A few month after Apple announced it at WWDC 2024, macOS Sequoia is accessible to test-drive as a public beta. Though we don’t suggest putting in it in your main Mac, right here’s the right 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 current Mac to run the Sequoia public beta. Apple’s software program helps the next fashions:
You’ll discover that listing nonetheless contains (as much as) the previous few generations of Intel Macs, so Apple should be a number of years away from requiring Apple Silicon for its newest software program. Nonetheless, 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 gadgets, so that you’ll need 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 knowledge. 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 observe the directions. It might take no less than a number of hours, relying on how a lot knowledge you’re utilizing (and whether or not you’ve backed up just lately). Nevertheless it’s value it for peace of thoughts.
The best way 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 start out by heading to Apple’s website in Safari, signing up, and agreeing to the phrases.
Afterward, head to System Settings > Common > 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 “achieved” within the pop-up window, look ahead to it to test for updates, and observe the prompts within the Software program Replace display 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 function appears useful to test or reply to one thing whereas leaving your cellphone in your pocket or on a charger.
Apple Intelligence gained’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 instrument referred to as Picture Playground that generates AI photos in varied types.
Siri in Sequoia additionally will get an AI-infused improve, which may assist the function fulfill its promise as a very conversational assistant. (You could have seen it at the moment falls nicely in need of that.) Different Sequoia options embody a brand new window association instrument, a Passwords app (changing and enhancing the present 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 identical time or quickly after Apple launches iOS 18 and new iPhones.
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