Hands-On Mac 176: Photos in macOS Sequoia 15.4 - Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Hands-On Mac 176: Photos in macOS Sequoia 15.4
• Host: Micah Sargent
• Release Date: April 3, 2025
• Description: In this episode of Hands-On Mac, Micah Sargent delves into the latest updates and features introduced in macOS Sequoia 15.4, specifically focusing on enhancements to the Photos app. From new filtering options to advanced editing tools, Micah provides an in-depth overview to help users make the most of their photo management and editing experience on Mac.

1. Introduction to macOS Sequoia 15.4 Updates

Timestamp: [02:26]

Micah Sargent kicks off the episode by highlighting the recent release of macOS Sequoia 15.4 on March 31st. He encourages listeners who haven't updated yet to download the latest version to take advantage of the myriad new features and security improvements. While acknowledging the fun additions like eight new emojis, Micah emphasizes that the focus of this episode is on substantial quality-of-life enhancements in the Photos app.

2. New Filter Option: “Not in an Album”

Timestamp: [03:00]

One of the standout features introduced in Sequoia 15.4 is the new filter option labeled "Not in an Album" within the Photos app. Micah explains:

“This gives us the ability to quickly see which photos in our library have yet to be sorted into an album. This is great for quickly categorizing things that maybe you missed, that you meant to categorize or see different photos that for whatever reason didn't make it into albums.” ([03:15])

This feature streamlines the process of organizing photos by allowing users to identify and manage uncategorized images efficiently.

3. Reordering Items in Collections

Timestamp: [04:10]

Previously, users could not reorder items within certain collections in the Photos app. With Sequoia 15.4, this functionality has been introduced, offering greater customization and ease of access. Micah demonstrates how collections like Utilities and Media Types can now be reordered:

“If there's one that you use more often, perhaps you like to look for duplicates. You can click and drag to bring that to the top...” ([05:05])

This enhancement allows users to prioritize collections based on their personal workflow, making photo management more intuitive.

4. Sorting and Filtering Enhancements

Timestamp: [05:45]

In addition to reordering, macOS Sequoia 15.4 introduces new sorting options within collections. Users can now sort photos by oldest to newest or vice versa, based on when they were added or taken. Micah notes:

“Very handy. Very nice to be able to have that.” ([06:00])

This feature provides flexibility in how users view their photos, catering to different organizational preferences.

5. Album Management Improvements

Timestamp: [06:30]

Album organization has also received a boost. Users can now reorder their custom albums by simply clicking and dragging them within the sidebar. Additionally, an "Automatically Sort by Date Modified" option is available:

“This is very handy when it comes to seeing which albums you've been working with most recently...” ([06:50])

This makes it easier to manage and locate albums based on recent activity, enhancing overall user experience.

6. Introduction of the Cleanup Toolkit and Retouch Feature

Timestamp: [07:36]

One of the most significant updates is the addition of the Cleanup toolkit within the Photos app, part of the Apple Intelligence package. Micah explains the installation process and introduces the new Retouch tool:

“Retouch says, I want you to sort of improve upon this portion of the photograph...” ([08:10])

The Retouch tool allows for more sophisticated photo editing by enabling users to specify which parts of an image to preserve while removing or altering others. This is achieved by holding down the Option or Alt key to guide the tool's adjustments, offering more precise control compared to the traditional erase function.

7. Image Playground Enhancements: New Sketch Style

Timestamp: [11:00]

Another exciting feature introduced in Sequoia 15.4 is the Image Playground app’s new Sketch style. Previously, users had access to Animation and Illustration styles for creating images using Apple Intelligence locally on their M1 Macs or later. Micah showcases the new Sketch style:

“It is a really stunning style of illustration... called sketch.” ([12:00])

The Sketch style produces highly detailed, photorealistic illustrations that resemble colored pencil drawings, adding another layer of versatility for users engaged in creative projects. Micah demonstrates generating images with this new style, highlighting its ability to create lifelike and intricate designs directly on the device.

8. Local Image Generation Advantages

Timestamp: [13:00]

Emphasizing privacy and performance, Micah points out that the Image Playground’s capabilities, including the new Sketch style, operate locally on the user’s Mac:

“You're not going to the cloud, you're not going to a server somewhere to create these photos.” ([13:15])

This ensures that image generation is both secure and efficient, leveraging the power of newer Mac hardware without compromising user data.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [14:00]

Micah wraps up the episode by recapping the transformative updates in macOS Sequoia 15.4’s Photos app. He underscores the importance of these enhancements in improving photo management and editing workflows:

“That is a look at some of the new features and settings coming to macOS that have come to macOS sequoia in 15.4.” ([14:05])

Listeners are encouraged to update their systems to explore these new tools and features, enhancing their overall experience with the Photos app.

Key Takeaways:

• New “Not in an Album” Filter: Streamlines the identification and organization of uncategorized photos.
• Reordering Collections: Allows customization of collection order based on user preferences.
• Enhanced Sorting Options: Offers flexibility in viewing photos by different time-based criteria.
• Improved Album Management: Facilitates easier organization and access to frequently used albums.
• Cleanup Toolkit and Retouch Tool: Introduces advanced editing capabilities for precise photo modifications.
• Image Playground’s New Sketch Style: Expands creative options with photorealistic sketch illustrations generated locally.

For more insights and detailed explorations of macOS features, tune into future episodes of Hands-On Mac with Micah Sargent.