- On the third day of Apple’s WWDC 2024, significant updates were announced for macOS Sequoia, showcasing new features aimed at improving gaming, media transfers, and overall user experience.
- macOS Sequoia brings iPhone Mirroring for seamless device control, enhanced Safari with Highlights for easy info discovery, a unified Passwords app for credential management, and new gaming titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Frostpunk 2 for immersive experiences.
OUR TAKE
Day 3 of WWDC 2024 has solidified macOS Sequoia as a powerhouse update, packed with features that cater to a wide range of users. From gamers enjoying smoother graphics and gameplay to professionals benefiting from seamless media transfers and improved multitasking tools, macOS Sequoia is set to enhance productivity and entertainment on Mac devices.
–Jinny Xu, BTW reporter
Apple’s WWDC 2024 continues to surprise and delight developers and users alike, with Day 3 highlighting the much-anticipated macOS Sequoia. This update promises to take the Mac experience to new heights, particularly for gamers, media enthusiasts, and productivity users. Let’s dive into the exciting features announced.
60fps gaming
One of the standout announcements for macOS Sequoia is the introduction of 60fps gaming. Apple is clearly making a significant push into the gaming arena, aiming to provide a smooth and immersive experience on Mac devices. This upgrade will not only enhance the visual performance of games but also ensure more responsive and enjoyable gameplay. The inclusion of Game Mode, which prioritises CPU and GPU resources for gaming, further solidifies macOS as a viable platform for both casual and serious gamers.
Also read: Apple WWDC 2024 day 2 highlights
Seamless media transfers
Apple has made media management easier with new features for seamless media transfers between devices. With macOS Sequoia, users can quickly and efficiently transfer large media files from their iPhones or iPads to their Macs. This is a significant improvement for those who regularly work with high-resolution photos, videos, and large project files, streamlining the workflow and reducing the time spent on file management.
Also read: Elon Musk threatens Apple device ban over OpenAI partnership
Enhanced iPhone mirroring
Expanding on its continuity features, macOS Sequoia introduces advanced iPhone mirroring capabilities. Users can now mirror their iPhone screens directly to their Macs, allowing for better integration and control of iPhone apps and functionalities from the larger Mac display. This feature is particularly useful for presentations, app development, and multitasking across devices.
Improved Safari and password management
Safari gets a significant overhaul in macOS Sequoia with new tools aimed at enhancing the browsing experience. The Highlights feature helps users quickly find important information on web pages, while the redesigned Reader mode offers a distraction-free reading environment. Additionally, a new password app consolidates all password management functions, providing a secure and user-friendly interface for storing and managing credentials.
Personalised Spatial Audio and video conferencing
macOS Sequoia enhances the audio experience with Personalised Spatial Audio, tailoring sound output to individual preferences and making media consumption more immersive. Video conferencing improvements include better window tiling for more organised multitasking during calls and presentations, as well as new features to enhance the overall video call experience.
AI and privacy
macOS Sequoia will integrate enhanced AI capabilities while maintaining a strong focus on privacy. The new AI model, Ajax, will run on-device, ensuring user data remains private. This model will enhance various macOS functionalities, such as intelligent searches in Spotlight, conversational responses in Siri, and summarisation capabilities in Messages.
Productivity tools
Other notable updates include window snapping for better multitasking, customisable backgrounds for video conferencing apps, and improved first-party applications like Calculator and Notes. These apps now feature integrated AI functionalities, such as voice transcription and summarisation, to boost productivity and user convenience.
Availability
macOS Sequoia is currently available as a developer beta, with a public release slated for the fall. It will be compatible with all Apple silicon devices and several older Intel-based Macs.