Apple has just released macOS Sequoia 15.4, bringing several exciting updates to Mac users everywhere. The update introduces a redesigned Mail app with new categorization features, Apple Intelligence enhancements, and creative tools that make your Mac more powerful and easier to use. You can now create Memory movies in the Photos app using Apple Intelligence, giving you new ways to relive your favorite moments.
If you’re looking for fresh creative options, you’ll find them in this update. The Image Playground now includes a new Sketch style option, letting you transform your images in unique ways. Apple has also added new emoji characters and made several under-the-hood improvements that boost overall system performance.
What’s New With MacOS Sequoia 15.4
Apple has released macOS Sequoia 15.4, introducing several notable features and enhancements:
Redesigned Mail App:
The Mail application now automatically categorizes incoming emails into four sections—Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions—to help users prioritize important messages.
Apple Intelligence Updates:
The update brings the ability to create Memory movies in the Photos app by describing the desired story, and introduces a new Sketch style in Image Playground for generating images. Additionally, Apple Intelligence now supports multiple new languages, including French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, as well as localized English for Singapore and India.
New Emoji:
Seven new emoji have been added to the system, such as Face with Bags Under Eyes, Fingerprint, Leafless Tree, Root Vegetable, Harp, Shovel, and Splatter.
Apple Podcasts Widgets:
The update introduces new widgets for Apple Podcasts, including a Followed Shows widget for tracking favorite podcasts and a customizable Library widget for quick access to sections like Latest Episodes, Saved, and Downloaded.
Quick Start for Mac:
Similar to the iPhone and iPad feature, Macs now support Quick Start, allowing users to transfer settings from an existing device to a new Mac by scanning a code, streamlining the setup process.
These updates aim to enhance user experience across various applications and system functionalities.
Key Takeaways
- The redesigned Mail app with categorization features helps organize your inbox more efficiently.
- New creative tools include Memory movies in Photos and a Sketch style in Image Playground.
- Apple Intelligence enhancements improve everyday tasks while new emoji add more expression options.
Enhancements and New Capabilities
MacOS Sequoia 15.4 brings several powerful upgrades that improve creativity, system management, and device integration. These updates make daily tasks smoother while adding useful tools for both casual and power users.
Image Playground and Memory Movie
The latest update introduces a new Sketch style for Image Playground, giving users more creative options when generating AI-powered images. This artistic style adds to the existing options, letting you create unique visuals with simple text prompts.
Photos app now supports Memory Movie, a feature for creating custom slideshows of your favorite moments. You can easily select images, add music, and apply transitions to create personalized videos to share with friends and family.
Apple Intelligence enhancements extend to both these features, with improved image recognition and smarter photo organization. The system now better identifies faces, places, and objects in your photo library.
New emoji characters have also been added, expanding your expression options in messages and social media.
System Settings and Software Updates
The update brings improvements to System Settings with a more streamlined interface. Finding and changing preferences is now faster with better-organized categories and improved search functionality.
Password timers and verification settings have been added, enhancing security while making authentication more convenient. You can now set how long your system remembers passwords before requiring reverification.
Mail app received a major upgrade with new categorization features. Messages are automatically sorted into:
- Primary
- Updates
- Promotions
This sorting helps manage inbox clutter and find important messages quickly. Priority notifications ensure you don’t miss critical emails.
Cross-Device Compatibility
MacOS Sequoia 15.4 improves integration with iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, creating a more unified experience across Apple devices. Handoff and Continuity features work more reliably, letting you start tasks on one device and finish on another.
The update brings lossless audio improvements for AirPods and compatible devices. Music and videos sound better with enhanced wireless audio quality.
Cross-device file sharing is faster and more reliable. AirDrop has been optimized for larger files, and shared folders sync more quickly between devices in the same Apple ID family.
Cloud sync performance improvements mean your documents, photos, and data move between devices more efficiently, using less bandwidth and battery power.
Usability and Accessibility Improvements
macOS Sequoia 15.4 brings several key upgrades that make daily tasks easier and more accessible for all users. These improvements focus on better email organization and enhanced support for users with vision needs.
Mail Categorization Enhancements
The redesigned Mail app in macOS 15.4 introduces smart categorization features that automatically sort emails into logical groups. Users can now see their messages organized by type, such as personal, work, newsletters, and promotions.
This system learns from user habits to improve sorting accuracy over time. The categories appear as tabs at the top of the inbox, making it easy to switch between different types of messages.
Mail also adds new filtering options that let users create custom rules for incoming messages. These filters can be based on sender, subject line, or specific keywords.
A new “Focus View” highlights important emails while temporarily hiding less urgent ones. This feature works seamlessly with the Focus modes already present in macOS.
Vision Pro Accessibility Feature
macOS Sequoia 15.4 introduces improved compatibility with Vision Pro, Apple’s mixed reality headset. The update adds voice control options specifically designed for Vision Pro users.
New zoom controls make text and images easier to see on MacBook Air and other Mac devices. Users can now adjust magnification levels with simple keyboard shortcuts or trackpad gestures.
The update also brings enhanced voice recognition that works with Vision Pro to help users with limited mobility navigate their Mac. This feature responds to natural speech patterns rather than requiring specific commands.
Color filters have been refined to better assist users with color blindness. These filters now automatically adjust based on screen content to provide the most helpful corrections for each situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
MacOS Sequoia 15.4 brings many improvements to Apple computers. The update includes changes to security, performance, and accessibility that make using Macs better and easier.
What are the key improvements in the latest macOS Sequoia 15.4 update?
MacOS Sequoia 15.4 includes a fully redesigned Mail app that makes email management simpler. The update also adds new Apple Intelligence features that help with everyday tasks.
Safari got improvements too, making web browsing faster and more secure. Users will notice better battery life on MacBooks thanks to power management updates.
The update also fixes many bugs that affected earlier versions, making the system more stable overall.
How does the new macOS Sequoia 15.4 enhance user security and privacy?
The latest update strengthens password protection with a new built-in password management app. This tool helps users create, store, and access strong passwords easily.
Security patches fix several vulnerabilities that could affect user data. Apple also improved privacy controls in Safari, giving users more say over which websites can track them.
Two-factor authentication now works more smoothly, adding protection without slowing down the login process.
Can you detail the performance enhancements introduced in macOS Sequoia 15.4?
MacOS 15.4 speeds up system startup by up to 20% on most Mac models. Apps open faster, and switching between programs feels smoother.
The update includes new API improvements like UserMapBundledParallelTaskCommandAndResponseBuffers that help apps run more efficiently. These technical changes mean less waiting for tasks to complete.
Graphics performance has improved, especially for creative apps like video editors and 3D software.
What are the latest accessibility features available in macOS Sequoia 15.4?
Voice Control received major upgrades, allowing users to navigate their Mac more easily using just their voice. The system now understands natural speech patterns better.
Text size adjustments now work system-wide, maintaining readability across all apps. Contrast options have expanded to help users with vision needs.
Screen Reader improvements make Mac usage more inclusive for visually impaired users, with better audio descriptions of on-screen elements.
How has the multitasking experience been improved in macOS Sequoia 15.4?
The update brings better window management tools that make organizing your workspace simpler. Split View now works more intuitively when arranging multiple apps side by side.
Mission Control has been refined to show clearer previews of open windows. This makes finding the right window faster when many apps are running.
The Dock now responds better when moving between displays, keeping your shortcuts accessible wherever you work.
What new applications or services have been integrated into macOS Sequoia 15.4?
A new videoconferencing tool comes built into macOS 15.4, offering better quality calls with less setup time. It works across platforms, connecting easily with non-Mac users.
The password management app mentioned earlier is completely new, replacing the need for third-party options for many users.
Weather and Maps apps received upgrades with more detailed information and faster performance when planning trips or checking forecasts.
