macOS Sequoia 15.5 Review: New Features, Updates, and What's New?

Apple’s macOS 15.5 Sequoia was released on May 12, and while it may not be the flashiest update, it’s packed with new features, refinements, security upgrades, and fixes that make your Mac safer and smoother. Whether you’re a student, parent, or tech enthusiast, this review will walk you through everything you need to know about the latest updates.

We’ll break down the changes in detail, explain why these updates matter, and help you decide if this update is worth installing. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. What’s New in macOS 15.5?

   • Mail App Improvements
   • Apple Care & Warranty Redesign
   • Screen Time Upgrades for Parents
   • Display Calibration Fixes
   • Mouse and VPN Compatibility

2. Enterprise and Security Updates

   • Network Management for Organizations
   • Critical Security Patches

3. Performance and Installation Guide

   • Installation Times Compared
   • Storage Management Tips

4. Should You Update?

   • Pros and Cons
   • Who Benefits Most?

5. What’s Next? macOS 16 Preview

6. FAQs
7. Conclusion

1. What’s New in macOS 15.5?

Mail App Improvements

The Mail app has been overhauled to make managing your inbox easier than ever.

• All Mail Button

  • Before: Finding the “All Mail” folder required clicking through multiple menus.
  • Now: A dedicated “All Mail” button sits in the sidebar for instant access.
  • Why It Matters: If you’re juggling school emails, newsletters, and promotions, this saves time.

• Contact Photos

  • How to Enable: Click the three-dot menu (top-right) → “Show Contact Photos.”
  • Example: Your teacher’s profile picture appears next to their email, making it easier to spot important messages.

• Category Descriptions

  • New Feature: Hover over categories like “Promotions” or “Updates” to see a brief explanation.
  • Use Case: If you’re new to email organization, this helps you understand where your messages are sorted.

Pro Tip: Pair these features with advanced email management strategies for M4 MacBooks to supercharge your productivity.

Apple Care & Warranty Redesign

Apple revamped the Apple Care & Warranty section in System Settings to be more user-friendly.

• Simpler Layout

  • Rounded corners and clearer headings make it easier to navigate.
  • Before: Information was cluttered and slow to load.
  • Now: Key details like coverage status and support options are front-and-center.

• Get Support Button

  • A new “Get Support” link connects you directly to Apple’s help team.
  • Ideal For: Quick troubleshooting for issues like a cracked screen or battery problems.

• Web-Based Interface

  • Drawback: Some pages load slower because they’re web views, not built into macOS.
  • Workaround: Ensure you have a stable internet connection when checking warranty details.

Did You Know? The M4 MacBook Pro and Air include free Apple Care for 90 days. Learn more about their warranty coverage.

Screen Time Upgrades for Parents

Parents gain better control over their kids’ device usage with new alerts.

• Passcode Guess Alerts

  • How It Works: If someone correctly guesses your child’s Screen Time passcode, you’ll get a notification.
  • Example: Your teen tries extending their gaming time by guessing the code—now you’ll know instantly.

• Setup Tips

  1. Go to System Settings → Screen Time → [Child’s Name].
  2. Enable “Notify When Passcode is Used.”

Pair With: Parental control strategies for M4 MacBooks to block inappropriate apps or websites.

Display Calibration Fixes

Affected Devices: 14" and 16" M4 MacBook Pro models.

• Issue: Customizing display colors caused sudden reboots.
• Fix: macOS 15.5 resolves this, letting you calibrate screens safely.
• How to Calibrate:
  1. Go to System Settings → Displays → Color Profile.
  2. Select “Calibrate” and follow the on-screen steps.

Why It Matters: Accurate colors are crucial for photo editing or graphic design projects.

Mouse and VPN Compatibility

• Mouse Support

  • Problem: Some third-party mice (e.g., Logitech) required apps like Mouse Glide to work.
  • Fix: macOS 15.5 adds native support, so mice work plug-and-play.

• VPN Fixes

  • Issue: Browser-based VPNs (e.g., Opera VPN) stopped working in macOS 15.4.
  • Solution: macOS 15.5 restores compatibility.

Need Speed? The M4 chip boosts performance for demanding tasks. Unlock your M4 MacBook’s full potential.

2. Enterprise and Security Updates

For Schools and Businesses

• DHCPv6 Support

  • What It Means: Better network management for large organizations.
  • Example: A school can assign IP addresses to hundreds of devices without conflicts.

• MDM Fixes

  • Problem: Devices sometimes got stuck in recovery mode after updates.
  • Fix: macOS 15.5 ensures smooth enrollment for company-managed Macs.

• AFP Deprecation

  • What’s Happening: The outdated Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) will be removed in future updates.
  • Alternative: Use modern protocols like SMB for file sharing.

Security Patches

Apple fixed 39+ vulnerabilities, including critical threats:

Stay Safe: Always install updates promptly. macOS 15.5 is a must for protecting sensitive data.

3. Performance and Installation Guide

Installation Times Compared

Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3/M4) install updates faster than Intel-based models.

Pro Tip: Charge your Mac to 50%+ before updating to avoid interruptions.

Storage Management

• Apple Intelligence: Uses 10–12 GB for AI models (e.g., Siri improvements).
• System Data: macOS itself takes ~21 GB.

How to Free Space:

1. Delete unused apps (System Settings → Storage → Applications).
2. Offload files to iCloud or external drives.

For M4 Users: The M4 chip’s efficiency helps manage storage-heavy tasks. Optimize your M4 MacBook’s storage.

4. Should You Update?

Pros

• Security: Patches 39+ vulnerabilities.
• Stability: Fixes crashes for M4 MacBooks and third-party devices.
• Parental Controls: Alerts for Screen Time bypass attempts.

Cons

• Minor Bugs: Some users report slow loading in Apple Care’s web-based menus.
• No Major Features: Focuses on refinements, not flashy new tools.

Who Should Update?

• Parents managing kids’ screen time.
• M4 MacBook Pro/Air users needing display fixes.
• Businesses relying on MDM and secure networks.

Who Can Wait?

• Casual users who avoid updates until bugs are fixed.

5. What’s Next? macOS 16 Preview

Apple will unveil macOS 16 at WWDC 2025 (June 9). Early rumors suggest:

• Siri 2.0: More natural conversations and proactive suggestions.
• Redesigned Apps: Notes and Reminders may get AI-powered features.
• Cross-Device Sync: Deeper integration with iOS 19 and Apple Vision Pro.

Stay Tuned: We’ll cover macOS 16’s beta releases and features later this year!

FAQ: macOS 15.5 Sequoia

1. Does macOS 15.5 slow down older Macs?

Answer: No! macOS 15.5 is optimized for performance across all supported devices, including older Intel-based Macs. The update focuses on bug fixes and security patches, not heavy new features, so it won’t reduce speed. In fact, many users report smoother performance after installing it.

2. How do I enable Screen Time passcode alerts for my child’s account?

Answer:

1. Go to System Settings → Screen Time → [Your Child’s Name].
2. Toggle on “Notify When Passcode is Used”.
3. Ensure your device (parent’s Mac or iPhone) is updated to macOS 15.5 or iOS 18.5.

You’ll receive a notification immediately if someone guesses the passcode. For more tips, explore parental control strategies for M4 MacBooks.

3. My M4 MacBook Pro’s display calibration caused reboots. Is this fixed?

Answer: Yes! macOS 15.5 resolves the issue where calibrating displays on 14" or 16" M4 MacBook Pros caused sudden restarts. To calibrate safely:

1. Go to System Settings → Displays → Color Profile.
2. Click “Calibrate” and follow the instructions.

If you’re still having issues, check your M4 MacBook Pro’s warranty coveragefor support.

4. Can I skip macOS 15.5 and wait for macOS 16?

Answer: While you can skip it, we don’t recommend it. macOS 15.5 includes critical security fixes for vulnerabilities like kernel exploits and Safari threats. Delaying updates leaves your Mac exposed to hackers. If you’re worried about bugs, rest assured—this update is stable for most users.

5. Why does Apple Care & Warranty load slowly in System Settings?

Answer: The redesigned Apple Care section uses web-based pages instead of built-in macOS code, which can cause slower loading times. To speed things up:

• Ensure you have a strong internet connection.
• Close unused apps to free up memory.

For more troubleshooting, learn how to optimize your M4 MacBook Air’s performance.

Conclusion

macOS 15.5 Sequoia is a must-install update for anyone prioritizing security, stability, or parental controls. While it lacks flashy new features, it addresses critical issues like display calibration bugs, Screen Time vulnerabilities, and browser-based VPN failures. Parents, students, and professionals alike will appreciate its refinements.

Don’t wait—update today to protect your data and enjoy a smoother Mac experience. For more insights, check out our guides to mastering your M4 MacBook Pro or getting the most from your M4 MacBook Air. Stay tuned for macOS 16 news later this year!