Discover the Exciting New Features Launching with macOS Sequoia This Month

In October, Apple is set to launch macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing its first Apple Intelligence features to Macs. This update will include Writing Tools, enhanced Siri capabilities, Smart Replies, and several improvements to existing Mac functionalities. It’s important to note that the Apple Intelligence features are available exclusively on Macs powered by Apple silicon.

iPhone Mirroring with Drag and Drop Support

One of the most exciting additions in macOS 15.1 is the drag-and-drop support for iPhone Mirroring. After the update, users will be able to effortlessly transfer files between their iPhone and Mac. With an iPhone running iOS 18.1, files such as photos can be dragged directly from the Mac into the open Photos app on the iPhone, and vice versa. This functionality allows for seamless file transfers, even when the iPhone is locked and charging. Transferring PDFs can be done by dragging them into the Files app on the iPhone, while moving files from the iPhone to the Mac follows the same straightforward process.

New Low Power Mode Toggle

Low Power Mode, which has been a staple feature on the iPhone for preserving battery life, was introduced to Macs with macOS Monterey but was previously hidden in System Settings. In macOS 15.1, Apple is making it easier to access this feature by adding a Low Power Mode toggle to the Battery menu for MacBook users, allowing quick activation or deactivation with just two clicks. The battery icon will also change to yellow when Low Power Mode is activated, similar to its appearance on iOS devices. While some advanced settings, like automatically enabling Low Power Mode when unplugged, remain in System Settings, this feature helps optimize system performance by slightly reducing power consumption, suspending background tasks, lowering screen brightness, and limiting ProMotion display refresh rates to 60Hz when applicable.

Writing Tools

Apple Intelligence
With the new Writing Tools powered by Apple Intelligence, users can select text on their Mac and access features for summarization and proofreading. The proofreading tool checks for spelling and grammar errors while offering suggestions for word choice and sentence structure improvements. Users can quickly accept all recommendations or review them individually with explanations provided.

For those looking to enhance their writing style, the rewrite function allows users to adjust the tone without changing the core message. Options include Friendly, Professional, or Concise to tailor content for specific audiences.

The update also introduces versatile summarization features, enabling users to select text and generate concise summaries in various formats, such as paragraphs, bullet points, lists, or tables. This functionality integrates smoothly with apps like Mail and Messages, simplifying the process of condensing and sharing information.

Enhanced Siri

Apple Intelligence
The Siri interface has been updated for greater flexibility, allowing users to position the Siri window anywhere on their screen. A new responsive glow animation provides visual feedback, indicating when Siri is listening, all while minimizing disruptions to ongoing tasks.

For those who prefer typing, the Type to Siri feature can now be accessed quickly by double-pressing the Command key, complete with suggested requests. Siri’s enhanced contextual awareness allows for follow-up questions without the need to repeat previously provided information.

Additionally, Siri has improved natural language processing capabilities, making it better at understanding interruptions or changes in direction during conversations, creating a more fluid and less scripted interaction. The knowledge base has also been expanded to encompass comprehensive information about Apple products and support, allowing users to inquire about device features and settings easily. Siri can even locate specific settings, even if users are unsure of the exact names.

Smart Replies and Mail Summaries

Apple Intelligence
To streamline responses, both Mail and Messages will incorporate a Smart Reply feature that provides contextual quick responses based on received message content. In Mail, a new summarize button allows users to quickly condense incoming emails, providing concise overviews at a glance. This summarization feature also applies to multiple Messages notifications and the Mail inbox, where brief summaries will replace the initial lines of each message. Furthermore, Mail prioritizes urgent communications by automatically elevating them to the top of the inbox.

Photos Cleanup Tool

Apple Intelligence
macOS Sequoia 15.1 introduces a powerful new tool in the Photos app called Clean Up. Utilizing advanced object detection algorithms, this feature can automatically identify unwanted objects in images, making it easier for users to remove them.

Users retain complete control over the editing process, allowing for manual selection of objects to be removed by clicking, circling, or brushing over them. Users can zoom in to precisely eliminate smaller blemishes or imperfections. Importantly, the Clean Up tool is designed to maintain the integrity of primary subjects, such as people, even if they are unintentionally selected during editing.

Transcription Summaries

Apple Intelligence
The transcription feature in Notes has been enhanced, allowing users to capture audio recordings and automatically generate verbatim transcripts. In macOS Sequoia 15.1, this feature now also provides concise summaries of the transcribed text, offering quick overviews of recorded material. This is especially useful for capturing lectures and meetings, ensuring no important details are overlooked while providing a summary for key topics, action items, and main discussion points.

Focus Modes

Apple Intelligence
A new dedicated Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode filters out all but the most critical notifications, ensuring users only see what requires their attention. When customizing or creating a new Focus mode, users can enable Intelligent Breakthrough and Silencing. This feature allows important notifications to come through while muting less significant ones, similar to the existing Reduce Notifications Focus.

Discover the Exciting New Features Launching with macOS Sequoia This Month