What Is macOS?
macOS is the desktop operating system developed by Apple Inc. It is designed to provide an intuitive user experience on Mac computers with seamless integration with iOS and iPadOS. macOS is known for its advanced features, including Siri, Apple Pay, and Time Machine backup, and is updated regularly with new features and improvements.
Devices That Can Run macOS
macOS is used on a variety of Mac computers, including:
- MacBook Air
- MacBook Pro
- MacBook
- iMac
- iMac Pro
- Mac Mini
- Mac Studio
- Mac Pro
macOS Features
macOS offers a multitude of features that enhance productivity, creativity, and security. Some of the standout features include Siri, Apple’s voice-activated personal assistant, which allows for hands-free control and interaction with the system. Apple Pay provides a secure and convenient payment system directly from the desktop. Time Machine, the automatic backup solution, ensures data protection by making it easy to restore previous versions of files and system states.
Focus Mode helps manage distractions by filtering notifications, enabling users to concentrate on their tasks. Universal Control allows the seamless use of a single mouse and keyboard across multiple Apple devices, simplifying multitasking and device interaction. Live Text is another innovative feature that lets users interact with text found within photos and images, making it easy to copy, paste, and look up information directly from images.
How It Works
macOS operates with a user-friendly graphical interface that includes a desktop, dock, and file system navigation. It supports a wide range of applications, both native and third-party, and is designed to work seamlessly with other Apple products like iPhone and iPad. This integration allows users to start a task on one device and continue it on another without interruption. The operating system is built on a UNIX foundation, ensuring stability and performance, while its design philosophy emphasises simplicity and ease of use.
Version History
The latest versions of macOS include Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, and Mavericks. The latest version of macOS is Sequoia, which was released in 2024.
macOS Sequoia
macOS Sequoia enhances productivity and creativity with features like Apple Intelligence, iPhone mirroring, enhanced Safari, improved writing tools, and new gaming capabilities, alongside updates to Messages, Maps, and more.
macOS Sonoma
macOS Sonoma introduces enhanced productivity and creativity features, including customisable screen savers and widgets, improved video call presentation, Safari profiles, Game Mode, and updates to Messages, Keyboard, and Accessibility, along with the latest security and privacy protections.
macOS Ventura
macOS Ventura boosts productivity and creativity with Focus mode, Universal Control, and Live Text, alongside significant updates to Safari, Messages, and Mail, offering a refined user experience and enhanced security.
macOS Monterey
macOS Monterey introduces innovative features like Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac, and Shortcuts, enhancing collaboration and multitasking, with major updates to FaceTime, Safari, and Focus for a streamlined user experience.
macOS Big Sur
macOS Big Sur delivers a fresh design and significant performance improvements, featuring a revamped Safari, powerful new app updates, and the introduction of the Control Center, providing a seamless and visually stunning user experience.