Mac OS X Sequoia: Ars Technica evaluation
The macOS 15 Sequoia Update: The AI Revolution Begins
The macOS 15 Sequoia update will inevitably be remembered as “the AI one,” introducing the first wave of “Apple Intelligence” features. This is ironic because none of these features are actually ready for the 15.0 launch happening today. Many of them are slated for release “later this fall” in the 15.1 update, which Apple has been testing separately from the 15.0 betas for weeks now. Some features, like image generation, won’t be ready until the end of the year. In any case, none of these AI features are ready for public consumption yet.
However, the AI-free 15.0 release gives us a chance to evaluate all the non-AI additions to macOS this year. While Apple Intelligence is grabbing a lot of media attention, this is otherwise a typical 2020s-era macOS release, with one or two headline features, several quality-of-life tweaks, and some sparsely documented under-the-hood changes that will subtly alter how you experience the operating system.
Non-AI Features in macOS 15 Sequoia
The AI-free version of macOS 15 Sequoia will be the one that all users of the remaining Intel Macs will be using, as all the Apple Intelligence features require Apple Silicon. Many of the Intel Macs that ran last year’s Sonoma release will run Sequoia this year—the first time this has happened since 2019—but the difference between the same macOS version running on different CPUs will be more pronounced than it has been. This is a clear indicator that the Intel Mac era is drawing to a close, even if support hasn’t completely ended just yet.
Enhanced Privacy Features
One of the standout features of macOS 15 Sequoia is its enhanced privacy settings. Apple has always been a strong advocate for user privacy, and this update takes it a step further. Users will now have more granular control over app permissions, including the ability to grant temporary access to location data and other sensitive information. This means you can allow an app to access your location just once, rather than granting it indefinite access.
Improved Safari Browser
Safari has received a significant update in macOS 15 Sequoia. The browser is now faster and more efficient, with better support for modern web standards. One of the most notable additions is the new “Privacy Report” feature, which provides a detailed overview of how websites are tracking you. This feature is designed to give users more transparency and control over their online privacy.
Redesigned System Preferences
System Preferences has been given a complete overhaul in macOS 15 Sequoia. The new design is more intuitive and easier to navigate, making it simpler for users to find and adjust settings. The update also includes a new “Quick Settings” panel, which provides easy access to commonly used settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Do Not Disturb.
Enhanced Continuity Features
Continuity features have been improved in macOS 15 Sequoia, making it easier than ever to switch between your Mac and other Apple devices. The new “Universal Control” feature allows you to use a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple Macs and iPads. This means you can seamlessly move your cursor from one device to another, making it easier to work across multiple screens.
Performance Improvements
Under-the-hood performance improvements are a key part of macOS 15 Sequoia. The update includes optimizations that make the operating system faster and more responsive, particularly on older hardware. This means that even if you’re using an older Intel Mac, you should notice a significant improvement in performance.
The Future of Apple Intelligence
While the initial release of macOS 15 Sequoia is AI-free, the future of Apple Intelligence is promising. The 15.1 update, which is expected later this fall, will introduce the first wave of AI features. These features are designed to make your Mac more intelligent and capable, with advanced machine learning algorithms that can understand and anticipate your needs.
AI-Powered Image Generation
One of the most anticipated AI features is AI-powered image generation. This feature will allow you to create high-quality images using natural language prompts. For example, you could type “a sunset over the mountains” and the AI would generate a stunning image based on your description. This feature is expected to be available by the end of the year.
Enhanced Siri Capabilities
Siri is also getting a major upgrade with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. The new AI-powered Siri will be able to understand more complex queries and provide more accurate and relevant responses. This means you can ask Siri to perform more advanced tasks, like creating a custom playlist based on your listening habits or finding specific files on your Mac.
Smart Notifications
Smart notifications are another exciting AI feature coming to macOS 15 Sequoia. These notifications will use machine learning to understand your habits and preferences, providing you with more relevant and timely information. For example, if you usually check your email first thing in the morning, your Mac will prioritize email notifications during that time.
Conclusion
The macOS 15 Sequoia update is a significant milestone for Apple, marking the beginning of the AI era for macOS. While the initial 15.0 release is AI-free, it still includes a number of important updates and improvements that enhance the overall user experience. The future of Apple Intelligence is bright, with a range of exciting new features set to be introduced in the coming months. Whether you’re using an Intel Mac or one of the latest Apple Silicon models, macOS 15 Sequoia has something to offer everyone.