Yesterday, Apple released the first public beta for macOS Sequoia, its latest major software update for Mac. One of the more exciting features is the new iPhone Mirroring function. And guess what? If you want to try it today, you can. Just follow the steps below.
How to Install macOS Sequoia Public Beta
Before installing, ensure your Mac supports macOS Sequoia. To join the public beta, enroll your Apple Account at beta.apple.com. Then, follow these steps on your Mac:
- Open System Settings
- Click ‘General’ > ‘Software Update’
- Click the ‘Info’ button next to ‘Beta Updates’
- Select macOS Sequoia beta
Remember to back up your Mac before installation to avoid any issues with beta software.
Key Features in macOS Sequoia
Credit: Apple
iPhone Mirroring
The standout feature, iPhone Mirroring, seamlessly integrates your iPhone with your Mac. This addition enhances the continuity between Apple devices, making multitasking smoother than ever. According to The Verge, users have found it particularly useful for tweaking smart thermostats, Airdropping files without switching devices, responding to texts, and controlling music and podcasts directly from their Mac. Apple notes that iPhone Mirroring allows users to fully access and engage with their iPhone from their Mac, making multitasking smoother than ever.
Window Tiling
A new window management option allows for more organized and efficient workflows. This feature lets you tile windows side by side, optimizing your screen real estate. Users can quickly arrange tiles side by side or place them in corners to keep even more apps in view.
Videoconferencing Enhancements
Sequoia introduces presenter preview and background replacement, making video calls more professional and engaging. Users can apply built-in backgrounds or upload their own photos, enhancing their video conferencing experience.
Passwords App
A dedicated app for managing your passwords securely and conveniently. Built on the foundation of Keychain, the new Passwords app makes it easier to access passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other credentials all in one place.
Upgrades to Notes and Messages
The Notes and Messages apps receive substantial updates, enhancing their functionality and user experience. Apple Intelligence features like audio transcription and summarization make note-taking smarter and more efficient.
Headphone Accommodations
A long-awaited feature, Headphone Accommodations, finally arrives, improving audio accessibility.
Gaming Enhancements
A stellar lineup of games, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Frostpunk 2, is coming to Mac. Personalized Spatial Audio and Game Mode improvements offer a more immersive gaming experience.
Apple Intelligence
Deeply integrated into macOS Sequoia, Apple Intelligence offers new capabilities like Writing Tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text. Image Playground and enhanced Siri functionality are also included, providing users with more powerful AI-driven tools.
Verge’s first-hand experience with the beta highlights the seamless integration and usability of these new features. As noted, “iPhone Mirroring brings a new level of functionality to the Mac, allowing for effortless transitions between devices”[source]. Additionally, it has been particularly useful for managing notifications, as all iPhone notifications mirror to the Mac, reducing the need for frequent phone checks.
However, users should be aware of some caveats. You can only mirror your phone when it’s locked. Additionally, be prepared to adjust your notification settings to avoid being overwhelmed by the constant buzzing on both devices.
PC users with an Android phone already have a similar feature available through “Windows PhoneLink,” allowing them to seamlessly connect their devices and manage tasks across platforms.
Are you downloading the macOS Sequoia public beta?
