The MacOS Sequoia Beta, Is it worth using? - Mini Review

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their experience using the beta version of Mac OS Sequoia on their M3 Pro MacBook Pro. They discuss the system's stability, battery life, and new features like iPhone mirroring, window snapping, and collapsible notes. While acknowledging minor bugs, they emphasize the beta's overall reliability and the benefits of the new features. The creator advises waiting for the full release unless one is eager to test new functionalities, highlighting the importance of backing up data before beta updates.

Takeaways

• 📅 Apple announced Mac OS Sequoia in early June, and the speaker has been using the beta version since then.
• 💻 The beta is being tested on an M3 Pro MacBook Pro, a powerful base model with 14-inch display, 5 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores, and 18 GB of RAM.
• 🔧 The speaker finds the daily use of the beta to be stable, with no noticeable lag or slowdown, and apps opening quickly and remaining responsive.
• 🔋 Battery life has not changed significantly, and the beta software is not power-hungry, which is good news for older Mac users.
• 🆕 Mac OS Sequoia introduces a plethora of new features, including iPhone mirroring, window snapping, and collapsible notes, among others.
• 📲 iPhone mirroring is highlighted as particularly useful for transferring files without needing to Airdrop or email.
• 🪟 Window snapping allows for productivity by organizing apps to the corner or side of the screen, a feature previously available on Windows.
• 📝 Collapsible notes is a new feature that helps keep notes tidy by hiding text under headings or subheadings.
• 🐞 The speaker has encountered a few bugs, such as disappearing sentences in Notes, Duo Lingo app freezing, and issues with screen savers and wallpapers.
• 🛠 Despite the bugs, many have been fixed with updates, and the speaker believes the beta is stable enough for those who want to test new features.
• ❌ The speaker advises against using the beta for everyday users, recommending they wait for the full release, due to potential hassles and the need for a clean install to revert.

Q & A

What is the name of the new version of Mac OS announced by Apple in early June?

The new version of Mac OS announced by Apple is called Mac OS Sequoia.

How long has the author been using the beta version of Mac OS Sequoia?

The author has been using the beta version of Mac OS Sequoia since its announcement in early June.

What type of MacBook Pro is the author using to test the beta version of Mac OS Sequoia?

The author is using a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip, which has five performance cores, six efficiency cores, and 18 GB of RAM.

How does the author describe the overall performance of the beta version on their MacBook Pro?

The author describes the overall performance of the beta version as stable, with no noticeable lag or slowdown, and apps opening quickly and remaining responsive.

Has the battery life of the MacBook Pro changed noticeably after installing the beta version?

No, the battery life has not changed noticeably and still lasts the author throughout the day.

What are some of the new features introduced in Mac OS Sequoia according to the script?

Some of the new features introduced in Mac OS Sequoia include iPhone mirroring, window snapping, collapsible notes, Safari highlights, a new passwords app, new AirPods controls, new maps, changes to gaming on Mac, and new iMessage features.

Which three features does the author consider their favorites from the new Mac OS Sequoia update?

The author's favorite three features are iPhone mirroring, window snapping, and collapsible notes.

What issues has the author experienced with the beta version of Mac OS Sequoia?

The author has experienced issues such as sentences disappearing in Notes, the Duolingo app freezing during lessons, difficulty connecting to a phone's hotspot, and bugs with screen savers and wallpapers.

What is the author's recommendation regarding using the beta version of Mac OS Sequoia for everyday users?

The author recommends that everyday users wait for the full release of Mac OS Sequoia instead of using the beta version, unless they are eager to test new features or enjoy testing beta software.

What is the main drawback mentioned by the author for reverting back to a previous version from the beta version of Mac OS Sequoia?

The main drawback is that reverting back to a previous version requires a fresh install on the MacBook, which removes any files stored directly on it, making it important to back up the Mac before updating.