macOS Sequoia Preview

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Window management and tiling

  • Many welcome built‑in window snapping/“tiling”, expecting to drop tools like Magnet/Rectangle/Moom/BetterSnapTool, though power users say it’s still just snapping, not true tiling like i3/sway.
  • Some want richer features (thirds, horizontal splits, automatic tiling, strong keyboard integration) and worry it’s too basic and mouse‑centric.
  • Others note they’ll keep advanced tools (Rectangle, Phoenix, yabai-like setups) because Apple’s solutions typically stop at 80% of their needs.
  • There’s mild concern about how this interacts with Stage Manager; some see the lack of Stage Manager mention as quiet de‑emphasis.

iPhone mirroring and notifications

  • iPhone mirroring is seen as one of the most interesting features: remote control from Mac, easier MFA approvals, backup/repair when screens fail, remote support via screen sharing.
  • Latency is debated: some expect “cloud gaming”-like but acceptable delays; others cite existing AirPlay/Sidecar/Vision Pro mirroring as evidence it can be smooth.
  • Security/scam risk is raised, especially if scammers can gain remote control during support calls and access 2FA apps.
  • iPhone notifications on Mac split opinion: some love centralizing alerts and auth flows; others fear notification overload and prefer keeping distractions confined to the phone.

Passwords app and Sherlocking

  • The new Passwords app is broadly welcomed as long‑missing native password management, potentially replacing 1Password/Bitwarden/Raivo for many, especially those not using a manager today.
  • Concerns: cross‑platform gaps (Linux, non‑Safari browsers), weaker UX for “power” features (MFA handling, secure storage of arbitrary data), SIM‑swap risk if everything hangs off Apple ID, and possible lock‑in without good export.
  • Thread repeatedly notes Apple “Sherlocking” third‑party apps (window snapping, password managers, Camo‑like webcam use, Soulver‑like math notes). Some see this as user‑beneficial standardization; others see it as harmful to indie developers and long‑term innovation.

Display, input, and missing basics

  • External display scaling remains a sore point: no efficient fractional scaling, reliance on high‑res downscaling, and dependence on third‑party tools like BetterDisplay.
  • Mouse/trackball acceleration is praised by some, but others still want proper curve control and per‑device natural‑scroll settings without add‑ons.
  • Users list other “basic” gaps still needing third‑party apps: clipboard history, Windows‑style Alt‑Tab, per‑app volume, better menu bar/icon management, keyboard‑searchable window switching.

Ecosystem, updates, and overall sentiment

  • Some Windows users see Sequoia as a nudge toward macOS given frustration with ads/AI in Windows 11; others move in the opposite direction toward Linux due to Apple’s policies and macOS friction.
  • There’s anxiety about hardware obsolescence and partial security support on older macOS, though tools like OpenCore Legacy Patcher are mentioned.
  • Overall, many call this one of the more practical macOS releases in years—small but meaningful features—while skeptics want fewer new features and more stability/bug‑fix work.