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Should You Update to macOS Sequoia?

MacOS 15 Sequoia. New features in macOS Sequoia. Should you update to macOS Sequoia? Is it safe to update to macOS Sequoia? Questions to ask yourself before updating. How to install the Mac OS Sequoia software.

MacOS 15 Sequoia is the current macOS version, released on September 16, 2024.

Reports from users indicate that macOS Sequoia is both stable and reliable.

Here's what you need to know before you update to macOS Sequoia.

Before you get started

Whether or not you update to macOS Sequoia, you'll need a terminal application to get full use of your Mac. Apple includes the Mac terminal but I prefer Warp Terminal. Warp is an easy-to-use terminal application, with AI assistance to help you learn and remember terminal commands. Download Warp Terminal now; it's FREE and worth a try.

Is it safe to update to macOS Sequoia?

Updating to the latest macOS version is generally advisable, as Apple’s public software releases are well-tested and stable. It's rare to encounter significant issues when updating to a new macOS version.

However, if you have an older, Intel-based Mac, exercise caution. Each new macOS iteration demands more system resources. While newer Macs that use Apple Silicon M1, M2, or M3 chips can handle the newer macOS, Intel-based Macs might struggle, leading to slower performance. In such cases, sticking with your current macOS version might be the wiser choice.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Updating

Is my Mac compatible?

Before anything else, find out whether your hardware can handle the new operating system. Apple provides a list of supported models for macOS Sequoia.

  • iMac Pro 2017 and later
  • Mac mini 2018 and later
  • MacBook Pro 2018 and later
  • Mac Pro 2019 and later
  • iMac 2019 and later
  • MacBook Air 2020 and later
  • Mac Studio 2022

MacOS Sequoia can be installed on every Mac that runs macOS Sonoma with the exception of the 2018–2019 MacBook Air models with Intel Amber Lake chips.

Ask yourself:

What year and model is my Mac?

  1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select About This Mac from the dropdown menu.
  3. A window will appear displaying your Mac model and year.

Do I have enough storage and RAM?

MacOS Sequoia doesn't require more RAM or storage than its predecessor, but if your drive is full you might need to free up space before updating.

Do I rely on any software that might not be compatible yet?

MacOS Sequoia isn't significantly different from its predecessor, macOS Sonoma, but there's a chance some software might not be compatible yet, especially open source software or specialized applications. All major software developers are likely to have updates ready for macOS Sequoia, but it's worth checking if you rely on any niche software. You can check for software compatibility by visiting the developer's website or contacting their support team. The MacRumors forum has a list of macOS Sequoia Working and Non-Working Apps.

Consider the following:

  • Which apps do I use daily? Some specialized or legacy applications may not be compatible immediately.
  • Are there updates available for my essential apps? Developers often release updates to ensure compatibility with new macOS versions. Check if such updates are available before making the leap.
  • Am I using any niche applications at work? If you rely on a specific application for your job, ensure it's compatible with macOS Sequoia before updating.

Am I prepared for potential initial bugs?

New software releases often come with initial bugs and performance hiccups, even if beta versions have shown stability. Ask yourself:

  • Can I handle potential instability or bugs? If your work relies on a stable system, you might want to wait for the first or second minor update (e.g., 15.0.1) that often addresses early issues.
  • Do I have a backup plan? Prepare for the unexpected by backing up your data. Use Time Machine or another backup solution to ensure you can revert to your previous macOS version if necessary.
  • Are there known issues? Keep an eye on the Reddit forum MacOS, Stack Exchange Ask Different, MacRumors forum, and Apple Support to be aware of significant issues reported by early adopters.

Making Your Decision

By addressing these questions, you'll have a clear understanding of whether updating to macOS Sequoia is the right move for you now or if it might be better to delay the update until a later time.

  • If your Mac is compatible and software is not a problem: Go ahead, but ensure you have a reliable backup and know your options to downgrade to restore the earlier macOS Sonoma.
  • If you’re using older hardware: Consider skipping the macOS update until you've upgraded your Mac to a newer M1, M2, or M3 model.
  • If you’re using critical software yet to be updated: Consider holding off until you know the software is compatible.
  • If you rely on a stable system for work: It’s prudent to wait until you know for sure that your work won't be disrupted. Ask your co-workers or IT department for advice.

New features in macOS Sequoia

MacOS Sequoia adds a few new features but is largely similar to the previous version.

Password Manager

One of the standout features in macOS Sequoia is the new Passwords app. This app centralizes the management of login credentials, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other essential credentials. It builds upon the existing framework of Apple's Keychain but offers a more user-friendly interface. By consolidating these elements, it largely eliminates the need for third-party password managers such as 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden.

Window Tiling

Mac users have long wondered why Apple doesn't include a tiling window manager like the one found in Windows. MacOS Sequoia addresses this with the new Window Tiling feature, which allows users to arrange application windows side by side, top and bottom, or in a grid. While third-party utilities offer more customization, the built-in Window Tiling is a welcome addition.

iPhone Mirroring

iPhone Mirroring allows the use of iPhone apps within a macOS window, making the Mac an extension of the iPhone. It’s particularly useful for checking iPhone notifications directly on your Mac, eliminating the need to reach for your phone constantly.

Seamless Drag and Drop Between Devices

This new functionality improves the reliability of transferring files between iPhone and Mac. Users have reported that this feature makes AirDrop more efficient, reducing the steps required for transferring files.

Apple Intelligence

MacOS Sequoia introduces Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI integration within macOS. Leveraging Apple custom silicon for both local and cloud-based processing, this feature aims to enhance system-level capabilities, including potential improvements to Siri. The initial release of Apple Intelligence is largely a system enhancement, with AI features supported in future application updates.

Smaller Yet Impactful Changes

  • System Settings: Menus have been rearranged to provide quicker access to frequently used options.
  • Safari: Enjoy faster page load times, a new start page, and a unified menu similar to "compact mode" on iOS.
  • Notes: Look forward to collapsible sections and new highlight styles for better note organization.

How to Update to macOS Sequoia

If your Mac isn't bogged down by age and sluggish performance, updating to macOS Sequoia is straightforward but time-consuming.

To update to macOS Sequoia, see the article

The update from macOS Sonoma to macOS Sequoia can take over an hour, affected by the size of the update, your Internet speed, and your Mac's performance.

After you update macOS, continue to Mac Setup for Sequoia.

What's next

My mac.install.guide is a trusted source of installation guides for professional developers. Take a look at the Mac Install Guide home page for tips and trends and see what to install next.