5 macOS Sequoia Features Not Available on Windows 11

Here are some notable features of macOS Sequoia that Windows 11 doesn't have.

1. iPhone Mirroring

While Microsoft offers some Apple-like continuity features on Windows with the Phone Link app, it still can't quite match the seamless integration that macOS offers. Phone Link on Windows 11 lets users do a lot of things, from answering calls and messages to viewing phone photos on a Windows PC.

It even lets you view Android phone notifications on your Windows device and mirror your Android phone's screen. However, this screen mirroring feature is limited to a handful of devices, and even on those devices, it's slow and inconsistent in performance, as Android Police reports.

Once you use the iPhone Mirroring feature in macOS Sequoia, you'll find that it's a much better experience than Android screen mirroring on Windows. It lets you easily view your iPhone's screen on your Mac with virtually no noticeable lag, and you can fully control iOS apps with your Mac's keyboard and mouse. Gestures work seamlessly, allowing you to navigate the home screen and interact with apps as if you were still using your iPhone.

This seamless integration is something that Windows 11 still lacks.

2. Solve math problems in Notes

While Microsoft offers the good old Notepad app on Windows, Apple's Notes app is still one of the best note-taking apps out there. And with macOS Sequoia, it's even better.

The app now offers the ability to solve math problems directly in the Notes app. You can now enter formulas or expressions and the Notes app will solve them instantly as you type the equals sign. This is great for people who plan their travel expenses using the Notes app.

Furthermore, the app also displays the math notes you have created on your iPhone or iPad for easier access.

3. Schedule text messages

While the Phone Link app lets you reply to text messages on your Windows 11 device without picking up your phone, it's not as seamless as the iMessage integration on macOS Sequoia.

The updated Messages app in Sequoia lets you schedule messages—a feature that's still missing on Windows 11. You can compose an iMessage and set the exact time and date to send it, which is incredibly useful for planning work-related tasks or even personal reminders, like sending birthday greetings.

4. Natural language search in Photos

The native Photos app on Windows is lagging behind Apple's on the Mac. In macOS Sequoia, you can now search for photos using natural language, making it easier to find photos without having to remember the exact file name or date.

For example, typing 'photos from last summer' will instantly pull up relevant photos. Meanwhile, Windows 11's Photos app only includes basic search functionality.

5. Powerful built-in password manager

Apple introduced a dedicated password manager app in macOS Sequoia, making it easy to manage logins, passwords, passcodes, and even Wi-Fi credentials. It's one of the best options for Apple users, especially since it syncs seamlessly across all your Apple devices.

The app's clean, simple interface ensures ease of use. While Microsoft Edge offers a password manager in its browser, Windows still lacks a dedicated app like this for password management, giving Apple the edge in this area.

At first glance, macOS Sequoia might not seem like a major update—mostly because many of the app's headline features revolve around Apple Intelligence, which isn't fully live yet—but it still introduces a number of features that significantly improve the Mac experience. These exclusive features are the reason many users plan to stick with the Apple ecosystem for years to come.

Samuel Daniel

Update 30 October 2024