Apple has rolled out the third developer beta for macOS Sequoia 15.5, identified by build number 24F5053j. This release follows the previous beta, build 24F5066B, which was introduced earlier this month.
A Focus on Stability and Performance
The latest beta continues Apple’s trend of prioritizing under-the-hood enhancements over introducing new features. Developers have noted that, similar to the earlier beta versions, this update emphasizes bug fixes and performance improvements. This approach suggests that Apple is concentrating on refining the operating system’s stability in preparation for its anticipated public release next month.
Key Features in macOS Sequoia
While the 15.5 beta doesn’t introduce significant new functionalities, macOS Sequoia as a whole brings several noteworthy features:
– iPhone Mirroring: This feature allows users to control their locked iPhone directly from their Mac. Users can open and use iPhone apps, interact with notifications, and drag and drop files between the devices seamlessly.
– Enhanced Window Management: Dragging a window to the edge of the display now suggests a tiled position, facilitating the use of multiple apps simultaneously.
– Passwords App: A dedicated application for managing passwords provides users with a centralized and secure location for their credentials.
– Safari Enhancements: The browser can now summarize websites and highlight key information, improving the browsing experience.
– Notes App Upgrades: Support for live audio transcription and mathematical equations has been added, expanding the app’s versatility.
Apple Intelligence Integration
Apple has announced that the Apple Intelligence features introduced in iOS 18 will also be integrated into macOS Sequoia. These features include:
– Writing Tools: Assistance with editing, proofreading, and summarizing text across various applications.
– Image Playground: An AI-driven tool that generates images based on user prompts.
– Genmoji: The ability to create custom emojis tailored to any situation.
– Enhanced Siri: A more intelligent Siri capable of performing complex tasks within apps and understanding context-based requests.
However, these features are slated for inclusion in later stages of the beta testing process and are not yet available in the current beta release.
Developer Access and Public Beta
Registered developers can access the macOS Sequoia beta through the Software Update section in the System Settings app, provided their Apple ID is associated with an Apple Developer account. Apple has indicated plans to release a public beta of macOS Sequoia later this month, allowing a broader audience to experience the new features and provide feedback.
Conclusion
The third developer beta of macOS Sequoia 15.5 underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing system stability and performance. While major new features are absent in this release, the forthcoming integration of Apple Intelligence and other enhancements promise a more robust and user-friendly experience in future updates.
