macOS Tahoe vs. Sequoia: Which One Is Better?

Both macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe represent the latest advancement of macOS. Apple introduced macOS Sequoia in 2024 and made an upgrade in features like iPhone Mirroring, UI design, and productivity tools. And then Apple will release macOS Tahoe in 2025. If you’re running macOS Sequoia and wonder whether it’s worth upgrading to macOS Tahoe, you can find the answer here.

In this post, we’ll compare macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe. The comparison mainly focuses on the fundamental differences between these two operating systems. Also, we’ll reveal their specific strengths and potential drawbacks. By comparing their features, user interface, and performance, you can determine which version is most suitable for your needs.

What Is macOS Tahoe?

macOS Tahoe is Apple’s newest macOS, and it comes with a host of new features and improvements. Notably, Apple has added a customizable Control Center, similar to iOS and iPadOS, where you can quickly add or delete controls through a drag-and-drop. In addition, macOS Tahoe eliminates Intel Mac support. Only a few models could get this update, which indicates that Apple is going to make a full transition to its silicon.

The new release aims to increase productivity and connectivity. The components of the new interface, such as the desktop, dock, and app navigation, are simple and dynamic. Another significant update is that Apple introduces the Phone app to macOS, allowing you to bring iPhone features such as recent calls and voicemails onto your Macs. More significantly, the Spotlight search has been greatly improved, such that you can now execute many actions and access content more conveniently.

What Is macOS Sequoia?

macOS Sequoia is a previous version of macOS Tahoe. One of the most notable additions is iPhone Mirroring, which allows you to access and control iPhones from Macs. This seamless integration is another move by Apple to further develop cross-device functionality.

Additionally, macOS Sequoia introduces the "Ear Tip Fit Test" and "Headphone Accommodation" features that were exclusive to iOS devices. Using these features, you can adjust audio settings on AirPods and other supported earbuds for a better audio experience by amplifying soft sounds and adjusting frequencies for improved-sounding audio.

Moreover, macOS Sequoia has several other enhancements to improve productivity and user experience. The system now supports an effortless setup process for new Macs. You can simply log in to your Apple accounts and synchronize data like files, photos, messages, and passwords by merely placing your iPhone or iPad beside the new Mac.

macOS Tahoe vs. Sequoia: Key Features

First of all, we’ll find out the changes in UI design and the main enhancements in applications. Overall, macOS Tahoe focuses more on the connection of your Mac and mobile devices and the application of Apple Intelligence in various software. By upgrading to macOS Tahoe, your Mac could become more productive and efficient.

System Performance

• macOS Tahoe: Optimized for M1 to M3 chips, drops support for most Intel Macs.
• macOS Sequoia: Optimized for M1 and M2 chips, supports Intel Macs

UI Design

• macOS Tahoe: Liquid Glass UI with translucent menus, folders, and cursor. There is a more refined and minimal design in Tahoe.
• macOS Sequoia: Standard macOS Ventura/Sonoma design

Continuity Features

• macOS Tahoe: Launch iPhone apps from Mac, Live Activities sync, optimized Control Center
• macOS Sequoia: iPhone Mirroring - control iPhone from your Mac

Productivity Tools

• macOS Tahoe: Spotlight upgrades include running shortcuts and sending messages, and integrating the Phone app
• macOS Sequoia: Window Tiling, Passwords app, Safari Highlights

Phone Features

• macOS Tahoe: Phone app for calls, voicemail, and recent activity
• macOS Sequoia: FaceTime enhancements

Gaming

• macOS Tahoe: New Games app, Game Mode Overlay, Metal 4 engine
• macOS Sequoia: N/A

AI & Automation

• macOS Tahoe: Expanded AI actions, third-party access to Apple Intelligence models
• macOS Sequoia: Integrated Apple Intelligence in writing tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, applying ChatGPT to Siri

Developer Tools

• macOS Tahoe: AI-powered Xcode Assistant
• macOS Sequoia: Basic Xcode and Swift updates

Compatibility

• macOS Tahoe: Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. (No support for models pre-2019)
• macOS Sequoia: Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Security Updates

• macOS Tahoe: Background security patching with fast-update mechanism
• macOS Sequoia: Monthly updates via System Settings.

macOS Tahoe vs. Sequoia - Which One Is Better?

In short, macOS 26 Tahoe has achieved a great step forward in AI integration, system intelligence, and overall design. Whether or not to update from macOS to macOS Tahoe depends on your specific needs and requirements:

For Apple Silicon Users

If you’re using a Mac with Apple Silicon M1 or newer, it’s worth upgrading to macOS 26 Tahoe to enjoy its new features. The new AI features, improved Siri, and new features like Spotlight Actions and Image Playground make it a more robust and sleek operating system. Although it may take time to get used to the Liquid Glass appearance, it indeed provides a smoother and unified design to all Apple devices.

For Intel Mac Users

However, macOS 26 Tahoe drops support for most Intel Macs, so you’ll be stuck with macOS 15 Sequoia in the meantime. Sequoia still offers solid performance and the main Apple Intelligence features introduced in that version.

For Users Who Prefer a Vintage Look

If you dislike the new Liquid Glass appearance, then you might prefer a more detailed and classic macOS 15 Sequoia’s design. But even so, you can appreciate Tahoe's new functions by decreasing transparency settings.

Bonus Tip: How to Make the Best Use of macOS Tahoe?

Recently, many Mac enthusiasts have been upgrading to macOS Tahoe to test the new features. However, some of them have reported that they have met various macOS Tahoe issues. From upgrade installation and performance issues to app compatibility issues to incomplete Apple Intelligence issues, they might be bothered by several unexpected issues.

Don’t let these errors or glitches prevent you from experiencing macOS Tahoe. If you’ve struggled with insufficient storage space, faulty applications, or simply want to improve the performance of your Mac, you can use macOS Tahoe along with BuhoCleaner. This professional Mac cleaning tool helps you clear up various junk files and unwanted apps, ensuring your Mac is always clean and productive. With BuhoCleaner, you can make the best use of macOS Tahoe.

Step 1. Free install BuhoCleaner and launch it on your Mac.

Step 2. Tap on the Flash Clean mode to remove junk files in one click.

Step 3. Also, you can launch the BuhoCleaner menu app to monitor your Mac’s performance data, such as CPU, temperature, network speed, etc.

Conclusion

In terms of AI and system intelligence, macOS 26 Tahoe has made a significant improvement over macOS 15 Sequoia. The new Liquid Glass design also offers a fresh look. You can adjust its transparency if they prefer a retro look. Compared with macOS Sequoia, macOS Tahoe has more intelligent features and makes Macs and iPhones closer. Therefore, if you have an Apple Silicon Mac and expect to make it more productive, give macOS 26 Tahoe a try.

However, if your Mac is based on Intel chips, you might want to hold off, as most Intel Macs will not be compatible with this newest operating system. Overall, macOS 26 Tahoe is such a major update that radically enhances the user experience, so it’s recommended for those who wish to take advantage of Apple’s latest advances.