Apple’s MacOS 15.4 beta 4, codenamed Sequoia, introduces a comprehensive range of features, performance upgrades, and tools tailored for developers and everyday users alike. With build number 24E5238a, this update emphasizes stability, efficiency, and usability, making sure of a refined experience across the board. Whether you’re a developer seeking advanced tools or a casual user looking for smoother functionality, this update has something for everyone. Here’s an in-depth look at what MacOS 15.4 beta 4 brings to the table in a new video from HalfManHalfTech.
Key Features and Enhancements
MacOS 15.4 beta 4 focuses on delivering a more intuitive and seamless user experience. These standout features highlight the update’s practical improvements:
- Enhanced Storage Management: Apple Intelligence now provides detailed insights into storage usage, helping users better understand and manage their available space. Additionally, storage-related bugs have been resolved, making sure smoother performance when handling large files or applications.
- Natural Language Search: System applications, including the App Store, now support natural language search. This feature allows users to find apps and content more intuitively by typing queries in everyday language.
- Apple Arcade Expansion: Six new games are set to debut on Apple Arcade, with some launching as early as April 3. These additions aim to enhance the gaming experience for subscribers, offering a broader selection of engaging titles.
- Customizable Mail Categorization: A new toggle feature gives users the ability to enable or disable mail categorization, offering greater control over how their inbox is organized and displayed.
- Improved Podcasts App: The Podcasts app now features an enhanced search function with smarter suggestions, making it easier to discover new content. Additionally, a new widget provides quick access to your favorite shows directly from the home screen.
- Siri Accessibility Shortcuts: Siri now supports accessibility shortcuts, allowing users with specific needs to navigate their devices more efficiently and independently.
- Priority Notifications: A new settings option allows users to prioritize notifications, making sure that critical alerts are highlighted and never missed.
Developer Tools and Updates
For developers, MacOS 15.4 beta 4 introduces a suite of tools designed to streamline app development and testing. These updates focus on enhancing productivity and allowing innovation:
- Safari Technology Preview 215: Developers can test emerging web technologies and provide feedback, contributing to the evolution of Safari’s capabilities and making sure compatibility with future web standards.
- SwiftUI Enhancements: Updates to SwiftUI offer more robust tools for building Mac applications, simplifying the development process and improving app performance.
- Game Controller Support: Compatibility fixes ensure smoother integration with third-party game controllers, benefiting both developers creating gaming apps and users seeking a seamless gaming experience.
These tools reflect Apple’s commitment to supporting developers by providing the resources needed to create innovative and high-quality applications.
Performance and System Optimization
MacOS 15.4 beta 4 places a strong emphasis on system performance and efficiency, making sure a smoother experience for all users. Key improvements include:
- Networking Improvements: Updates to networking protocols deliver faster and more reliable connections, enhancing both browsing and file-sharing experiences.
- Expanded SD Card Support: Apple Silicon Macs now support SD cards larger than 2TB, addressing a significant limitation for users managing large data volumes or working with high-resolution media files.
- Battery Optimization: Battery life improvements provide up to 9 hours of screen-on time, depending on usage patterns, making it easier to stay productive throughout the day.
- System Performance: General performance enhancements ensure smoother multitasking, faster app responsiveness, and a more stable overall experience.
These optimizations reflect Apple’s ongoing efforts to refine the MacOS ecosystem, making sure that users can rely on their devices for both work and leisure.
Bug Fixes and Known Issues
MacOS 15.4 beta 4 addresses several issues while acknowledging a few ongoing challenges. Here’s an overview:
- Resolved Issues: Improvements include better game controller compatibility, enhanced networking stability, and fixes for SD card reader functionality. These updates address common pain points reported by users in previous versions.
- Ongoing Challenges: Some users have reported persistent issues with Apple Intelligence and downloading support. Apple is actively working to resolve these problems in future updates, making sure a more polished experience.
While the update resolves many existing bugs, Apple continues to refine the system based on user feedback, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Release Timeline
Apple has announced plans to release the MacOS 15.4 release candidate (RC) on March 24, with the official rollout expected by late March or early April. This timeline indicates that the update is in its final stages of testing, making sure a stable and feature-rich release for all users. As Apple moves closer to the official launch, users can anticipate a polished version that incorporates feedback from the beta testing phase.
MacOS 15.4 beta 4 Sequoia represents a well-rounded update that balances new features, performance enhancements, and developer tools. Whether you’re exploring improved search capabilities, enjoying new Apple Arcade games, or using updated development resources, this update is designed to elevate your Mac experience. With the release candidate just around the corner, users can look forward to a stable and refined official release in the near future.
Dive deeper into MacOS 15.4 beta 4 Sequoia with other articles and guides we have written below.
- What’s New in macOS 15.4 Beta 1?
- macOS 15.3 Sequoia Beta 1: You WON’T BELIEVE What’s New
- Discover the Latest Features in MacOS 15.4 Beta 3
- macOS 15.3 Sequoia: The Fastest macOS Yet?
- macOS 15.3 Sequoia: Deeper Dive into Apple Intelligence
Source & Image Credit: HalfManHalfTech
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