Apple unveiled macOS Sequoia, also called macOS 15, during WWDC 2024 last Monday. This new version of the operating system brings many improvements, including new features in Messages and a new way to mirror your iPhone screen to your Mac screen. Apple has also touted its commitment to supposedly non-intrusive AI, but failed (intentionally or not) to mention a crucial change.
Surprise from the chef, macOS Sequoia indeed includes a unexpected update of preinstalled chess game on all Macs. These are users of the beta version of this new OS who noticed that their “old” chess game had undergone a facelift. A deserved facelift after years of good and loyal service…
photo credit: 9to5Mac
Chess game on Mac: a new, cleaner version
Apple’s chess game has therefore been completely overhauled in this version, with new, more modern graphics. The shiny background has been replaced with a new grainy gradient, while the chessboard and pieces now feature more realistic and bright textures.
However, if the old version offered four different styles, the new one only has three: Wood, Marble and Metal (Grass option has been removed). Another missing feature is being able to select separate styles for the board and pieces.
Still, it’s good to see that Apple continues to pay attention to this classic macOS game. As a reminder, Apple’s chess game dates back to the days of NeXTSTEP, the predecessor of Mac OS X, before being ported to the latest versions of the operating system. There last major update was in 2012 with the release of OS X Mountain Lion, which included Game Center support and some minor graphical tweaks.
MacOS Sequoia will also introduce, in addition to numerous artificial intelligence features on the Mac, an integrated Passwords application allowing you to easily manage your identifiers without resorting to third-party solutions.
The final version of macOS 15 will be available to the general public this fall.
 updates its chess app){kind=link}