Apple is expected to release macOS 15 Cat later this year. As the next major version of macOS, it will bring several new features and improvements. Here’s what I expect to see in macOS 15 based on rumors and Apple’s software history:
Refined Design and User Experience
Apple will likely continue refining the design and user experience of macOS with version 15. Some potential changes:
- A refreshed look for system apps like Photos, Mail, Calendar, etc. to match the aesthetic of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
- Improvements to Continuity features that integrate the Mac with other Apple devices. For example, better Handoff support between Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
- Enhancements to windowing and multitasking on Macs with Apple silicon. This includes additions to Stage Manager on the Mac.
- Updates to system sounds and alert tones across the OS.
- Subtle visual tweaks to icons, menus, toolbars, and more. Overall polish and consistency improvements.
Enhanced AI Capabilities
Apple is pushing machine learning across its operating systems. I expect macOS 15 to gain new AI-enabled features such as:
- Improved dictation and speech recognition capabilities.
- Enhanced image and video analysis in apps like Photos and Preview using on-device intelligence.
- Smarter search with the ability to perform more complex queries by understanding user intent and context.
- Better natural language processing for features like live captions.
- Continued expansion of visual lookup features pioneered by iOS/iPadOS.
Increased Apple Silicon Optimization
Since Apple Silicon Macs now represent the majority of the Mac lineup, macOS 15 will likely introduce optimizations to take full advantage of the M1, M2, and future Apple chip architectures.
Potential Apple silicon optimizations:
- Performance boosts for both single and multi-threaded workloads.
- Improvements to memory efficiency and management.
- New functionality tailored specifically to Apple chips, like better AI/ML integration.
- Removing legacy code and dependencies aimed at Intel chips.
Security and Privacy Enhancements
Privacy and security continue to be priorities for Apple. macOS 15 will likely introduce new protections like:
- Stronger encryption for iCloud data.
- Expanded iCloud Private Relay integration for secure web browsing.
- Updates to Safari focused on improved tracking prevention and fingerprinting defenses.
- New rapid security response capabilities to quickly mitigate newly discovered threats.
- Ongoing improvements to Apple’s malware and virus defenses.
Platform and App Updates
Of course, macOS powers thousands of apps so it needs to provide the latest capabilities:
- Support for new frameworks like MetalFX Upscaling to enhance graphics and gaming.
- Ability to run iOS and iPadOS apps through Catalyst with menu bar support.
- Enhancements to developer APIs across graphics, Machine Learning, Augmented Reality, and more.
- SwiftUI additions and refinements to make app development easier.
- Upgrades to the Maps and Weather apps with more detailed data.
- Home app improvements for smart home control.
While the official name and some specific features are still under wraps, macOS 15 Cat is shaping up to provide a polished user experience along with expanded Apple silicon optimization and smart new capabilities. It lays the foundation for Macs to gain even more synergies with iOS and iPadOS devices through shared technologies like Continuity and Catalyst. The future is bright for Apple’s desktop OS!
