1. Apple Makes Running Unapproved Apps Burdensome
One of the most significant changes in macOS Sequoia is the complication surrounding the installation and execution of applications that Apple hasn’t officially approved. Previously, macOS users could easily bypass security features with a simple keyboard shortcut; however, Apple has removed this convenience in Sequoia. Gatekeeper, the feature intended to protect users from malware by checking applications for approval, now requires power users to navigate to System Settings and manually adjust permissions every time they want to run an unsigned app. This extra step hinders productivity, especially compared to Windows, which enables users to install and run any app with more straightforward procedures, even if it is flagged by SmartScreen.
2. Macs Get Annoying Permission Prompts Every Week
Another drawback of macOS Sequoia is the barrage of permission prompts that users encounter. Applications that require certain permissions will frequently display notifications, requiring users to reauthorize access weekly. This aspect is particularly frustrating for users accustomed to the more straightforward permissions management found in Windows. The irony is palpable, as Apple once mocked Windows Vista's extensive permission prompts and now finds itself in a similar situation. This not only detracts from the user experience but also places a heavy emphasis on privacy that can become burdensome rather than beneficial.
3. Mac's Tiling Still Can't Match Snap
When it comes to window management, particularly the lack of convenient tiling features, macOS has long lagged behind Windows. macOS Sequoia introduced new window tiling features but still fails to provide the robust Snap functionality that Windows 11 users enjoy. In Windows, Snap allows for flexible window arrangements, including multi-column layouts and easy resizing, which enhances multitasking capabilities. Comparatively, macOS Sequoia offers restrictive window arrangements—just a two-by-two grid—without the intuitive assist features found in Windows that streamline the process of snapping and managing multiple windows.
4. Mac Gaming Continues to Fall Behind
While Apple has taken steps to promote gaming on Macs, the current reality is that Mac gaming is diminishing. According to the Steam Hardware Survey, only 1.30% of users on Steam use macOS, which is a stark contrast to the 1.92% using Linux. This trend underscores the struggles Mac has faced in the gaming arena, particularly as Apple drops support for older applications, locking many popular games out of compatibility. On the other hand, Windows maintains a robust gaming legacy, benefitting from widespread support across the gaming industry, which includes titles and platforms that simply aren't available on macOS.
5. Macs Are Phasing Out Support for Intel PCs
While the transition to Apple’s M-series ARM-based machines has been smooth, it doesn’t come without its drawbacks. macOS Sequoia still supports older Intel Macs, but Apple ceased selling them in 2022, signaling that future updates may not be as compatible with these devices. This could restrict power users who rely on Intel x86 architecture to run specialized software and perform demanding tasks, an aspect where Windows continues to thrive due to its ongoing support for a broader range of hardware architectures.
Conclusion
In summary, macOS Sequoia showcases several shortcomings compared to Windows 11, especially from the perspective of power users. The methodologies surrounding application installations, the annoyances created by constant permission prompts, inadequate window management features, a declining gaming landscape, and the phasing out of Intel support all contribute to a growing sentiment that Windows may be a more practical choice for many professionals and casual users alike. As Apple transitions its operating system closer to its mobile model, it raises concerns that the Mac is losing its essential edge as a tool for power users, thus emphasizing the importance of Windows PCs in today’s computing environment.
As we continue to compare these two prominent operating systems, it becomes evident that while both have their merits, users seeking flexibility, ease of use, and a vibrant gaming ecosystem may find Windows 11 to be a superior option. Staying informed about these developments can help the WindowsForum.com community make educated decisions about their computing needs.
Source: PCMag Middle East
5 Ways macOS Sequoia Is Worse Than Windows