Introduction

The release of macOS Sequoia has sparked renewed discussions on how Apple's operating system compares to Microsoft's Windows 11, especially through the lens of power users who demand flexibility, efficiency, and control. While macOS has long been celebrated for its polished design and seamless ecosystem, recent changes introduced in Sequoia have created friction, particularly when contrasted with Windows 11’s user-centric features. This article explores the key challenges and shortcomings experienced by power users on macOS Sequoia relative to Windows 11, elaborating on technical details, user implications, and future outlooks.

1. Application Management and App Installation

One of the most significant changes in macOS Sequoia is the increased difficulty in running unapproved or unsigned applications. Apple has made this process more burdensome by removing the previous shortcut that allowed users to bypass its Gatekeeper security feature. Now, power users must manually navigate to System Settings to adjust permissions every time they want to run an app not officially approved by Apple. Gatekeeper's tightening aims to protect devices from malware but impacts productivity by introducing frequent steps.

Contrastingly, Windows 11 offers a more straightforward approach. Even if SmartScreen flags applications, users can install and run them with fewer hurdles, maintaining workflow fluidity. This difference highlights Apple's prioritization of security over flexibility, as opposed to Windows’ balance catering to power users' need for freedom.

2. Permission Prompts: A Regressed Experience

macOS Sequoia reportedly inundates users with frequent permission prompts. Apps requiring certain access rights elicit reauthorization requests often on a weekly basis. While Apple touts this as a privacy feature, many users find it intrusive and counterproductive, especially those familiar with Windows’ less aggressive permission management.

Ironically, Apple previously criticized Windows Vista for its excessive user prompts, yet Sequoia’s implementation parallels that experience, distracting users and complicating routine tasks like screen sharing during video calls.

3. Window Management: Tiling vs. Snap

Windows 11 shines in window management through its Snap Layouts feature. This enables flexible multitasking with multi-column arrangements, intuitive snapping assist features, and easy resizing. Power users benefit immensely from the capacity to organize multiple windows seamlessly.

macOS Sequoia introduced window tiling features; however, they remain limited. The tiling setup offers a rigid two-by-two grid without Windows’ rich snapping assistance or customization, resulting in less efficient multitasking and window organization.

4. Gaming Ecosystem: Windows Dominance

Gaming on macOS continues to struggle; statistics from the Steam Hardware Survey indicate that only about 1.30% of Steam users run macOS, trailing behind even Linux users at 1.92%. Apple's phasing out of support for older applications further restricts the gaming library, limiting compatibility with popular titles.

In contrast, Windows maintains a robust gaming legacy, supporting a wide array of games and platforms. With DirectX 12 Ultimate support, modding communities, and anti-cheat software availability, Windows 11 remains the preferred OS for gamers.

5. Hardware Support and Architecture Transition

Apple’s transition from Intel-based Macs to its own M-series ARM chips has caused ripples in compatibility and hardware support. While macOS Sequoia still supports Intel Macs, Apple stopped selling them in 2022, signaling diminished future support.

Power users who rely on Intel’s x86 architecture for specialized applications may find this restrictive. Windows continues to support a broad spectrum of hardware architectures, making it more versatile and accommodating for diverse user needs.

Additional User Experience Considerations

  • Clipboard History: Windows 11 natively supports clipboard history, allowing users to manage multiple copied items efficiently. macOS lacks this feature, forcing reliance on third-party apps.
  • Audio Controls: Windows 11 offers per-app audio volume control, enabling granular sound management across applications, a feature missing from macOS Sequoia.
  • File Management: Windows' File Explorer offers superior usability and visibility into system files compared to macOS Finder, which is noted to be less intuitive for power users.
  • External GPU Support: Windows 11 supports external GPU setups, enhancing gaming and professional graphics capabilities. Apple’s move to Apple Silicon has effectively ended eGPU support for new Macs.

Implications and Impact

These challenges reflect a broader trend of Apple steering macOS closer to the locked-down, privacy-focused mobile operating model, which, while enhancing security, may alienate power users who value control and customization. The increased friction in app installation and permission management can hinder workflows and prompt some users to reconsider Windows 11 as their primary OS.

For businesses and professional environments relying on legacy applications and flexible hardware configurations, Windows 11’s openness and extensive support make it the practical choice. Gamers and multitaskers also gain more from Windows’ advanced capabilities.

Conclusion

macOS Sequoia introduces several changes that, while aimed at security and privacy, bring significant burdens to power users. Compared to Windows 11, Sequoia’s approach to unapproved app installation, persistent permission prompts, limited window management, declining gaming support, and hardware transition challenges collectively create a less flexible and user-friendly environment for advanced users.

Windows 11 continues to cater to a wider range of computing needs with its versatility, ease of application management, robust gaming ecosystem, and hardware support. For users prioritizing control, productivity, and gaming, Windows 11 offers a compelling alternative to macOS Sequoia.