Apple just rolled out macOS Sequoia 15.5, and while it’s not a blockbuster update, it does bring a few helpful tweaks—especially if you’re into using the Mail app or managing Screen Time on a Mac.
Also, this could be the last macOS update before we officially meet macOS 16 at WWDC 2025 next month.
So, what’s new in macOS 15.5? Let’s break it down.
macOS 15.5 Brings Mail App Tweaks
If you use the native Mail app on Mac, this update makes it a little more customizable:
- You now get an ‘All Mail’ tab (right next to Promotions).
- You can right-click any tab to toggle contact photos ON or OFF.
Small changes? Yes. But they make navigating your inbox a lot smoother. Especially if you like things organized and minimal.
macOS 15.5 features like this are subtle, but they add up.
Parents Get a New Screen Time Alert
If your child uses a Mac, here’s a neat addition.
Whenever the Screen Time passcode is used on their device, you’ll get a notification.
So now, instead of wondering whether your kid bypassed limits, your Mac will quietly let you know. Handy, right?
This one’s a win for all the parents out there managing family screen time on Apple devices.
What About Security?
Like any decent software update, macOS 15.5 includes security fixes and bug patches. Apple didn’t list all the details (they never do), but we always recommend installing these for better privacy and stability.
If nothing else, get this update for the Mac security updates alone.
Tip: Some features might not show up everywhere. It depends on your region and Mac model.
Why So Few Features This Time?
Simple. Apple’s busy cooking up macOS 16 and other major OS updates for WWDC.
So don’t expect fancy new widgets or UI overhauls in macOS 15.5. It’s more of a tune-up while the big stuff brews backstage.
That’s usually how these macOS x.5 updates go—quiet but important.
Final Thoughts: Should You Update?
Absolutely.
If you use the Mail app daily or manage kids’ devices, you’ll like the tweaks. And even if you don’t, macOS 15.5 is a must for the latest Mac security patches.
Think of it as a quick pit stop before Apple revs the engine for macOS 16.
Quick Summary
Feature | What’s New in macOS 15.5 |
---|---|
Mail App | “All Mail” tab + contact photo toggles |
Screen Time | Parent alerts for passcode usage |
Security | Bug fixes + enhanced security updates |
Release Timing | Last macOS update before WWDC 2025 |