macOS Sequoia is Apple’s latest step forward in desktop operating systems. Most people know about its headline features like iPhone mirroring and Window Tiling, but what many don’t realize is that Apple has quietly packed in a lot of hidden tools and improvements that make everyday workflows smoother.
In this article, we’ll go beyond the big marketing highlights and dig into the hidden gems of macOS Sequoia—the ones Apple didn’t brag about on stage but can really change how you use your Mac.
So grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s explore these secret capabilities step by step. You’ll also find practical examples, Q&A sections, and tips for making the most of these features.
1. ⌨️ Keyboard Context Menu Shortcuts
Most Mac users know the right-click or Control-click gesture to bring up contextual menus. But did you know you can now do it directly with a keyboard shortcut?
- Head to System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → Keyboard.
- There you’ll find an option called Show Contextual Menu.
- By default, the shortcut is Control + Return.
Now instead of fumbling with a trackpad gesture, you can bring up the contextual menu with just the keyboard.
For example:
- In Finder, arrow down to a file, press Control + Return, and the menu appears for that file.
- In Calendar, select an event with arrow keys and use the shortcut to open its options.
⚠️ Limitation: It doesn’t work everywhere. In apps like Mail, it fails if text is selected. In Pages, it inserts a Return instead of showing the menu. But in TextEdit, it works perfectly with text selection.
👉 This feature feels like a work in progress, but expect future updates to expand its usefulness across more apps.
2. 🎙️ Vocal Shortcuts in Accessibility
Let’s move on to something even more futuristic: Vocal Shortcuts.
You’ll find it in System Settings → Accessibility → Vocal Shortcuts.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose a Shortcut you’ve already made in the Shortcuts App. (Or create a new one).
- Assign a voice command.
- Train macOS to recognize it by repeating it three times.
Example:
- I made a shortcut called Add File to Reminders.
- After assigning the phrase “Add this file to Reminders”, I can now say it aloud with a file selected in Finder.
- macOS runs the shortcut instantly, creating a reminder with that file attached.
💡 This essentially means you can create custom voice commands for nearly any task your Shortcuts app can handle. From organizing documents to launching apps—you’re in control.
3. ☁️ iCloud Drive: Keep Files Always Downloaded
If you use iCloud Drive with the Optimize Mac Storage feature, some files only live online until you need them. That’s great for saving space, but what about when you’re offline?
Apple quietly fixed that with a new Keep Downloaded option:
- Right-click (or use the new Context Menu shortcut) on a file or folder.
- Choose Keep Downloaded.
From then on, that file will always stay local, regardless of optimization settings.
Use this for:
- Work documents you’ll need during flights.
- Project folders you reference daily.
- Personal archives you don’t want to risk being unavailable offline.
And of course, you can turn it off later if space becomes an issue.
4. 🎥 Custom Backgrounds Beyond FaceTime
Apple showcased background replacement in FaceTime, but here’s the secret: it works in other apps too.
For instance:
- Open QuickTime Player → New Movie Recording.
- Enable Background in the menu bar.
- Pick a gradient, a stock Apple image, or one of your own photos.
Now you can record yourself with a customized background in QuickTime. It even works in iMovie when importing from the FaceTime Camera.
This means you can create polished video clips or tutorials without needing a green screen setup.
5. 📺 Video Viewer in Safari
Safari now includes Video Viewer, similar to Reader View but designed for video-heavy pages.
How to use:
- On a page with a video (e.g., YouTube), click the Reader button.
- You’ll see an option for Video Viewer.
- Safari strips away clutter, ads, and custom players—leaving you with macOS’s native video controls.
Benefits:
- Cleaner playback.
- Built-in AirPlay support.
- Picture-in-Picture mode without relying on third-party players.
6. 🔑 The New Passwords App
Passwords have been pulled out of System Settings and placed into a dedicated Passwords App.
What’s new?
- You can now add entries without a website.
- Store things like door lock codes or safe combinations by just labeling them.
- Add quick access in the menu bar via Settings → Show Passwords in Menu Bar.
This makes it closer to a full-fledged secure notes manager, although Apple still requires something in the password field before saving.
7. 📝 Voice Memos & Notes: Automatic Transcriptions
One of the best hidden gems is transcription support.
- In Voice Memos, record audio and macOS automatically generates a transcript.
- You can even import audio files (M4A format works best).
- Click words in the transcript to jump directly to that point in playback.
Notes also supports this feature with broader file compatibility (like MP3).
Imagine recording a lecture, dragging it into Notes, and instantly getting a text transcript to study from. Game changer!
8. ⚙️ System Settings Layout Tweaks
Some subtle but meaningful changes in System Settings include:
- General now opens by default.
- iCloud is its own section, no longer hidden under your Apple ID.
- Redesigned iCloud view for clarity.
These tweaks may sound small, but they simplify navigation—especially when explaining settings to less tech-savvy users.
9. 📡 Wi-Fi Privacy with Rotating MAC Addresses
Previously, you could enable Private Wi-Fi Address to avoid tracking, but it was fixed per network. Now there’s a Rotating option.
- Your MAC address can change periodically even on the same Wi-Fi.
- This makes tracking harder for advertisers and third parties.
⚠️ Caution: Some networks (like hotel Wi-Fi or campus networks) may authenticate based on MAC address. If it rotates, you might get disconnected.
If that happens, switch back to Fixed or Off.
10. 🧮 Redesigned Calculator with Equation View
The humble Calculator app has quietly become more powerful.
New features:
- Full equation view—you see the entire calculation, not just the last number.
- Support for parentheses when typing from the keyboard.
- Improved history panel (previously called Paper Tape, now simply History).
This makes macOS Calculator behave more like a lightweight math editor than a simple four-function app.
11. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will these hidden features work on older Macs running Sequoia?
Yes, most are software-level features. However, performance may vary depending on hardware.
Q2: Can I use Vocal Shortcuts without internet?
Yes, since they’re powered locally via the Shortcuts app. Some commands that require online access (like fetching weather) won’t work offline.
Q3: Why doesn’t Context Menu with Control + Return work everywhere?
It’s up to app developers to support it. Expect broader compatibility as Apple updates Pages, Keynote, and Mail in future releases.
Q4: Is the Passwords app secure enough to replace third-party managers?
It’s highly secure and synced with iCloud Keychain, but lacks advanced features like sharing vaults or custom categories that dedicated apps provide.
12. 🎯 Final Thoughts
macOS Sequoia isn’t just about flashy features like iPhone mirroring. Beneath the surface, Apple has added small but meaningful tools that improve productivity, privacy, and convenience.
From keyboard-driven contextual menus to voice-triggered shortcuts, and from better Wi-Fi privacy to smarter apps like Calculator and Notes, Sequoia is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
The best part? These aren’t locked behind special settings—you just need to know where to look. And now, you do.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Features described here are based on macOS Sequoia as of the current release. Some capabilities may vary depending on your Mac model, region, or future updates from Apple. Always keep your system updated to ensure compatibility and security.
Tags
macOS Sequoia, macOS hidden features, Apple tips, Finder tricks, Safari video viewer, iCloud Drive, Passwords app, Voice Memos transcription, Mac privacy settings, Apple Calculator
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#macOS #AppleTips #Sequoia #MacBook #MacOSSequoia #MacFeatures #Productivity
