macOS Sequoia: What to Try First?

Apple has just released macOS Sequoia, and if your device is compatible, start exploring its new features immediately. If you are wondering what to check out first, here are a few must-try updates to get you started.

1 The New Passwords App

macOS Sequoia introduces a built-in Passwords app, so you no longer need third-party password managers. It handles website logins, passkeys, verification codes, and even Wi-Fi codes.

One handy feature is the ability to generate QR codes for any Wi-Fi network you’ve saved, making it easy to share access with others. In Password Settings, you can also enable the “Show passwords in the menu bar”, which places a key icon for quick access to recent logins and stored passwords.

2 Reminders Integrated with Calendar

For those managing busy schedules, macOS Sequoia now integrates Reminders directly into the Calendar app. This seamless connection allows you to view and even complete reminders without leaving your calendar.

One standout feature is the ability to drag and drop emails or tasks directly into the calendar, transforming them into reminders with a single click. It’s a great tool for managing your day efficiently.

3 iPhone Mirroring

iPhone mirroring, part of Apple’s Continuity system, allows users to see and control their iPhones from their Macs. You will need a compatible Mac computer: any Apple Silicon-based Mac or Intel-based Mac with a T2 security chip. You will also need both your Mac computer and the iPhone you are pairing with to be updated to the latest versions of their operating systems.

The feature works well for accessing apps exclusive to iPhones, such as security systems or banking apps, without interrupting work on your Mac.

4 Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode

The new “Reduce Interruptions” focus mode in macOS Sequoia utilizes Apple Intelligence to improve focus management.

How to enable it?

Go into Settings, choose “Focus”, and you will see the brand-new focus mode.

Users can allow or silence notifications from specific apps or contacts, just like other focus modes. However, Apple Intelligence can override this and allow urgent notifications, like an emergency message from a silenced contact. The feature is expected to improve over time as Apple Intelligence adapts to user behavior.

5 Safari Improvements

The macOS Sequoia update enhances Safari with features like “Hide Distracting Items” for a cleaner browsing experience.

How to use this feature?

Tap the Reader View icon located to the left of the address bar in Safari, and select “Hide Distracting Items.” You can then click on any distracting element on the page to remove it. Press “Done” when you’ve finished; otherwise, you may accidentally hide items you want to interact with. Once completed, the webpage will be decluttered, offering a more focused and distraction-free reading experience.

However, this feature is not an ad blocker, and hidden elements will reappear upon refreshing the page. It’s great for presenting a cleaner version of a site to others or for capturing screenshots without distractions.

Additionally, Apple Intelligence introduces a “Summarize” feature in Reader mode, offering article summaries directly within Safari!

6 Screen Snapping

macOS Sequoia now offers built-in screen snapping, replacing third-party tools like Moom. By hovering over the green traffic light of any window, you can snap apps to specific areas of the screen.

Settings we recommend changing:

1. Open System Settings and from the left sidebar, choose Desktop & Dock.
2. Scroll down to the Windows section and disable the “Tiled windows have margins” option. This will allow your windows to extend almost to the edges of your display, eliminating the small gaps between them.
3. If you use multiple displays and the default “Tile by dragging windows to screen edges” feature isn’t effective, hold down the Option key while dragging a window to your desired area. This will enable your Mac to snap the window into place more efficiently.

7 Conversions in Calculator

iPadOS 18 introduced impressive calculator features like unit and currency conversions, now enhanced in macOS Sequoia. Users can access the conversion mode via Command-Option-C, where various conversions, such as currency, area, and speed, are available.

For example, choose which currencies you want to convert, and type in your numbers. The calculator will do the rest for you. Use the up/down arrows on the left of the calculator to switch the two currencies around.

You can even do calculations here! To convert $2,000 to pounds with a 20% discount, type “2000 – 20%”, and the calculator automatically computes the result. It updates currency rates hourly.

8 Notes Improvements

The Notes app now supports audio recording with automatic transcription. Just press the audio icon and hit the record button at the bottom of the screen!

The good news is that compatible Macs can use it even without access to Apple Intelligence. However, with access to Apple Intelligence, working with transcriptions becomes much more efficient.

Here’s how you can utilize this feature:

• Simply double-click on a transcription to open it.
• Click the ellipsis button in the upper right corner and select “Add Transcript to Note.” This action will integrate the plain text into your notes.
• Once in your note, right-click and choose “Writing Tools” to access AI features that help you create summaries, key points, lists, tables, or even rewrite your text.
• You can write calculations directly in your notes, and your Mac will automatically provide the answers, eliminating the need to switch to a calculator app.
• Highlight any text by selecting it and pressing Shift + Command + E on your keyboard.
• Use headings to organize your notes, as they automatically become collapsible, allowing for easier navigation and management of content.

In Conclusion

With these exciting new features, macOS Sequoia enhances productivity and user experience on Mac devices. Dive in and explore these updates to make the most of your new operating system!