macOS 15 Sequoia, the latest iteration of Apple's desktop operating system, is now available as a free download for compatible Macs. While features like iPhone mirroring and enhanced integration with Reminders and Calendar have garnered considerable attention, a closer look reveals a wealth of smaller changes and refinements that enhance the user experience in unexpected ways. Let's delve into some of these hidden gems.
iPhone Widgets Take Center Stage
Mac desktop widgets have always been a useful tool, but their selection could feel limited. Sequoia introduces a game-changer: the ability to add iPhone widgets to your Mac desktop using the familiar widget interface. Simply access the Notification Center (using a two-finger swipe or clicking the date/time in the menu bar), click "Edit Widgets" and, if signed into the same Apple ID on both devices, your iPhone widgets will appear ready to be added with a click or drag. This seamless integration expands the functionality of your Mac desktop significantly.
Window Tiling Gets Smarter with Shortcuts
Sequoia introduces window tiling, offering users the kind of window management features found in third-party apps like Magnet and Rectangle, directly within the operating system. However, the real power of this feature emerges with a few simple keyboard shortcuts.
Holding the Option key while dragging a window reveals a preview of tiling placement, making it a breeze to position windows precisely. Alternatively, navigate to the "Move and Resize" option in the Window menu bar to achieve the same effect. This menu also lists keyboard shortcuts for quick window movement, further streamlining the workflow.
Say Goodbye to Tiled Window Margins
While window tiling is a welcome addition, the presence of margins around tiled windows can be a source of frustration. Thankfully, Sequoia allows you to disable this behavior by navigating to System Settings > Desktop & Dock and disabling the "Tiled windows have margins" toggle. This subtle change significantly improves the visual flow of your workspace.
Navigate Your iPhone Mirroring Experience with Keyboard Shortcuts
iPhone mirroring in Sequoia allows you to control your iPhone directly from your Mac desktop, even extending to displaying iPhone notifications. While this feature is undeniably useful, navigating using on-screen controls can be cumbersome. Sequoia introduces a set of keyboard shortcuts to make this experience more efficient.
Command + 1 takes you to the home screen, Command + 2 opens the App Switcher, and Command + 3 activates Spotlight search, allowing for swift and intuitive navigation without relying on the on-screen controls.
Safari's New Video Viewer: A Focus on Immersive Video
Safari in Sequoia boasts a brand-new video viewer that elevates the viewing experience. This feature dims the surrounding screen, provides on-screen video controls, and automatically transitions the video into picture-in-picture mode when you navigate away from the tab, seamlessly returning the video to its original position upon returning.
To activate this enhanced video experience, simply click the "website options" button next to the URL in the address bar and select "Video Viewer." Alternatively, click and hold the "website options" icon on pages displaying a video. This functionality is particularly useful for isolating videos and ensuring consistent video controls on pages that may not inherently support them.
Enrich Your Messages with Text Effects and Formatting
Sequoia introduces improvements to Messages, extending to both iOS 18 and macOS 15. Now, users can add text effects and formatting to their messages, enriching communication with a touch of personality.
To access these options, highlight the text within a message and right-click to select "Text Effects" from the context menu. This menu also provides formatting options for bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough text. The addition of a scheduling feature, using the "+" button, allows users to schedule iMessages for later delivery, replicating the functionality found on iPhones.
Notes: Your New Audio Recording and Transcription Hub
Sequoia brings audio recording and automatic transcription capabilities directly to the Notes app. Now, creating and searching through voice notes is as simple as recording your audio and allowing the app to transcribe it.
To utilize this feature, create a new note or open an existing one and click the "Record audio" icon in the toolbar. An interface appears with a red "Record" button for initiating the recording. Click on the transcription button to view a live transcription of your note as you speak. This feature leverages the existing dictation functionality within macOS, offering a seamless and efficient way to capture and search through voice notes.
Passwords App Takes Center Stage: A New Menu Bar Icon
Sequoia introduces a dedicated Passwords app, previously integrated within the System Settings menu. This move allows for a more focused experience when managing passwords. For quick access, you can conveniently pin the app to your menu bar.
To enable this feature, open the Passwords app and navigate to Passwords > Settings in the menu bar. Enable the "Show Passwords in Menu Bar" toggle, and the Passwords icon will appear in the top-right corner of your screen. This icon provides quick access to recent passwords, facilitates searching for entries, and allows for the creation of new passwords, streamlining the overall password management process.
Vocal Shortcuts: Voice-Activated Control for your Mac
Sequoia introduces Vocal Shortcuts, a groundbreaking accessibility feature that allows users to teach their Mac to recognize custom phrases, transforming voice into a powerful tool for interacting with the operating system.
To set up Vocal Shortcuts, navigate to System Settings > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts and click "Set Up." These custom phrases can be used to execute Siri requests, trigger pre-existing Mac Shortcuts workflows, or access Accessibility options. The feature utilizes local processing on your device, enabling offline functionality.
Safari's Distraction Control: Tailor Your Browsing Experience
Safari's Distraction Control feature allows users to hide distracting elements from web pages, offering a streamlined and focused browsing experience. This feature works seamlessly across both iPhone and Mac.
To activate Distraction Control, click the "website options" button next to the URL in the address bar and select "Hide Distracting Items." Choose the specific elements you wish to remove, followed by the "Hide" button. These changes persist between visits, ensuring consistent removal of the selected distracting elements. To restore the default web page, simply navigate to the same menu and click "Show Hidden Items."
Keep Downloaded: Safeguarding Your iCloud Files
Sequoia introduces a new "Keep Downloaded" option for iCloud files, providing users with greater control over their local storage. This option allows you to safeguard important files from being temporarily offloaded to iCloud, ensuring their constant presence on your local disk.
To activate this feature, right-click a file you wish to keep a local copy of in Finder and select "Keep Downloaded."
Hover Text: Enhanced Visibility for Text Entry
Hover Text is an accessibility feature designed to improve visibility for text entry, particularly within small text boxes. This feature may appeal to a broader audience based on individual preferences.
To activate Hover Text, navigate to System Settings > Accessibility > Hover Text and enable the "Hover Typing" toggle. Now, a larger overlay will appear on your screen whenever you are typing, allowing for enhanced visibility of the text you are entering. The overlay can be dragged around the screen and disappears when typing stops. This feature can prove invaluable for users who frequently work with spreadsheets or any application where smaller text fields are used. However, it may prove distracting in applications where it is not strictly necessary.
macOS 15 Sequoia is not just about flashy new features, it's about refining the user experience in meaningful ways. These subtle yet impactful changes demonstrate Apple's commitment to continuous improvement and enhancing the overall usability of macOS. With a deeper dive into the operating system, you'll discover a plethora of hidden gems that elevate your daily workflow and enrich your Mac experience.
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