macOS Sequoia public beta: 5 new features that may convince Windows users to switch

The macOS Sequoia public beta has finally arrived, offering a new-and-improved productivity experience on MacBook. When I announced my official departure from the Windows world, I proclaimed that I didn’t regret the switch to Mac. However, there is one thing I miss the most from PCs: Snap Layouts.

Now, macOS Sequoia has its own version of Snap Layouts, so users no longer need to rely on third-party apps like Magnet to do the job. Here are the top five utilities we’ve spotted on macOS Sequoia public beta that may make you fall in love with your Mac all over again. (And possibly make convince some PC users to make the switch.)

macOS Sequoia public beta: 5 top features you need to try

Before I dive into the best new features of Mac’s next big update, you’ll need to install the macOS public beta. But don’t say we didn’t warn you — this is a beta, so you’ll want to make sure that your Mac device is backed up.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s narrow down macOS Sequoia’s vast feature set into a top five list.

1. Windows Tiling

Windows Tiling lets you “snap” windows into place. For example, you can affix Mashable on the left side of the screen while placing Spotify on the right side, allowing you to scroll through our site while jamming to the latest music jams.

Windows Tiling with Spotify and Mashable
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can use Windows Tiling by hovering your mouse over the green dot on the top-left of the window. (Make sure the window is not in full-screen mode.) Next, you can snap the window to the left, right, top, or bottom. You can do the same with other windows for a seamless multitasking experience.

2. Voice-activated commands

In the Accessibility menu, there’s a new option called Vocal Shortcuts. What does it do? It allows you to teach your Mac a custom phrase that prompts it to perform a specified action.

You can turn it on by navigating to System Settings (via Apple logo) > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts. Next, click on “Set Up” before clicking on “Continue.”

Choose an action from the list (e.g., Zoom), type in the command phrase you’d like to vocalize (e.g., “Zoom in, please”), and hit “Continue.” You’ll then be asked to say the phrase three times. Hit “Continue.”

3. Math Notes with ‘Calculator’

When Apple first introduced Math Notes at WWDC 2024, it was on the iPad. The Cupertino-based tech giant showed off how one can use the Apple Pencil to scribble a math problem, and almost instantly, the Calculator app generates an answer for you once you write an equal sign.

However, this cool feature isn’t just for iPad. Open up the Calculator app, tap on the Calculator icon, and hit “Math Notes.”

Start typing in your equation, and once you use the equal sign, the answer will appear in golden yellow.

4. Highlight your notes

Apple also made some tweaks to the notes app. If you’re someone who loves to take notes with the native Notes app, you may be thrilled to hear that there are more ways to customize your notes and make them pop.

You can highlight your text in hot pink
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For example, you can now add a pop of color to your text by highlighting them. You can do this by selecting the text, hitting the “Aa” icon, and clicking on the purple dot. You can also choose between Pink, Orange, Mint, and Blue.

5. Voice Memo can transcribe your words

Sometimes, you may not feel like typing notes. You just want to speak out into the world and have someone transcribe your words into text. Well, Voice Memo can double as your own personal transcriptionist on macOS Sequoia.

macOS Sequoia can transform your speech into text
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Fire up Voice Memos via Launchpad and hit the red record button. When you’re done, hit the talk bubble icon on the top-right corner, and you’ll get a transcription of your speech.