More To macOS Sequoia Than Apple Intelligence Alone

When considering macOS Sequoia, it’s hard to overlook the buzz surrounding Apple Intelligence. However, that’s somewhat unfortunate. With its staggered rollout and narrower focus, it shouldn’t overshadow the many compelling reasons to install macOS Sequoia right now, even though some Apple Intelligence features have just landed in the public beta.

Don’t misunderstand me; enhancements like a more sophisticated Siri, improved search capabilities, and AI-based writing tools are impressive. Yet, the real draw of Sequoia goes far beyond these aspects.

Key updates such as iPhone Mirroring and Window Tiling truly represent the significant advancements that bring a modern feel to the Mac experience. Mac users have been waiting for Window Tiling for quite some time now.

You’re likely familiar with these features, but they merely scratch the surface. I have to commend the team at MacRumors for their exhaustive compilation of all the subtle yet impactful changes in the operating system. This time, they’ve uncovered 50 updates—ranging from major enhancements to minor tweaks—all worth exploring.

For instance, did you know that macOS Sequoia includes a graphic refresh for the built-in Chess game that’s been a staple for over 20 years? And have you heard of “Hover Typing”? This feature is designed for individuals with low vision, enlarging text fields across your display.

One of my favorite newcomers is Distraction Control in Safari. While it’s not a traditional ad blocker since it doesn’t permanently remove ads, it’s a valuable tool for creating a less chaotic web browsing experience.

The MacRumors article also highlights various smaller details that enhance the larger features. For instance, the new built-in Password manager for macOS has a setting that allows users to display passwords directly in the menu bar, making access incredibly convenient. Furthermore, you can eliminate the margins between tiled windows to gain more screen real estate, especially useful for those working on smaller MacBook displays.

I’m particularly excited to try out Vocal Shortcuts, which let you turn spoken commands into actions. This could significantly improve accessibility, enabling users to launch apps or initiate Siri requests without needing their hands.

While these updates may not be as flashy as the capabilities intended with Apple Intelligence, they nonetheless contribute to a more refined experience in macOS. In a year where AI seems to be at the forefront of every tech company’s agenda, it’s refreshing to see Apple focusing on these valuable quality-of-life improvements to an OS that doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves.