Exciting New Features in macOS Sequoia: A Software Engineer's Perspective

You're all probably very excited about iOS 18, and so am I. However, as someone who uses a Mac for most of my day, both at work and at home, the new features in macOS Sequoia are the ones I look forward to even more than the iOS 18 updates. Here are seven major updates that stand out.

Window Tiling

Finally, macOS introduces native window tiling. Windows has had this feature for decades, but Mac users have had to rely on third-party apps like Magnet. While Apple's implementation is a welcome addition, it's not perfect. Some apps, like Music and Apple TV, don't scale properly to occupy half of the display, and the shortcut keys are not intuitive. Nevertheless, it's a step in the right direction.

iPhone Continuity

iPhone Continuity is a game-changer, allowing you to stream a live view of your iPhone to your Mac and control it with your mouse and keyboard. This feature is perfect for tasks like posting on social media directly from your Mac, saving time and reducing the need to switch between devices. Although it's not launching with iOS 18, it's something to look forward to later this year.

Writing Tools

Writing tools in macOS Sequoia, requiring an M1 Mac or newer, leverage Apple's AI capabilities. These tools allow you to summarize, rewrite, and proofread text across any app, streamlining your writing process. As someone who writes a lot, this feature will be incredibly useful.

Enhanced Spotlight Search

Spotlight Search is now more powerful, able to cross-reference information from multiple apps. You can find specific photos, passwords, and other data with ease, making it a more efficient tool for managing your digital life.

Background Replacements

Custom backgrounds for FaceTime and other video apps are now available, ranging from solid colors to custom photos. This feature is useful for business calls and presentations, ensuring you always have a professional background, regardless of your actual surroundings.

Improved Safari Reader

The Safari Reader has been enhanced, making it easier to read articles without distractions. You can now customize the page and font colors and enable Reader mode automatically for specific websites. While this feature improves the reading experience, it may impact ad revenue for content creators.

Gaming Enhancements

Apple is embracing gaming on the Mac with macOS Sequoia. Thanks to Apple Silicon and the game porting toolkit, we are seeing more titles like No Man's Sky, Baldur's Gate 3, and Resident Evil Village coming to the Mac. This development is exciting for gamers who want to enjoy high-quality games on their Mac.