macOS Sequoia 15.3 left beta testing on Monday, and is now ready for any compatible Mac to install. The major new feature is the ability to create Genmoji: custom emoji that can be used in Messages and other apps.
Apple also introduced iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3 and more.
Install macOS Sequoia 15.3 for Genmoji today
Can’t find the exact right emoji to express what you want to say? Create a Genmoji. These can range from your cat’s face to a dinosaur riding a surfboard — it’s limited (mostly) by your imagination. Genmoji debuted for iPhone and iPad in late 2024, and now macOS Sequoia 15.3 brings it to Mac users.
But that’s not the only modification. The official release notes for the new version lay out the changes Apple considers most important:
This update introduces Genmoji, powered by Apple Intelligence, and also includes other enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.
- Genmoji creation in Messages and other apps
- Calculator repeats the last mathematical operation when you click the equals sign again
- Easily manage settings for notification summaries from the Lock Screen (Mac with Apple silicon)
- Updated style for summarized notifications better distinguishes them from other notifications by using italicized text as well as the glyph (Mac with Apple silicon)
- Notification summaries for News & Entertainment apps are temporarily unavailable, and users who opt-in will see them again when the feature becomes available (Mac with Apple silicon)
Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.
And iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3, too
Apple traditionally releases operating system grades in a group, and Monday is no different. Virtually every type of computer made by Apple has a new update.
iPhone users should read the Cult of Mac guide to everything new in iOS 18.3.
Apple’s description of iPadOS 18.3 makes it clear that tablets are getting only minor tweaks: “This update includes enhancements, bug fixes and security updates for your iPad.
watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3 and visionOS 2.3 are also “bug fix” updates.
How to update you Apple computer
To download the macOS Sequoia update, go to Apple menu > About This Mac. Then click Software Update. Alternatively, you can install the new version from the App Store. (Note: At the time of this writing, Apple had not yet updated the version of macOS in the App Store. But it should happen soon.)
iPhone and iPad users can install the new iOS and iPadOS versions directly by opening the Settingsapp and going to General > Software Update. Alternatively, you can update your devices by connecting them to a Mac (or to a PC running iTunes).
The watchOS update can be installed directly onto an Apple Watch, as long as the wearable is connected to Wi-Fi. From the Settings app, just navigate to General > Software Update. Or you can install it from an iPhone by opening the Apple Watch app and going to My Watch > General > Software Update.
To get the tvOS update, start by navigating to the Settings app on Apple TV. Then click through to System, then click on Software Updates, then click on Update Software.
And Vision Pro users might need the Cult of Mac guide on how to update visionOS.
