macOS 15 Sequoia: What’s new?

Last Updated on August 3, 2025 by Arnav Sharma

Apple’s macOS Sequoia is here, bringing a host of new features, performance improvements, and a fresh take on how macs integrate with other Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad. This latest macOS version, also known as macOS 15 Sequoia, has been crafted with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and seamless connectivity across Apple’s ecosystem. If you’re considering upgrading to macOS Sequoia, here’s everything you need to know about what’s new in Apple’s most recent operating system.

Apple Intelligence: AI-Powered Enhancements

The standout feature of macOS Sequoia is Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools integrated across the system. This includes a more advanced Siri, which can now understand context better and chain commands together. Additionally, the new Writing Tools help users refine text with suggestions for proofreading, rewriting, or summarizing content. However, these AI tools are only available on Macs with Apple silicon (M1, M2, and newer), so Intel-based Macs won’t benefit from these enhancements.

iPhone Mirroring

One of the most exciting new features is iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to view and control their iPhone directly from their Mac. This feature integrates iPhone apps into macOS, letting users interact with their iPhone apps using the Mac’s keyboard and mouse. While some security-sensitive apps like banking applications won’t work, this feature is highly useful for messaging, social media, and other everyday tasks.

Passwords App

The new Passwords app centralizes password management across all Apple devices, offering easy access to saved credentials, passkeys, and Wi-Fi passwords. It’s designed to sync seamlessly between devices and offers features like password strength checking. While it lacks some advanced features found in third-party password managers, it provides a user-friendly and secure solution.

Window Tiling

macOS Sequoia introduces native window tiling, a feature that allows users to easily arrange apps side-by-side or in corners by dragging windows to the screen edges. This makes multitasking more intuitive and accessible, without the need for third-party apps.

Video Conferencing Enhancements

Sequoia improves video calls by adding a presenter preview feature, allowing users to see what they’re about to share before they go live. Additionally, users can now choose from built-in backgrounds or upload custom images for use in FaceTime, Zoom, and other conferencing apps.

Safari Updates

Safari in macOS Sequoia brings a redesigned Reader mode with summaries and a table of contents for long articles. A new Highlights feature surfaces key information from web pages, improving the browsing experience. The update also improves video playback controls and introduces Distraction Control, which hides web page elements that users may find disruptive.

Maps, Notes, and More

Maps has been updated with detailed hiking routes, including topographic maps of all 63 U.S. national parks. Notes gains a live audio transcription feature and a built-in Math Notes option, which allows users to solve equations directly within the app. Other updates include collapsible sections for easier organization and the ability to highlight text in various colors.

Should You Upgrade to macOS Sequoia?

macOS 15 Sequoia may not be revolutionary, but it offers significant improvements to productivity, user experience, and AI integration. If you have a Mac with Apple silicon, the enhanced Apple Intelligence tools alone make it a worthy upgrade. However, users with Intel-based Macs won’t be able to take full advantage of all the new features, particularly the AI-powered ones.

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