I sat down with a friend who is testing the latest macOS Sequoia Beta (18.1) and he showed me a few of the previously available features of Apple Intelligence, such as the new writing tools. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a Scrivener app on his Mac, but at least for the text software he uses, the system-wide tools worked (prood reading, text summaries, etc.).
This would be a good thing as a new review instance for manuscripts and helpful for authors. Has anyone already had beta experience with the new writing tools and do they also work in Scrivener or in the upcoming new writing app?
Greetings,
Thomas
I’m running Beta 2 of macOS 15.1 which has Apple Intelligence turned on for US developers (and me!). (I know, I’m in Aus but…)
I haven’t tried (or won’t admit to) it on any ‘new writing app’ that we can’t talk about, but, I have tried it on Scrivener.
On the Edit menu (doesn’t work with right-click) there are TWO Writing Tools options (On scrivener), one of which has Apple Intelligence features. One of the options is to display the various options on screen, per the screenshot. I’ve had a play and it seems to work more than acceptably even at this early stage.
I’m assuming after the full release of Sequoia Keith will tweak Scrivener and menus as needed (and per his usual policy will not comment on until that release )
That’s some news! Thank you very much for taking the time.
I was not brave enough to install the beta, but what you see looks promissing.
Thank you.
Hey Thomas!
Yeah, those new writing tools in macOS Sequoia Beta sound pretty cool, especially for authors.
I’m not a huge fan. The proofreading function MIGHT be a useful tool alongside others but and it’s a huge but, AI is prone to as many false suggestions as correct ones. You still have to apply your own logic.
Yes, but this is also true for the traditional grammar and spell checker. I am currently using the LT Ai and the DeepL writing tool and both are far more advanced.
I just watched the Apple keynote and was a bit surprised by the details on Apple Intelligence. The fact that these new features are coming later for English-speaking countries, but other language options won’t be available until next year, especially my language, German, wasn’t even listed, is very disappointing. At the moment, it looks like the EU countries won’t get their chance and Apple Intelligence and therefore the new ‘writing tools’ will be a long time coming in this country. What a pity.
One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Oops, I’m surprised.
I’ve just seen an update for macOS Sequoia 15.0, build without a beta note. It looks like Apple released the final version tonight, or am I wrong?
From what I can see in perusing some Mac sites, it’s a Release Candidate. The final release to the public will be 16 Sept.
That’s correct. “Available 9.16” macOS Sequoia Preview - Apple
I suspect the issue for EU countries has to do with information sharing rules. Which suggests – unsurprisingly – that cloud access is required for the most powerful features.
From what I can see in perusing some Mac sites, the EU has something called a “Digital Markets Act” which is preventing Apple from releasing Apple Intelligence and some other things in the EU.
That’s right - since Apple has now claimed the name, the old “Writing Tools” menu becomes “Reference Tools” in the next update, with Linguistic Focus moved to Spelling and Grammar.
Apple’s new “Writing Tools” will also appear in the contextual menus.
Of course, I had to switch my Mac to US region and language to test any of this.
Ah, Apple are such helpful buggers, aren’t they?
Supposedly the need to change to US Region was removed on the last update, but haven’t been able to test. Recovering from a near heart attack incident playing competitive Pickleball. Much time in bed, but will be taking Max (the Spoodle) for a short walk this morning.
I know, WTF is a 73 yr old HA survivor doing playing pickleball (when he should be writing)
Cute pup…I love dogs. In my own books I mention several times that Dogs and Beer are the two most tangible examples that God exists and He wants us to be happy.
Thanks for starting this thread and for pointing me to it from the other.
As for Keith aka @KB , rock on, brotha. I’m sure you have things well in hand for the upcoming release. Are you planning an update even though Apple Intelligence isn’t being implemented for a while or do you plan to wait until they actually change the Writing Tools menu item in a future beta release of the operating system. I’m betting 15.2+
Dogs ARE the higher life force!
Our neighbours have a dog whose ceaseless yapping drives this grumpy old man crazy, which therefore must be a sign that my lack of faith is confirmed. (Then again, given that @RuffPub is more than 20 years my senior but looks younger than me in that picture, perhaps there’s something to this dog thing after all…)
Given that the current build of Scrivener is working fine on macOS 15, and given that my impression is that 15.1 - containing Writing Tools - is going to be out very shortly afterwards, possibly as early as the end of September, my plan is to release the next update for 15.1, to coincide with the introduction of Writing Tools. That is the most significant for our users. (Fortunately this year there are none of the crazy drawing changes of last year!)
Then next year, whenever other Apple Intelligence features are added, such as Image Playgrounds and Genmoji, we’ll have another update to support those. (In particular, I’m thinking that we need an Insert > Image From Playgrounds… feature.)
All the best,
Keith
That sounds like a great plan. I’m a bit miffed that Apple Intelligence isn’t available in the EU for the time being, so not for us in Germany either. Of course, I hope that the EU and Apple come to an agreement soon.
I cheated, Keith - the photo is 5 years old.