7 MacOS Sequoia features you shouldn’t miss out on

Apple rolled out macOS Sequoia last year alongside iOS 18, bringing us a bunch of exciting features. From the goodness of Apple Intelligence to better organisational tools, there’s plenty that boosts productivity and promotes smarter work.

If you’ve only just upgraded or are still figuring out everything new that’s arrived, we’ve shortlisted some key features to help you navigate through it all. Check out seven macOS Sequoia features that should be bookmarked at all times.

7 MacOS Sequoia features that every user must know

So you’ve just upgraded your system with Apple’s latest macOS Sequoia and are wondering where to start? Here are seven key features to help you get going:

1) Apple Intelligence
2) iPhone mirroring
3) Improved notes
4) Window tiling
5) Reminders and Calendar integration
6) Create custom Apple Maps routes
7) Safer passwords

1) Apple Intelligence

The highlight of Apple’s year is undoubtedly its very own take on artificial intelligence — Apple Intelligence. While many of us are already enjoying its benefits on the iPhone, it also brings an eclectic array of features that transform how you use your Mac.

MacOS Sequoia introduces the Writing Tools feature across its interface, offering various ways to enhance your work. Imagine drafting an email and instantly restructuring it based on your chosen tone. Or summarising a lengthy website or PDF with a single click, saving you from endless scrolling.

Apple Intelligence also brings Image Playground to Mac users. This neat app turns your text prompts into unique images and lets you tweak them to your heart’s content. Even cooler? It recognises people from your Photos app and can include them in your custom creations! So, create unlimited birthday wishes that will bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces.

2) iPhone mirroring

One of the most useful additions to your Mac, iPhone mirroring essentially puts a virtual version of your iPhone right on your desktop, letting you interact with your device using your Mac.

ALSO READ: macOS Sequoia: 10 exciting new features and changes to look out for

But don’t just dismiss this as just another gimmick! This feature is brilliant for dragging and dropping files between devices. Need to add a photo from your iPhone to a presentation? Simply move it across with your Magic Mouse — no cables or AirDrop required.

This super helpful feature also ensures all your iPhone notifications appear on your Mac, meaning no more fumbling for your device when you’re deep in work mode.

3) Improved notes

What’s so good about an updated Notes app, right? Wrong! MacOS Sequoia has supercharged the once-plain Notes app with several clever features. First, you get Math Notes, which transforms your mathematical equations into step-by-step answers. The app will also transcribe speech from any attached audio file.

This is particularly brilliant for interview situations or when you need to capture important points from meetings without furiously typing everything.

4) Window tiling

MacOS Sequoia makes multitasking significantly simpler, especially for those who miss a Windows-style split view. With improved window tiling, you can say goodbye to constantly switching between multiple files.
When you move an app to the screen edge, a translucent box appears on your desktop.

Release and the window automatically fills that space. You can arrange other app windows similarly for a customised multi-view setup. This is ideal for working on multiple files simultaneously or when you need side-by-side comparisons.

5) Reminders and Calendar integration

The macOS Sequoia update has cleverly integrated Reminders with Calendar, creating a mega-app with enhanced functionality. While these apps have always been rather similar, now you have a unified Calendar app that offers all the benefits of Reminders.

Open the app and view your reminders by ticking the checkbox next to ‘Scheduled Reminders’ in the left sidebar. This adds all your reminders to your calendar view.

But there’s more — you can create new reminders directly within the Calendar app by selecting the ‘+’ button. Completing tasks is as simple as clicking the empty circle next to each reminder.

6) Create custom Apple Maps routes

Apple has incorporated numerous changes to Apple Maps lately, making it easier than ever to create your own routes or plan hikes for your journey. To start, create a new route in your profile by navigating to Library > Routes > Create Route.

Then click anywhere on the map to set your starting point. Continue clicking across the map to build your route, then save it to your library. The best part? Your custom routes are accessible across all devices in your Apple ecosystem.

7) Safer passwords

If you’re running out of password ideas, you’re not alone. It’s certainly challenging to remember every unique password you’ve ever created.

Apple’s Passwords app comes free with the macOS Sequoia update and does more than just remember your passwords.

It significantly reduces the chances of being locked out of your accounts by generating strong passwords and automatically filling them into online forms. Should a password become compromised, you’ll receive a notification to change or modify it, preventing unauthorised access.

These seven tips should help you get started with macOS Sequoia. For more tech insights, stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma.