Apple to release AI-focused macOS Sequoia on September 16

Apple will release macOS Sequoia on September 16, its earliest major desktop operating system launch ever, as the company leans heavily on AI features to drive a new wave of hardware upgrades.

The new OS, first unveiled at WWDC 2024, introduces a suite of AI-powered features called Apple Intelligence and crowd-favorite iPhone Mirroring.

Industry analysts see the rapid release as Apple’s attempt to boost hardware sales. Morgan Stanley’s Erik Woodring suggests in a recent report that AI features could drive a “multi-year product refresh cycle” for Apple, potentially speeding up device replacement rates.

With macOS Sequoia, users can expect more natural language processing in Siri, intelligent summarization in Notes, and context-aware suggestions across various apps. 

Sequoia also brings substantial improvements to Safari, Apple’s web browser. A new Highlights feature promises more intuitive information discovery, and an updated Reader mode aims to enhance the consumption of long-form content. 

The Apple Intelligence suite will roll out in beta starting next month. Some of the features will be initially available to U.S. English language users. “Some features, additional languages, and platforms will be coming over the course of the next year,” Apple says on its website. MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini and Mac Studio powered by Apple Silicon M1 or later and the M2 Ultra-powered Mac Pro will get Apple Intelligence features, Apple says.

Sequoia also includes iPhone Mirroring, which lets users access and control their iPhone directly from their Mac, effectively turning the computer into an extension of the mobile device. 

Apple says it has also expanded Mac gaming support in Sequoia. Partnerships with major developers will bring titles such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows to the platform, while technical improvements like Metal 3 and MetalFX Upscaling aim to enhance gaming performance on Mac hardware. 

The swift macOS Sequoia release deviates from Apple’s usual late September or October timeline for desktop OS updates. Apple is facing growing competition in the PC market and increasing demand for AI features in consumer technology.

Read more about what Apple unveiled at its “Glowtime” event on Monday, including new iPhones, new Apple Watch models and more.