macOS Sequoia vs Sonoma | What's New

Are you wondering what's new for you when it comes to macOS Sequoia Vs Sonoma? There's so much to unpack! Click here to know everything.

The successor to macOS 14 Sonoma, macOS 15 Sequoia, was revealed during the WWDC 2024 event in June 2024. It is scheduled to replace macOS Sonoma this year. But what does it offer you? Does it pack all those punches like the usual macOS updates? Does it bring all those ‘smart' features that everybody has been hearing about for months? This guide will answer all your queries shortly.

Here's a sneak peek at what's to come: desktop widgets, Apple Intelligence, smarter Search, system-wide writing tools, and so on. Please keep on reading this guide until the end to find all the latest about the macOS Sequoia and how it's different from macOS Sonoma as we compare the two head-to-head. Let's get into it!

macOS Sequoia vs Sonoma - Capabilities

The table below will help for a better understanding and direct comparison of macOS Sequoia vs Sonoma capabilities:

Feature	macOS Sonoma	macOS Sequoia
Release Date	June 2023	Late September 2024
Minimum System Requirements	Varies by model	Likely to be similar or slightly higher
Supported Models	Compatible with most Macs released since 2017	Expected to be compatible with newer models, potentially dropping support for older ones
User Interface	Refined design, new desktop wallpapers	Further refined design, potential for new widgets or customization options
Safari	Web app support, improved Reader view, new video player	Enhanced Reader view, new video player with additional features, potential AI-powered features
Notes	PDF improvements, sharing with Pages	Audio transcription, math equation solving, collapsible headers, customizable highlights
Continuity	Handoff, Continuity Camera, AirDrop	Improved Handoff, expanded Continuity Camera capabilities, potential for iPhone mirroring
Privacy	Focus modes, Mail Privacy Protection	Enhanced privacy features, potential for more granular control
Performance	Optimized for M-series chips	Expected performance improvements, potentially leveraging AI for optimization
Accessibility	Live Text, Voice Control	Expanded accessibility features, potential for AI-powered assistance
Other Features	Game Center, FaceTime improvements	New Passwords app, Window tiling, potential for AI-powered features like intelligent search, predictive text

✨Key Differences and Expectations:

• AI Integration: Sequoia is expected to heavily integrate AI for features like intelligent search, predictive text, improved Siri, and potentially AI-powered assistance in various apps.
• Performance and Efficiency: While both are expected to be performant, Sequoia might offer additional optimizations, especially for newer hardware.
• Focus on Productivity: Sequoia will likely introduce features that enhance productivity, such as the new Passwords app and Window tiling.
• Compatibility: While Sonoma supports a wide range of Macs, Sequoia might drop support for older models to focus on newer hardware capabilities.

macOS Sequoia vs Sonoma - New Features

Let's look at some of the highly anticipated features of macOS Sequoia.

💡1. Apple Intelligence

macOS Sequoia introduces Apple Intelligence, a groundbreaking feature that leverages the power of AI to enhance user experience. Unlike Sonoma's focus on incremental improvements, Apple Intelligence offers contextually relevant information and suggestions, bringing a paradigm shift.

For instance, if you're working on a document about climate change, Apple Intelligence might suggest related articles, images, or even relevant data points. It can also anticipate user needs, such as offering to schedule a meeting based on calendar availability or suggesting apps to use for a specific task.

💡2.  iPhone Mirroring

iPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia introduces a new level of seamless integration between iPhone and Mac. Unlike previous Continuity features, iPhone Mirroring allows users to fully mirror their iPhone screen on their Mac, providing complete control over their phone using the Mac's keyboard, trackpad, or mouse. This eliminates the need to switch between devices constantly and enhances productivity.

💡3. Math Notes

Math Notes in macOS Sequoia offers a more advanced and intuitive approach to mathematical calculations and problem-solving. Beyond basic calculations, Math Notes enables users to input complex equations, create interactive graphs, and even explore mathematical concepts visually. This feature sets it apart from previous note-taking apps by providing a dedicated space for mathematical exploration and learning.

You can check the final part of the following video to learn more about iPhone Mirroring and Math Notes features on macOS Sequoia, and you'll also learn how to download macOS Sequoia Beta as well.

• 00:30 Back up your Mac
• 00:54 macOS Sequoia beta compatibility
• 01:33 Download macOS Sequoia beta
• 02:29 macOS Sequoia's new features

You can share these outstanding new features on social media with more friends!

💡4. Passwords App

While Sonoma introduced improvements to password management, macOS Sequoia takes it a step further with a dedicated Passwords app. This app centralizes all your credentials, from website logins to Wi-Fi passwords and even passkeys.

Users can securely manage, update, and exchange passwords. The app includes strong password indications, breach notifications, and two-factor authentication. Unlike third-party password managers, the Passwords app is extensively interwoven into macOS, providing smooth interaction with other Apple devices.

💡5. Window Tiling

In macOS Sequoia, Window Tiling is finally available. Multiple windows can be arranged side-by-side, stacked, or grid-like easily. This significantly improves the productivity and multitasking of users who utilize numerous apps simultaneously. Window Tiling in Sequoia is natural to the system, making it more seamless than workarounds or third-party software.

💡6. Image Playground

MacOS Sequoia now has Image Playground, a creative tool for all levels. AI-powered technologies make image editing, optimization, and creation possible. Image Playground is a flexible tool for cropping, resizing, object removal, style transfer, and image development. Its straightforward UI makes it more accessible than conventional picture editing applications.

💡7. Genmoji

macOS Sequoia introduces Genmoji, a revolutionary feature that allows users to create custom emojis based on text descriptions or images. Unlike static emoji sets, Genmoji offers infinite possibilities for personalized expression. Users can describe an emotion, item, or character, and the algorithm will create a custom emoji. This functionality extends beyond emoji selection, letting users build unique visual representations of their thoughts.

💡8. Advanced Search

Based on Spotlight, macOS Sequoia's Advanced Search makes Mac searching more powerful and easy. It understands complicated search queries and returns appropriate results using AI. Users can narrow their search for photographs, documents, and emails by date, size, and keywords. Advanced Search can also find data patterns and linkages that can provide insights, making this feature a discovery tool.

💡9. Immersive Gaming

macOS Sequoia's Immersive gameplay improves gameplay. This feature uses M-series CPUs for outstanding images, high frame rates, and immersive audio. Support for modern gaming technologies like ray tracing and haptic feedback makes gameplay more realistic and enjoyable. Immersive Gaming optimizes demanding games for seamless gameplay without draining batteries, making macOS a real gaming challenger.

If you found this part helpful, please feel free to share it with your friends so they are equally proficient with macOS Sequoia when it comes out!

Should I Upgrade to macOS Sequoia - Pros & Cons

So, after learning all the new features of macOS Sequoia, should you upgrade from Sonoma to Sequoia? Check the following Pros & Cons right now!

✅Pros of Upgrading to macOS Sequoia

• Sequoia is optimized for newer hardware, leading to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better battery life.
• Enjoy new capabilities like Apple Intelligence, Genmoji, and Advanced Search, which can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity.
• Sequoia includes advanced security features to protect your data and privacy.
• Many app developers optimize their software for the latest macOS version, ensuring better performance and compatibility.
• Upgrading guarantees you receive the newest features and improvements, as well as address potential security vulnerabilities.

❌Cons of Upgrading to macOS Sequoia

• Older apps or peripherals might not work as expected or require updates.
• Sequoia might demand more storage space and RAM, potentially impacting older Macs.

If you are ready to update macOS Sequoia, don't forget to back up your Mac with Time Machine or professional backup & recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

To Wrap Up

The new macOS Sequoia promises to be much better than Sonoma. Sequoia focuses on AI integration, productivity, and visuals to reinvent the Mac user experience.

Before upgrading, consider compatibility concerns and system requirements. The operating system is anticipated to provide stunning new features. Individual requirements and priorities will determine the adoption of macOS Sequoia.

macOS Sequoia and Sonoma FAQs

Let's answer some of the commonly asked questions regarding macOS Sequoia and Sonoma:

1. How do I know if my Mac is compatible with Sequoia?

To check compatibility, go to the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and note your model and year. Compare this information to the official macOS Sequoia system requirements.

2. Is macOS Sequoia better than Sonoma?

macOS Sequoia has AI-powered features, better productivity tools, and better performance than Sonoma. The best option depends on your demands and if your Mac satisfies system requirements.

3. Will macOS Sequoia slow down my Mac?

While Sequoia is tuned for speed, older Macs can slow down. Operating system performance requires enough RAM and storage. Upgrade your hardware if needed.