In addition to unveiling iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple has introduced macOS Sequoia at its Worldwide Developers Conference. This new macOS version integrates Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, significant Safari updates, and new gaming experiences.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is a major feature in macOS Sequoia, available on all Macs with Apple M series chips. This AI integration offers personalized tools to simplify daily tasks, enabling image creation, app operation, and context-aware assistance. AI-based Writing Tools are embedded across the system, allowing users to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in various apps, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party applications. The Image Playground feature enables the creation of images in animation, illustration, and sketch styles, and is accessible in apps like Messages or as a standalone app. Similar to iOS, Memories in Photos can generate videos from user prompts, while the Clean Up tool removes unwanted elements from photos.
Siri also receives significant enhancements, becoming more natural and contextually aware. Users can now type to Siri and switch between typing and speaking. Additionally, ChatGPT is integrated into Siri and the Writing Tools, expanding AI capabilities.
iPhone Mirroring
A standout feature in macOS Sequoia is iPhone Mirroring, enhancing the Continuity feature. This allows users to view and interact with their iPhone’s interface on their Mac, including custom wallpapers and icons. Users can navigate home screens, launch apps, and interact with their iPhone using their Mac’s keyboard, trackpad, and mouse. Audio plays through the Mac, and drag-and-drop functionality is seamless between the devices. Even with the iPhone locked, StandBy mode remains active, providing quick information at a glance. iPhone notifications can also be viewed and responded to on the Mac.
Safari Enhancements
Safari in macOS Sequoia gains several new features. Highlights offer a new way to discover information such as directions, summaries, and quick links for learning more about people, music, movies, and TV shows. A redesigned Reader provides a distraction-free reading experience with a streamlined view, summaries, and a table of contents for longer articles. Safari now detects videos on pages, placing them front and center with system playback controls, including Picture in Picture.
New Games and Game Mode
macOS Sequoia is set to receive several new games, including “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” “Resident Evil 7 Biohazard,” “Resident Evil 2,” “Frostpunk 2,” “Palworld,” “Sniper Elite 4,” and “RoboCop: Rogue City.” Game Mode improvements will deliver smoother frame rates and advanced power management features to enhance performance across the Mac lineup.
Window Tiling and Video Conferencing
Window tiling has been improved, with the OS suggesting tiled positions when dragging windows to screen edges. This allows for quick arrangement of tiles side by side or in corners, with new keyboard and menu shortcuts speeding up the process.
For video conferencing, a new presenter preview feature allows users to see what they are about to share before presenting. Built-in backgrounds, including color gradients, system wallpapers, and user-uploaded photos, can be applied for a more personalized presentation experience.
Passwords App
The new Passwords app, introduced in iOS 18, is also available in macOS Sequoia. This app serves as a central repository for passwords, passkeys, and other credentials, all secured with end-to-end encryption.
Availability
The first public beta of macOS Sequoia will be available next month, with the developer beta already released. macOS Sequoia promises to bring a range of new features and improvements, enhancing the overall user experience on Mac devices.
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