How to Set Up the macOS Sequoia Public Beta – The UBJ

A public beta program has been launched to test macOS Sequoia, which was unveiled at WWDC 2024 about a month ago. An official release scheduled for this fall will allow customers to experience and use the new features. However, the beta software is not intended to be installed on a primary Mac, as it may contain bugs and inconsistent features that affect regular use.

To participate in the macOS Sequoia public beta, you’ll need to own an eligible Mac model. The iMac (2019 and newer), iMac Pro (2017 and newer), Mac Studio (2022 and newer), MacBook Air (2020 and newer), MacBook Pro (2018 and newer), Mac mini (2018 and newer), and Mac Pro (2019 and newer) are some of the devices Apple supports. This comprehensive list includes a variety of Intel-based Mac models from recent generations, indicating Apple’s continued support for these models, in addition to more modern Apple Silicon-based computers.

Before you install macOS Sequoia, you must back up your current system using Time Machine. Unlike iOS devices, Macs do not automatically back up to iCloud, requiring external backups to protect your data. Connect your external drive, go to System Preferences > Time Machine, select your backup drive, and follow the instructions to initiate the backup process. This precautionary step provides a way to revert to a previous system configuration if you encounter any issues during the beta period.

To install the macOS Sequoia beta, you must first sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program on Apple’s website via Safari. Once signed up, go to System Preferences > General > Software Update on your Mac. Access the Beta Updates section by clicking the “i” icon, toggle “Off”, select macOS Sequoia Public Beta, confirm with “Done”, and follow the instructions on the Software Update screen to download and install the pre-release software.

macOS Sequoia introduces several noteworthy features aimed at increasing user productivity and usability on Mac devices. Among them is iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to view and control a nearby iPhone directly from their Mac. This integration is especially useful for managing iPhone apps and notifications without having to physically interact with the phone, which increases the ability to multitask.

Looking ahead, Apple Intelligence is planned for future integration with macOS Sequoia, offering AI-powered writing tools such as text rewriting, proofreading, and summarization. Scheduled to release alongside support for M-series chipsets, this feature aims to revolutionize productivity by providing advanced content creation capabilities directly within macOS. Additionally, optional integration with ChatGPT and the introduction of Image Playground for generating AI-enhanced images further expand the creative possibilities on Mac platforms.

Siri in macOS Sequoia receives significant improvements with AI-powered enhancements aimed at improving conversational interaction and usability as a digital assistant. This update aims to address previous limitations and provide a more intuitive and responsive Siri experience across tasks and apps.

Improvements to window management are also evident in macOS Sequoia, offering a new tool to organize and navigate open windows more efficiently. This improvement streamlines multitasking workflows, making it easier for users to manage multiple apps at once and customize their desktop environments to suit their individual preferences.

The introduction of the dedicated Passwords app in macOS Sequoia replaces and extends the existing password management features of iCloud Keychain and Safari. This app offers comprehensive security features to securely manage passwords and sensitive information on Apple devices, giving users increased control and convenience in their digital security practices.

Another notable addition to macOS Sequoia is AI-generated summaries in Safari, which automatically condense web content to provide concise overviews of articles and webpages. This feature is designed to make information consumption more efficient, allowing users to quickly understand key insights without having to read entire webpages in detail.

The final version of macOS Sequoia is expected to be released alongside or after the launch of iOS 18 and new iPhone models in the fall, underscoring Apple’s commitment to delivering integrated and innovative software experiences across its ecosystem.

Using beta software is always risky as it may have unexpected behavior on the part of the system or may not work properly with third-party programs. Therefore, users are advised to exercise caution and consider installing macOS Sequoia on alternative devices or only after careful planning and backup. To help Apple fine-tune and improve macOS Sequoia before its official launch, customers can provide insightful comments by participating in the public beta.

With a host of new features and improvements aimed at improving user productivity, security, and the overall experience, macOS Sequoia is a significant advancement in Apple’s desktop operating system. Users can explore and test these new features directly from the public beta and significantly contribute to the future development of macOS.

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