The second developer beta of macOS Sequoia is now available, and it brings a sneak peek into Apple’s highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features. Excitingly, anyone can give it a try, as long as you’re not located in China. This includes users in the European Union, although it’s worth noting that these AI features may not be launched there immediately.
The developer beta offers a wide range of Apple Intelligence features ready for testing, including:
*
Writing Tools:
Enhance your writing with AI-powered suggestions and assistance.*
Siri:
Experience an improved Siri with enhanced capabilities, thanks to Apple Intelligence.*
Safari and Mail Summaries:
Get quick insights into web pages and emails with AI-generated summaries.*
Smart Replies:
Receive intelligent suggestions for replies in your email and messaging apps.*
Memory Movies:
Create captivating video memories automatically using AI-driven editing.*
Transcription Features:
Benefit from more accurate and efficient transcription capabilities.*
Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode:
Experience a more focused work environment by using AI to minimize distractions.Downloading and Activating the Developer Beta:
Before diving in, it’s crucial to back up your Mac with Time Machine to ensure you can restore your system if any issues arise. If you have another Apple silicon Mac, consider using that as a secondary device for testing, as beta versions can be prone to unexpected behavior.
Here’s how to download and activate the developer beta:
1.
Sign Up for the Apple Developer Program:
Join the free program, which is a quick and straightforward process. This differs from the Apple Beta Software Program used for public betas.2.
Access Beta Updates:
Head to the Software Update tab in System Settings and click the information button next to Beta Updates. You’ll find a list of available betas, including macOS Sequoia 15.1 Developer Beta. Select it and the Upgrade Now button will appear.Activating Apple Intelligence Features:
After installing the beta, follow these steps to activate Apple Intelligence:
1.
Navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri:
Find the tab within System Settings.2.
Adjust Settings:
* Set Siri’s language to English (United States).
* Choose the American voice.
* In the Language & Region section, set your region to the United States.
* Set your primary language to English (US).
3.
Restart and Join the Waitlist:
Your Mac will restart automatically. After restarting, return to the Apple Intelligence & Siri section. You’ll now see an option to Join the Apple Intelligence waitlist. Click it and wait for a notification confirming your place on the waitlist. This process can take a few minutes or, if the servers are busy, potentially several hours.4.
Enable Apple Intelligence:
Once you receive the notification, toggle Apple Intelligence on. You’ll now have access to the AI-powered features.Important Notes:
* The Apple Intelligence features will not be included in the initial launch of macOS Sequoia. They will be added later in the year with a separate 15.1 update.
* Some features, like Genmoji and Image Playground, are not included in the 15.1 beta. These are expected to be released at a later stage.
Now that you’re set up, you can download future developer betas with ease!
