David Bridges
A few month after Apple introduced it at WWDC 2024, macOS Sequoia is out there to test-drive as a public beta. Though we don’t suggest putting in it in your main Mac, right here’s tips on how to get the 2024 model of macOS up and working forward of its official rollout within the fall.
Appropriate Macs
First, you’ll want a latest Mac to run the Sequoia public beta. Apple’s software program helps the next fashions:
You’ll discover that record nonetheless contains (as much as) the previous few generations of Intel Macs, so Apple should still be a number of years away from requiring Apple Silicon for its newest software program. Nonetheless, Apple Intelligence, which isn’t but included within the beta, would require a Mac with an M-series chip when it’s obtainable.
Again that Mac up
Macs don’t have computerized iCloud system backups like iOS units, so that you’ll need to again up your Mac with Time Machine earlier than putting in.
We are able to’t stress sufficient how essential this step is. Some apps and system options you depend on could also be buggy or damaged within the beta, and downgrading again to macOS Sonoma (the present model) will wipe all of your information. A Time Machine backup helps you to restore your system to the place it was earlier than you started tinkering, so do this earlier than going anyplace close to Sequoia.
To again up with Time Machine, plug an exterior disk into your Mac, navigate to System Settings > Time Machine, add a backup disk and comply with the directions. It could take not less than a number of hours, relying on how a lot information you’re utilizing (and whether or not you’ve backed up not too long ago). However it’s price it for peace of thoughts.
Tips on how to set up the macOS Sequoia beta
If you happen to’ve by no means registered your Apple account for the Apple Beta Software program Program, you’ll want to begin by heading to Apple’s web site in Safari, signing up, and agreeing to the phrases.
Afterward, head to System Settings > Common > Software program Replace, and click on “i” subsequent to Beta Updates. Within the pop-up window, select “Off,” which brings up a menu. Select macOS Sequoia Public Beta. Press “executed” within the pop-up window, look forward to it to examine for updates, and comply with the prompts within the Software program Replace display to put in the pre-release software program.
macOS Sequoia options
macOS Sequoia provides iPhone Mirroring, which helps you to view and management your close by iPhone out of your Mac (so long as you’re logged into the identical Apple account). This characteristic appears helpful to examine or reply to one thing whereas leaving your cellphone in your pocket or on a charger.
Apple Intelligence gained’t be obtainable in betas till the autumn. However when it arrives, Macs with M-series chips will get system-wide AI writing instruments, together with rewriting, proofreading and summarizing textual content. It additionally contains (opt-in) ChatGPT integration and a brand new instrument known as Picture Playground that generates AI photographs in numerous kinds.
Siri in Sequoia additionally will get an AI-infused improve, which might assist the characteristic fulfill its promise as a very conversational assistant. (You might have seen it at the moment falls properly wanting that.) Different Sequoia options embody a brand new window association instrument, a Passwords app (changing and enhancing the prevailing iCloud Keychain and Safari password administration) and AI-generated summaries in Safari.
The ultimate model of macOS Sequoia will arrive this fall, both across the identical time or quickly after Apple launches iOS 18 and new iPhones.
Brandon Fletcher
