15 new features available with MacOS Sequoia; Apple’s macOS regularly introduces new features and improvements, creating a refined user experience for Mac users.
Here are 15 notable new features that were introduced in recent macOS updates, along with their functions and benefits:
Stage Manager
Stage Manager is a multitasking tool that helps users organize and view open applications more efficiently. By placing active apps front and center while grouping other apps on the side, users can easily switch between tasks without losing focus. This feature enables better organization, making it ideal for multitaskers.
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Function: Enhances productivity by providing a cleaner, less cluttered workspace where users can quickly manage and access their applications.
Continuity Camera
Continuity Camera allows Mac users to use their iPhone as a webcam for high-quality video during video calls, a huge upgrade compared to many built-in webcams. It supports features like Center Stage, which automatically adjusts to keep users in frame, and Portrait Mode, which blurs the background.
Function: Provides a sharper, higher-resolution camera experience by leveraging iPhone’s advanced camera features for video conferencing and recording on Mac.
Freeform App
Freeform is a collaboration tool designed for creative brainstorming and teamwork. It functions like a digital whiteboard where users can write, draw, add images, and collaborate in real time. The app is accessible across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, promoting seamless collaboration.
Function: Supports creative collaboration, planning, and visual ideation with real-time interaction across Apple devices.
Enhanced System Settings
Apple revamped the System Preferences app, renaming it System Settings and streamlining its layout to be more in line with iOS. This redesign makes it easier for users to locate settings and customize their Mac.
Function: Simplifies the process of adjusting Mac settings, creating a more intuitive experience consistent with iOS and iPadOS.
Passkeys
Replacing passwords with Passkeys is one of the most significant security upgrades in macOS. Passkeys use Touch ID or Face ID as a secure form of authentication, with no stored password to potentially be stolen.
Function: Strengthens security by providing a passwordless login method that is safer and more convenient than traditional passwords.
Focus Modes
15 new features available with MacOS Sequoia; Focus Modes enable users to filter notifications and apps based on their current activities. Customizable modes, such as “Work,” “Personal,” or “Sleep,” can be created, allowing users to tailor their experience to fit specific needs.
Function: Improves productivity and mindfulness by reducing distractions, helping users concentrate on tasks relevant to their current focus.
Redesigned Notifications
macOS introduced redesigned notifications that are more compact and provide quicker access to certain actions directly from the alert. Users can now interact with apps like Messages directly from the notification panel, making workflows faster.
Function: Streamlines user interactions with notifications, saving time by allowing immediate responses or actions without opening the app.
Live Text in Video
Live Text, originally introduced for photos, now works with videos in macOS. Users can pause a video and interact with text on the screen, such as copying, translating, or searching the text.
Function: Expands the usefulness of Live Text, enabling text extraction from video content for note-taking, translation, and enhanced productivity.
Enhanced Spotlight Search
Spotlight received significant upgrades, including quick previews for results like files, contacts, and web searches. The new Spotlight also integrates actions, allowing users to set timers or start FaceTime calls directly from the search interface.
Function: Speeds up search and task execution, giving users a more powerful tool for accessing files, applications, and internet resources directly
iCloud Shared Photo Library
15 new features available with MacOS Sequoia; iCloud Shared Photo Library makes it easy to share photos with family and friends by automatically syncing photos taken by designated users into a shared library. The feature uses AI to help identify the best photos to share.
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Function: Simplifies photo sharing by creating a centralized library, making family and group photo organization easier and more enjoyable.
Safari Shared Tab Groups
Safari Shared Tab Groups let users share tab collections with others, making it easy for teams or family members to share content across multiple tabs. This feature is useful for collaborative projects, research, or planning trips.
Function: Enhances collaboration by allowing groups to share and view collections of tabs, supporting team projects and group browsing sessions.
Updated Mail App
The Mail app in macOS received various improvements, including scheduled sends, reminders, and follow-ups. It also introduced a powerful search engine, providing better email search functionality and suggestions for missing attachments or recipients.
Function: Improves user efficiency and organization with smarter features that make email handling smoother, more accurate, and timely.
New Clock App
The new Clock app in macOS resembles its iOS counterpart, offering world clocks, alarms, and timers. It also integrates with Siri, allowing users to set timers or alarms quickly and easily through voice commands.
Function: Adds a useful time-management tool to macOS, making it more accessible to set reminders, alarms, and timers directly from the desktop.
Improved Privacy and Security Features
Apple’s emphasis on privacy and security is evident in macOS updates that enhance data protection. With App Privacy Reports and more granular control over app permissions, users are more aware of how their data is accessed and used.
Function: Increases user awareness and control over their data, helping to protect privacy by allowing users to understand how apps access information and providing options to limit access.
Redesigned Weather App
macOS introduced a redesigned Weather app with interactive maps, precipitation alerts, and air quality monitoring. It provides detailed weather forecasts and personalized updates for the user’s current location.
Function: Enhances the user experience with accurate weather information and real-time alerts, making it easier to plan around changing weather conditions.