What’s New in macOS Sequoia: Key Features

macOS Sequoia, announced at WWDC 2024 and released in September 2024, is Apple’s latest major operating system update for the Mac. It introduces a range of new features focused on productivity, customization, and deeper integration with iOS and iPadOS. This article covers the most significant changes, including Continuity features, Safari updates, and the new window tiling system, along with practical advice for upgrading.

Continuity and iPhone Mirroring

The headline feature of macOS Sequoia is iPhone Mirroring. This allows you to see and control your iPhone directly from your Mac. When your iPhone is nearby and locked, its screen appears in a window on your Mac. You can click, type, and swipe through apps, and audio plays through your Mac’s speakers. This works over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and uses the same Continuity framework that powers Handoff and Universal Clipboard.

To use iPhone Mirroring, both devices must be signed into the same Apple Account (formerly Apple ID) with two-factor authentication enabled, and your Mac must be on macOS Sequoia while your iPhone runs iOS 18 or later. The feature is designed to let you use iPhone-only apps, respond to iMessages, and even drag and drop files between devices. One limitation is that you cannot use both your iPhone and the mirroring session simultaneously—if you pick up your iPhone, the mirroring session pauses.

Window Tiling and Keyboard Shortcuts

macOS Sequoia introduces a more intuitive window management system. When you drag a window to the edge of the screen, it now snaps into a tiled position, similar to Windows 11. You can choose to place a window on the left or right half, or in a corner quarter. This makes it easier to work with multiple apps side-by-side without needing third-party tools.

New keyboard shortcuts let you quickly arrange windows: Control+Option+Left/Right tiles a window to the left or right half, and Control+Option+Up/Down moves it to the top or bottom half. You can also hold the Option key while dragging to see tiling options. These features are especially useful for users who frequently multitask, though they may take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to the older “zoom” behavior.

Safari Updates: Highlights and Distraction Control

Safari in Sequoia gets two notable features. Highlights uses machine learning to detect key information on a webpage—like directions, summaries, or links to people and businesses—and presents it in a dedicated panel. This is similar to the “Siri Suggestions” that appeared in Safari on iOS, but now integrated into the Mac browsing experience.

The other major addition is Distraction Control. This tool lets you hide distracting elements on a webpage, such as cookie consent popups or auto-playing videos. You click the new icon in the Smart Search field, then select the element you want to hide. It’s not an ad blocker—it only hides elements you explicitly choose, and it doesn’t persist across sites. This is a practical tool for reducing clutter, but it’s not a replacement for a dedicated content blocker.

Passwords App and Security Enhancements

Apple has finally split passwords out of System Settings into a standalone Passwords app. This app stores your Wi-Fi passwords, website logins, passkeys, and verification codes in one place, synced via iCloud Keychain. It offers the same autofill functionality as before, but with a clearer interface and better search. You can also import passwords from other managers, though the process is manual.

Security-wise, Sequoia adds a new Gatekeeper feature that requires you to approve new network permissions for apps. When an app tries to access the local network, you’ll get a prompt asking whether to allow it. This gives you more control over what apps can see on your home network, which is a welcome privacy improvement.

Other Notable Updates: Notes, Calculator, and Messages

Several built-in apps receive quality-of-life improvements. Notes now supports collapsible sections, making it easier to organize long notes. You can create a heading and then collapse the content beneath it, which is handy for meeting notes or project plans.

The Calculator app gains a new “Math Notes” feature that works across macOS and iPadOS. You can type or write equations in a note, and the system solves them instantly. This is particularly useful for students or anyone who frequently does quick calculations. The feature also works in the Notes app, so you can embed calculations within your notes.

Messages adds new text effects, such as animated reactions and the ability to schedule messages. You can now send a message with a “Tapback” that animates, or schedule a message to be sent later—a feature that has been available in third-party apps for years but is now native.

System Requirements and Compatibility

macOS Sequoia drops support for several older Mac models. The compatible Macs include:

MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
MacBook Air (2020 and later)
iMac (2019 and later)
Mac mini (2018 and later)
Mac Pro (2019 and later)
Mac Studio (2022 and later)

If your Mac is older than these models, you won’t be able to install Sequoia. You can check your model by clicking the Apple menu > About This Mac. If your Mac is supported, it’s generally safe to upgrade, but it’s always wise to back up your data first with Time Machine or another backup method.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

As with any major OS update, some users report issues after upgrading. The most common problems include:

Battery drain on laptops, especially in the first few days as Spotlight re-indexes your files. This usually settles after a day or two.
Wi-Fi connectivity issues, which can often be fixed by forgetting the network and reconnecting, or resetting the SMC on Intel Macs.
Third-party app compatibility—some apps may not work until they are updated for Sequoia. Check the developer’s website for updates.
iPhone Mirroring not working—ensure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, and that you’re signed into the same Apple Account.

If you encounter a problem, restarting your Mac often resolves minor glitches. For persistent issues, Apple’s support website has detailed troubleshooting guides.

Performance and User Experience

Overall, macOS Sequoia feels polished and responsive on supported hardware. The new tiling system and iPhone Mirroring are the standout features, but the smaller updates—like the Passwords app and Math Notes—add genuine utility. The system requirements mean that only Macs from 2018 or later can run it, so if you have an older machine, you may want to stay on macOS Sonoma for now.

One thing to note: Sequoia is the last version to support Intel Macs in some cases, so if you’re on an Intel Mac, consider whether you’ll need to upgrade hardware in the near future. Apple has not yet announced when Intel support will be dropped entirely, but the trend is clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will macOS Sequoia slow down my Mac?

On supported models, Sequoia generally performs as well as or better than Sonoma. The first few hours after installation may be slower due to background indexing, but this should resolve quickly. If you have an older Intel Mac, you might notice slightly longer boot times, but most users report smooth performance.

Can I use iPhone Mirroring with an Intel Mac?

Yes, iPhone Mirroring works on Intel Macs that support Sequoia, provided your iPhone runs iOS 18 or later. However, the feature requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network and have Bluetooth enabled. There is no requirement for an Apple Silicon chip.

How do I get the new window tiling feature?

The tiling feature is enabled by default. Simply drag a window to the edge of the screen, and you’ll see a translucent outline showing where it will snap. You can also use the keyboard shortcuts Control+Option+Arrow keys. If you don’t like it, you can turn it off in System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Window Tiling.

Is the Passwords app safe to use?

Yes, the Passwords app uses the same iCloud Keychain encryption that has protected your passwords for years. Your data is end-to-end encrypted, meaning Apple cannot read it. The app is simply a more user-friendly interface for the same underlying system.

What should I do before upgrading to Sequoia?

Back up your Mac using Time Machine or your preferred backup method. Also, ensure that all your critical apps are compatible with Sequoia—check the developers’ websites for updates. It’s also a good idea to have at least 20GB of free storage for the installation process.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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