macOS 15.1 out: what’s inside? And what’s promised for 15.2?
Apple sticks to its schedule and releases updates of its operating systems as promised. Recently, we’ve covered iOS 18.1, which was released on October 28, 2024, same as macOS 15.1. So, what’s new in the OS for computers? Is there anything worth the download (2.4 GB for Intel processor models and ~2.9 GB for those powered by Apple Silicon) and the wait (30+ installation time, computer unusable in the process)? Let’s take a closer look, and go beyond 15.1 to see what Sequoia 15.2 promises.
macOS Sequoia 15.1: new features
Apple’s release notes give a lot of technical stuff, but here, we’ll focus on what really matters to everyday users: new features. As you understand, most of them have to do with Apple Intelligence, which, according to Tim Cook, delivers “brand-new experiences and tools that will transform what our users can accomplish.” Some of them are quite similar to the new functions iOS 18.1 gave the public, others are unique to the macOS environment.
Writing Tools. These are ubiquitous across pretty much all macOS apps that involve tinkering with letters. The tools enable proofreading, rewriting, and summarizing texts, as well as grammar and language style improvement suggestions, and smart replies in messaging apps.
Better Siri. Same as in iOS 18.1, Siri is now capable of better maintaining the context of conversations, understands you better, and acts (and sounds) more human overall.
Photos Cleanup Tool. A killer feature, this tool allows you to remove unwanted objects from images while keeping everything else – even what’s behind the removed objects or subjects – intact.
Better iPhone mirroring. The update enhances the iPhone mirroring feature with drag-and-drop support, allowing seamless file transfers between an iPhone and a Mac.
Low Power Mode toggle. We’ve covered the subject of battery health in this piece; macOS 15.1 brings one of the functions designed to improve it within a click’s access.
Focus modes. While this one may feel minor, it is actually a significant performance booster for anyone actually doing work on a Mac that requires hours, and goes much better without interruptions.
What to expect in macOS Sequoia 15.2?
macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 1 was released on October 23, 2024; if you’re a registered developer, you can update to this version, and for those unwilling to test the OS for Apple, the next version is expected to bring:
- improved Writing Tools, possibly integrated with ChatGPT;
- Image Playground, a new app allowing users to create images and animations and use them in apps like Messages;
- an even better Siri, capable of handling requests even better.
The public release of macOS Sequoia 15.2 is anticipated later this year, likely in December, following the current beta testing phase which is available only to registered developers at this time. Overall, macOS Sequoia put Apple’s AI efforts to use, which is to the benefit of all users.
