macOS Sequoia, also known as macOS 15, is the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system. The new operating system brings many new features to the Mac, including a password manager, video conferencing tools, and updates to Safari, as well as all the features that come with Apple Intelligence, the company’s new artificial intelligence-based system. Below, we describe how to download it and all the latest features of this software update.
Be sure to check out our roundup of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to see all the new features for your iPhone and iPad and a look at what’s in watchOS 11.
Updated January 2025: We added details in macOS 15.2 that include additional Apple Intelligence features.
Table of contents
MacOS Sequoia or macOS 15 is a free update for Apple computers. But some features, like Apple Intelligence (more on that below), are exclusive to Macs with Apple’s M-series silicon chip. To find out which Mac model you have, click and click the Apple icon in the menu bar in the upper-left corner of your screen. 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 highly recommend backing up your Mac first. You can do this by backing up your files with Time Machine or storing your files in iCloud. The Apple Support article has step-by-step instructions on how to do this.
To download the software, click on the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen. Then click System Settings > General > Software Update. Then, click on Update now (or upgrade now). From there, click Upgrade Now — your Mac will begin downloading and installing macOS Sequoia.
New MacOS version updates
We have listed all the main features of 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, go to Settings > General > Software update And follow the instructions above.
macOS 15.2: This update includes Image Playground, ChatGPT support in Siri and Writing Tools, rewrite prompts in Writing Tools, AirTag shared location tracking in Find My, and minor improvements to the Photos app.
macOS 15.1: The update includes iPhone mirroring, window tiling, typing effects and tapping emoji in Messages, a redesigned reader in Safari, math notes in the Calculator app, and access to walking directions in Maps. It also includes Apple Intelligence features for M Series Macs such as Writing Tools, Smart Replies and Mail Summaries, Clean Up in Photos, Summary for Transcriptions and call recording in Notes, Reduce Interruptions Focus, and the new Siri (you can type requests and the Siri window move around the screen) and more.
Features of MacOS Sequoia
Below, you’ll find all the main features available in macOS 15. Apple has more details here.
iPhone mirroring
Photo: Apple
Sometimes your iPhone is in the other room or deep in your bag. For those moments when you need to use it but don’t want to get up to find it, you can drag it to your computer. As part of Apple’s Continuity features, iPhone Mirroring lets you access and interact with your iPhone wirelessly using your Mac.
When this feature is enabled, you will see your custom iPhone home screen. From there, you can use the keyboard, trackpad, or mouse to drag and drop content (like photos, videos, and files) between the two devices, open any of your apps, and use it across all pages on the Home screen. kill yourself as well as view and respond to notifications. While you do all 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 charging.
Update Safari
Photo: Apple
MacOS Sequoia brings a few new features to Safari. With Highlights, Safari uses machine intelligence to show you relevant information from a web page, such as directions, links, summaries, and restaurant reviews. Apple also redesigned Reader to minimize distractions. In addition to a sleeker view of the article, you’ll also see a summary and table of contents (for longer articles). If the web page contains a video, the Viewer puts it in the foreground while giving you access to playback controls (picture-in-picture included).
Window tiling
Video: Apple
Those who always keep a large number of browser windows open at the same time will appreciate the new Window Tiling feature that helps organize them for a better viewing experience. When you drag a window to the edge of the screen, the new OS automatically suggests a tiled position on your screen. (Similar to Snap in Windows.) You can then leave the window in place, stack multiple windows together, or move them to any of the four corners to make room for more apps. You can also use keyboard and menu shortcuts for faster organization.
Video conferencing tools
Photo: Apple
Last year, Apple added new video conferencing tools with macOS Sonoma, including Presenter Overlay, Reactions, and various features for the Mac’s built-in webcam. This year, the company is adding a few more. With apps like FaceTime and Zoom, you’ll have access to a new presenter preview feature that lets you see what you’re about to share before you actually share. Meanwhile, the built-in background feature lets you apply your own system wallpapers, color gradients, or photos as backgrounds for video calls. Apple says the feature will be available in FaceTime and third-party apps like Webex.
A new password program
Photo: Apple
If you’ve never liked Keychain, now you have a better option: macOS Sequoia comes with a new password app that lets you keep all your passwords (including Wi-Fi passwords), passkeys, and verification codes in one place. have access It keeps all your Apple devices in sync, runs on Windows devices too (using the iCloud for Windows app), and supports end-to-end encryption.
More with the message
Photo: Apple
Several new Messages features are coming to macOS Sequoia—and to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 as well. You can format your text in messages using bold, italic, underline, and underline methods. You can also add animation effects to a specific word in the text. For some phrases and words, you’ll also see suggestions as you type. Apple also added new Tapbacks – 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 notable new feature is that you can schedule your messages in advance to be sent later.
Other features
Photo: Apple
- Apple Maps: With Maps, you’ll have access to thousands of hiking trails in all 63 national parks in the United States, all of which can be filtered by elevation, length, and trail type. You can also save them to access your maps when you’re out in the wild without a data signal.
- Calculator app: Apple is improving its calculator app by adding new features like the ability to enter and continue viewing complete expressions (with trigonometry, parentheses, and multiple operations) before pressing Equals to see the final answer. You can also view a history of your calculations.
- Calendar: In the Calendar app, you can see events and tasks from the Reminders app. There’s also an updated month view to make it easier to see all your appointments at a glance – all color-coded.
- Photos: A new collections feature in the Photos app automatically organizes your library by topics, including trips, recent days, and people and pets. With Pinned Collections, you can quickly access specific collections and albums. You’ll also now see your Favorites album under Utilities and in Pinned Collections. You can also clear your recently shared album and recently viewed history.
- Game mode: This feature was first introduced last year with macOS Sonoma. With macOS Sequoia, Apple has improved Game Mode with smoother frame rates and “advanced power management features” to boost performance across its Macs. It also supports personal spatial audio with AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and reduces audio latency.
- Home application: Apple is adding guest access, which lets you manage how and when people enter your home. There’s a new feature that shows you how much electricity you’re using and how much it’s costing you, based on current electricity rates.
- Battery: The ability to turn on low power mode was introduced with macOS Monterey. It’s now available in the battery menu in the top left corner of the screen, so you don’t have to dig into system settings anymore.
- find me: In the Find My app, you’ll now see a new Lost AirTag section that lets you share the location of your AirTag with up to five other people to help track it down. Soon, you’ll be able to share it with airlines too (if your luggage gets lost). Simply send the specific link via Messages, Notes, Email, AirDrop, and more. They have to authenticate it using their Apple account and the link expires after a week.
Apple’s smart features
Photo: Apple
In addition to the above features, Apple Intelligence – the 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.
