for Apple computers. But some features, like Apple Intelligence (more on this later) are exclusive to Macs with M-series Apple silicon chips. To see which Mac model you have, click the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top left corner of your screen and click About this Mac. We've listed all the models that can run macOS Sequoia below.
- MacBook Air: 2020 onwards
- MacBook Pro: 2018 onwards
- Mac Mini: 2018 onwards
- iMac: 2019 onwards
- iMac Pro: 2017 onwards
- Mac Pro: 2019 onwards
- Mac Studio: 2022 onwards
How to install MacOS Sequoia
Before installing a new operating system, we recommend backing up your Mac first. You can do this by Back up your files using Time Machine or store your files in iCloud. by Apple Support articles There are step-by-step instructions on how to do this.
To download the software, click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen. Then click System Settings > General > Software Update. Then, click Update now (or Upgrade now). From there, click Upgrade Now—your Mac will begin downloading and installing macOS Sequoia.
Update to new MacOS version
We have listed all the key features in macOS Sequoia below. But throughout the year, Apple will continue to release additional updates that include new features (not included in the initial launch), security patches, and bug fixes. To update your Mac to the latest version, visit Setting > Overview > Software updates and follow the instructions above.
MacOS 15.2: This update includes Image Playground, ChatGPT support in Siri and Writing Tools, Rewrite reminders in Writing Tools, AirTag shared location tracking in Find My, and small improvements to the Photos app.
MacOS 15.1: This update includes iPhone Mirroring, Window Tiles, Text Effects and Emojis in Messages, a redesigned Reader in Safari, Math Notes in the Calculator app, and access to lines hiking trails in Maps. It also includes Apple Intelligence features for M-series Macs like Writing Tools, Smart Reply and Message Summaries, Clean Up in Photos, Summaries for transcripts, and call recording in Notes, Reduced intermittent focus and new Siri (you can type requests and move the Siri window around the screen), etc
Features of MacOS Sequoia
Below you'll find all the key features included in macOS 15. Apple has more Details here.
Mirror iPhone
Photo: Apple
Sometimes your iPhone is in another room or deep in your bag. For those times when you need to use it but don't want to get up to find it, you can pull it up on your computer. As part of Apple Continuity features, iPhone Mirroring gives you the ability to wirelessly access and interact with your iPhone using your Mac.
When this feature is active, you will see your iPhone's customized home screen appear. From there, you can use your keyboard, trackpad, or mouse to drag and drop content (like photos, videos, and files) between both devices, open and use any app, and swipe through them all. pages on your home screen, as well as view and respond to notifications. While you are doing all of this, your iPhone will remain locked. It also works when your iPhone is in Standby mode, a feature from iOS 17 that turns your iPhone into a smart display while it's charging.
Update Safari
Photo: Apple
MacOS Sequoia offers several new features for Safari. With Highlights, Safari uses machine intelligence to show you relevant information from the web like directions, links, summaries, and restaurant reviews. Apple also redesigned Reader to minimize distractions. In addition to a better-looking article view, you'll also see a summary and table of contents (for longer articles). If the site includes a video, Viewer will bring that video to the forefront while still giving you access to playback controls (including Picture in Picture).
Window tiling
Video: apple
People who keep multiple browser windows open at the same time will appreciate the new Window Stacking feature that helps organize them for a better viewing experience. When you drag a window to the edge of your screen, the new operating system automatically suggests a tile location on your screen. (It's similar to Capture on Windows.) You can then drop the window into place, arrange multiple windows side by side, or place them in any of the four corners to make room for more applications. To organize faster, you can also use keyboard shortcuts and menu shortcuts.
Video conferencing tools
Photo: Apple
Last year, Apple added a lot of new video conferencing tools with macOS Sonoma includes Presenter Overlay, Reactions, and various features for the Mac's built-in webcam. This year, the company will add a few more products. With apps like FaceTime and Zoom, you'll have access to new presenter preview capabilities that let you see the content you're about to share before actually sharing it. Meanwhile, the built-in wallpaper feature lets you apply a system wallpaper, gradient, or your own photo as the background for video calls. Apple says the feature will be available on FaceTime and third-party apps like Webex.
New password application
Photo: Apple
If you've never loved Keychain, you now have a better choice: macOS Sequoia comes with a new Passwords app that lets you access all your passwords (including Wi-Fi passwords). , passcode and verification code in one place. It keeps all your Apple devices in sync, running on Windows machines (use iCloud for Windows app) and supports end-to-end encryption.
See more by message
Photo: Apple
Several new Messages features are coming to macOS Sequoia—and by extension, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. You'll be able to format your text in Messages using bold style treatments, italicize, underline and strikethrough. You will also have the ability to add animation to a specific word in the text. For some phrases and words, you'll also see suggestions appear as you type. Apple also added a new Tapback—instead of using the traditional heart, thumbs up, thumbs down, question mark, or exclamation mark, you'll also see options to use emojis and stickers. Another standout new feature is the option to schedule your messages in advance so they are sent later.
Other features
Photo: Apple
- Apple Maps: With Maps, you'll have access to thousands of hiking trails across all 63 national parks in the US, all of which can be filtered by elevation, length, and route type. You can also save them to access your maps when you're in the wilderness without a data signal.
- Computer applications: Apple is upgrading its Calculator app by adding new features like the ability to type and continue viewing complete expressions (with trigonometry, parentheses, and more calculations) before pressing equals to see the sentence. final answer. You will also be able to view your calculation history.
- Calendar: In the Calendar app, you can see both events and tasks from the Reminders app. There's also an updated Month View that makes it easy to see all your appointments at a glance—all color-coded.
- Image: The new Collections feature in the Photos app automatically organizes your library by themes including Trips, Recent Dates, and People & Pets. With Pinned Collections, you'll have quick access to certain collections and albums. You'll also now see your Favorites album appear in Widgets and in Pinned Collections. You can also delete your recently shared albums and recently viewed history.
- Game mode: This feature was originally announced last year, with macOS Sonoma. With macOS Sequoia, Apple has enhanced Game Mode with smoother frame rates and “enhanced power management features” to boost performance on its Macs. It also supports personalized Spatial Audio and reduced audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
- Family application: Apple is adding guest access that lets you manage how and when people can enter your home. There's a new feature that shows how much electricity you're using and how much it costs, based on current utility rates.
- Battery: The ability to enable Low Power Mode was introduced with macOS Monterey. This feature is now available in the Battery menu in the upper left corner of the screen, so you no longer have to dig deep into System Settings.
- Find mine: In the Find My app, you'll now see a new Lost AirTag section that lets you share your AirTag's location with up to five other people to help track it. Soon, you'll be able to share it with airlines, too (if your luggage gets lost). Just send the specific link via Messages, Notes, Mail, AirDrop, etc. They will have to authenticate it with their Apple account and the link will expire after a week.
Apple's smart features
Photo: Apple
In addition to the above features, Apple is smartThe company's “personal intelligence system”—is built into macOS Sequoia as well as iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. These features are only available in Sequoia 15.1 and later.