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Summary of Exciting New Sequoia Features

macOS Sequoia introduces a number of AI improvements coming alongside iPhone mirroring on your Mac display and a new Presenter Preview for video conferencing apps.

Let’s review some of the new features:
 

iPhone mirroring

iPhone mirroring is a new development of Continuity. Continuity is a feature that has existed on Macs for a number of years that means you can use your Mac together with other devices in a seamless way, making cut and paste, screen sharing, and mouse and keyboard sharing possible across devices.

With the new ability to mirror an iPhone on a Mac’s display, it will be possible for a Mac to connect to an iPhone and display the iPhone screen on the Mac’s display. This way a user will be able to control their iPhone from their Mac, using the keyboard and mouse to interact. Drag and drop between the devices will be supported, making easier transferring of data.

Window Tiling

macOS Sequoia will bring a new, neater, way to arrange windows. When a user drags a window to the edge of the screen it will show a place on the desktop that you can slot that window into. This will make it easy to quickly arrange tiles side-by-side, so that more apps are in view.

Video conferencing

A new presenter preview will show users what they’re about to share before they share it. This feature works with Zoom and other apps, as well as FaceTime.

It will also be possible to apply built-in backgrounds with color gradients and wallpapers. Users will also be able to upload their own photos. These Background replacements can be applied in various video calling apps, even mid-call.

Safari 18

Safari 18 will include several new features including a new Highlights feature which will help users discover information. The Reader feature is also getting a redesign to minimize distractions when you are reading an article. Joining the more streamlined version of the article that can already be accessed, users will see a summary and a table of contents for longer articles.

If there is a video on the page it will be placed front and centre and the user will have access to playback controls and picture-in-picture playback will also be possible.

New Passwords app

Apple is bringing the iCloud Keychain into the 21st century. Apple says the new Passwords app will make it even easier to access and store passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other credentials all in one place. It seamlessly syncs between both Apple devices and Windows with the iCloud for Windows app.

Calculator

Apple has created a new Calculator app. It is redesigned to resemble the iOS version, with new features including a history tape, revamped conversions, and a resizable window. Apple did reveal that it will be possible to see previous calculations with a history feature.

Calendar and Reminders

The Calendar app will allow users to manage Reminders. Users will be able to view events and tasks from Reminders in the Calendar. An updated Month View will also be available and both apps will see user interface changes.

Apple Intelligence Features in Sequoia

Apple’s new personal intelligence system, Apple Intelligence, is coming to Mac, iPhone, and iPad with macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence will only be supported by Macs with an M-series chip though, so Intel Macs will not offer these new features.

Writing

Apple Intelligence will help users enhance their writing and communications. Writing Tools are built in systemwide offering to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in writing focused apps such as Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.

Images

New image capabilities will also come to M-series Macs. In Image Playground users will be able to create images in three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.

Photos

A new Memories in Photos feature will create a video from photos and videos based on a description provided by the user. Apple Intelligence will pick out the photos and videos, develop a storyline based on the photos, and arrange them into a movie.

In addition, a new Clean Up tool will identify and remove unwanted objects from the background of a photo.

Siri

Siri is also getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is now integrated into Siri. Because some queries will be handled off-device Apple is introducing Private Cloud Compute so that when data is sent to server-based models for processing it is not stored or made accessible to Apple

One of the simplest changes to Siri is that it will be easier to type to Siri rather than having to speak to the on-device assistant. Apple may have finally figured out that people don’t always want to talk to their phones.

Best of all, all things AI will be entirely kept private, with absolutely no sharing of information.

Usually, we wait until the new macOS is ready for upgrading to let you know about the new features. However, because of the evolutionary upgrades, new Apple Intelligence integration, and the requirements that may require you to purchase a new computer, we thought we'd give you a head start.

With the dramatic new features about to come in September, we're excited for a bit of a historic new chapter in our Apple gear. Should you have questions about what is upcoming and/or if you wonder if your equipment will be compatible, just send us an email or give a ring. We'll be glad to offer some sound advice, help you with the transition, and/or schedule an appointment to get your Apple gear working as you wish.