Apple has officially launched macOS Sequoia 15.5, the latest update in its macOS 15 series, arriving just weeks ahead of WWDC 2025 where macOS 16 is expected to debut. Although this is a mid-cycle update, macOS 15.5 includes meaningful changes that improve parental controls, email management, and system security—making it a highly recommended install for all users.
Key Features and Enhancements in macOS 15.5
1. Smarter Screen Time Alerts for Parents
One of the standout additions in macOS 15.5 is an improvement to Screen Time. Parents will now receive immediate notifications whenever the Screen Time passcode is entered on a child’s device. This subtle but powerful update helps keep better tabs on usage and promotes stronger digital wellbeing habits in families. This feature also aligns with Apple’s broader push to strengthen parental tools across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
2. New Mail App Category for Better Organization
The Mail app gets a productivity-focused upgrade with the introduction of a fifth email category. While Apple hasn’t specified what the new category is by default, it is designed to help further sort and prioritize messages—similar to how Gmail uses tabs like Primary, Social, and Promotions. The goal is to minimize inbox clutter and make navigating your inbox faster and more intuitive.
3. Security Fixes Across the Board
macOS 15.5 delivers a comprehensive slate of security patches targeting vulnerabilities in key components such as:
- AFP (Apple Filing Protocol)
- Core Bluetooth
- WebKit (used in Safari and other web-based apps)
- The Kernel (core of macOS)
Many of these flaws could have been exploited to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges, so this update significantly improves system hardening. Apple continues to make privacy and security a top priority—these updates prove that commitment remains strong.
Behind the Timing: Why Now?
macOS Sequoia 15.5 is likely the final major update before Apple unveils macOS 16 in June at WWDC 2025. Apple typically uses WWDC to showcase the next generation of macOS, and this release ensures that current users have a polished and stable foundation heading into the next cycle.
It’s also worth noting that macOS 15.5 follows recent updates to iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and watchOS 11.5—all of which are part of Apple’s synchronized release strategy ahead of WWDC.
How to Install the Update
To install macOS Sequoia 15.5:
- Open System Settings
- Navigate to General > Software Update
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install
The update is available for all Macs compatible with macOS 15, which includes most Macs from 2018 and later.
Should You Upgrade?
Yes. While it’s not packed with flashy new features, macOS 15.5 is an essential update due to its security patches, quality-of-life improvements, and enhanced parental controls. It’s particularly important for households using Screen Time and for anyone concerned about online security and email efficiency.
Apple’s pattern of delivering strong mid-cycle updates ensures macOS Sequoia remains a stable and capable OS—even as the spotlight shifts to what comes next. With macOS 16 on the horizon, macOS 15.5 provides a solid final touch to one of Apple’s most refined desktop platforms yet.
Key Takeaways
- MacOS Sequoia 15.5 includes Mail improvements, Screen Time notification features, and security updates.
- The update is available now for all Mac computers running macOS Sequoia through the Software Update section.
- This is likely the final update before Apple announces macOS 16 at WWDC in June 2025.
What’s New in macOS Sequoia 15.5
Apple’s latest update brings modest but useful improvements to Mac systems. The update focuses on enhanced parental controls, Mail improvements, and several security fixes while maintaining system stability.
Key Features and Enhancements
The macOS 15.5 update introduces several refinements to existing functionality rather than major new features. One notable addition is an improved Mail experience with better sorting options and faster search capabilities.
Mail now handles attachments more efficiently, with a streamlined interface for managing large files. Users can also enjoy enhanced threading for complex email conversations.
Parents will appreciate the new Screen Time feature that sends notifications when a Screen Time passcode is used on a child’s device. This helps parents stay informed about changes to usage limits and content restrictions.
The update also includes refinements to the Photos app, with improved object recognition and better management of large libraries. Safari gains performance improvements that make browsing smoother on older Mac models.
Apple Intelligence Updates
While macOS Sequoia 15.5 is light on new features, it does include some refinements to Apple Intelligence capabilities introduced in earlier versions.
The text summarization tool now works with more document types and produces more accurate results. This makes it easier to quickly understand long documents without reading them entirely.
Voice recognition has improved accuracy, especially for users with accents or those speaking in noisy environments. The system now better distinguishes between similar-sounding words.
Gemoji suggestions are smarter and more contextually aware in Messages and Mail. The system learns from your usage patterns to offer more relevant emoji options based on your conversation context.
Translation features now support three additional languages and work faster with less processing power. Offline translation capabilities have also been expanded for travelers.
Interface and Usability Improvements
Mac users will notice subtle refinements throughout the Sequoia interface. Menu animations are smoother, and window transitions feel more responsive across the system.
The Control Center has been reorganized for better access to frequently used settings. Users can now customize the layout more extensively to match their preferences.
Finder includes a new compact view option that shows more files without sacrificing readability. The column view has also been improved with better width adjustment capabilities.
Dark Mode transitions are now smoother when switching between light and dark appearances. The system better preserves your place in applications during the transition.
Accessibility settings have expanded with more voice control options and improved VoiceOver compatibility with third-party apps. Text-to-speech sounds more natural and responsive.
Security and Stability Changes
Apple has included numerous security fixes in this update, addressing vulnerabilities in Safari, kernel components, and networking services.
The APFS file system received improvements that help prevent data corruption during unexpected shutdowns. File recovery options have been expanded to help retrieve accidentally deleted documents.
System stability has improved for users with multiple external displays. The update fixes issues with display recognition and arrangement that affected previous versions.
Memory management is more efficient, reducing unexpected application quits on systems with limited RAM. Background processes now use fewer resources when not actively needed.
For developers, there are new API changes and bug fixes that improve app compatibility. The update ensures better performance for apps built using the latest development tools.
Availability, Installation, and Beta Programs
macOS Sequoia 15.5 is now available through multiple channels for both regular users and beta testers. Apple has maintained its typical release schedule while offering various ways to access the software.
Release Timeline and Supported Devices
macOS Sequoia 15.5 was officially released on May 12, 2025. This release represents the fifth major update to macOS Sequoia and likely the last before macOS 16 debuts at WWDC next month.
The update supports the same devices compatible with the original macOS Sequoia release. This includes:
- MacBook models from 2018 or later
- MacBook Air models from 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro models from 2018 or later
- Mac mini models from 2018 or later
- iMac models from 2019 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro models from 2019 or later
- Mac Studio (all models)
Users should check their Mac’s compatibility before attempting to install the update.
Public Beta and Developer Beta Access
Apple continues to offer both public beta and developer beta programs for those wanting early access to upcoming macOS versions. The Sequoia 15.5 beta began in March 2025 with several test versions released before the final public version.
Joining the beta programs is straightforward:
- Developer Beta: Available through the Apple Developer Program ($99/year) or the free developer account option.
- Public Beta: Available at no cost through the Apple Beta Software Program website.
To access either beta, users must enroll their Mac and install a beta profile. Beta testing carries risks of bugs and unstable performance, so users should consider this before signing up. Apple recommends installing beta software only on secondary devices.
How to Update and Backup Your Mac
Before updating to macOS Sequoia 15.5, creating a Time Machine backup is essential to protect data in case issues occur during installation.
To install the update:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner
- Select “System Settings”
- Navigate to “General” and then “Software Update”
- Click “Update Now” to install macOS Sequoia 15.5
For those who prefer a more automatic approach, enabling automatic updates is possible through the same Software Update menu. Select “Automatic Updates” and choose your preferred settings.
The download size for macOS Sequoia 15.5 is approximately 3GB, but this may vary depending on your current version. Installation typically takes 30-45 minutes, during which your Mac will restart several times.
Frequently Asked Questions
MacOS Sequoia 15.5 brings several improvements to Apple’s desktop operating system. Here are answers to common questions about this latest update.
What are the new features included in macOS Sequoia 15.5?
MacOS Sequoia 15.5 includes the ability to create Memory movies in Photos with Apple Intelligence. It also adds a new Sketch Style option in Image Playground.
The update brings Mail Categorization to help users organize their inbox more efficiently. Most changes are minor improvements rather than major features.
Apple seems to be holding back significant new features for the upcoming WWDC event. This update focuses on bug fixes and small enhancements to existing features.
How can I download the macOS Sequoia 15.5 update?
Users can download macOS Sequoia 15.5 through the Software Update section in System Settings. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, and then choose Software Update.
If automatic updates are enabled, your Mac might suggest installing the update automatically. The download size varies depending on your current macOS version.
Make sure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection before starting the download. The installation process may take 30-45 minutes to complete.
What should I do before installing the macOS Sequoia 15.5 update?
Back up your Mac using Time Machine or another backup solution before installing the update. This protects your data in case something goes wrong during installation.
Check that you have enough free storage space on your Mac. The update requires at least 12GB of available storage for the installation process.
Close all open applications before starting the update. This prevents any unsaved work from being lost during the restart that happens during installation.
Are there any known issues with macOS Sequoia 15.5?
No major issues have been reported with macOS Sequoia 15.5 so far. Apple tested the software through multiple beta versions before public release to catch and fix bugs.
The beta testing process included three beta releases, with the third beta addressing issues found in earlier versions.
If you encounter problems after updating, check Apple Support forums or contact Apple directly. Minor issues can sometimes appear after a system update.
How do I check if my Mac is compatible with macOS Sequoia 15.5?
MacOS Sequoia 15.5 requires the same Mac models that are compatible with macOS Sequoia 15.0. This generally includes Macs released in 2018 or later.
To check your Mac model, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select “About This Mac.” This window shows your Mac’s model and year.
All Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3 series) are compatible with the update. For Intel Macs, compatibility depends on the specific model and year of manufacture.
What is the official release date of macOS Sequoia 15.5?
MacOS Sequoia 15.5 was officially released on May 12, 2025. This comes after a beta testing period that began in early April.
The first beta version was released on April 2, 2025, followed by additional beta releases. The third beta was released on April 21, 2025.
Developers received a Release Candidate version before the public release to test their apps against the final build.
