A few month after Apple announced it at WWDC 2024, macOS Sequoia is obtainable to test-drive as a public beta. Though we don’t advocate putting in it in your major Mac, right here’s the best way to get the 2024 model of macOS up and operating 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 listing nonetheless consists of (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. Nevertheless, Apple Intelligence, which isn’t but included within the beta, would require a Mac with an M-series chip when it’s out there.
Again that Mac up
Macs don’t have computerized iCloud system backups like iOS units, so that you’ll wish to again up your Mac with Time Machine earlier than putting in.
We will’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 allows 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 might 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 just lately). Nevertheless it’s price it for peace of thoughts.
Methods to set up the macOS Sequoia beta
Should you’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 website in Safari, signing up, and agreeing to the phrases.
Afterward, head to System Settings > Normal > 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 “accomplished” within the pop-up window, look forward to it to test for updates, and comply with the prompts within the Software program Replace display screen 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 useful to test or reply to one thing whereas leaving your telephone in your pocket or on a charger.
Apple Intelligence received’t be out there 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 includes (opt-in) ChatGPT integration and a brand new device known as Picture Playground that generates AI photos in numerous types.
Siri in Sequoia additionally will get an AI-infused improve, which may assist the characteristic fulfill its promise as a really conversational assistant. (You might have seen it at the moment falls properly in need of that.) Different Sequoia options embody a brand new window association device, 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 similar time or quickly after Apple launches iOS 18 and new iPhones.
