Whats The Latest Mac Operating System

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Whats The Latest Mac Operating System

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Latest Mac Operating System 2019
Mavericks OS X 10.9.x. Yosemite OS X 10.10.x. El Capitan OS X 10.11.x. Sierra macOS 10.12.x. High Sierra macOS 10.13.x. Mojave macOS 10.14.x. Catalina macOS 10.15.x. Big Sur macOS 11.0.x. 2018 Macmini8,1 Upgrade your Mac mini. Press Command - R to install the latest version of macOS that was installed on your Mac without installing a later version.; Press Options - Command - R to upgrade to the latest version of macOS that's compatible with your Mac. The current Mac operating system is macOS, originally named 'Mac OS X' until 2012 and then 'OS X' until 2016. Developed between 1997 and 2001 after Apple's purchase of NeXT, Mac OS X brought an entirely new architecture based on NeXTSTEP, a Unix system, that eliminated many of the technical challenges that the classic Mac OS faced.
Which Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans.
Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it's time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. While everything below is just my opinion, as a long-time Mac user and veteran software engineer, I hope my opinion worth something.
TLDR; The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2019-2020 it is macOS Catalina. However, users that need to run 32-bit applications on Mac should not go with Catalina because it only supports 64-bit apps. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra because this is the earliest operating system for which Apple still releases security updates.
Update: On WWDC 2020 Apple announced a new macOS Big Sur, which is said to have the biggest UI redesign and the biggest Safari update. New Safari will run 50% faster than Chrome and use less battery. It also has new limitations: Big Sur will require at least MacBook Pro late 2013, MacBook Air 2013, and Mac Mini 2014 or later to run. Big Sur will be released in the fall of 2020.
How to Tell Which macOS You Are RunningTo find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps:
Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar
In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac
The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS.
What Version of OS Can My Mac Run?Not all Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS version. For instance, old Macs powered by PowerPC CPUs cannot run OS intended for Intel-based computers. Also, some versions have hardware limitations.
For instance, Mojave cannot be installed on MacBook Pro earlier than Mid 2012 model.
Check below to know exactly what version of OS your Mac can run.
Which OS is Best for my MacAnytime someone asks me which OS is best for them I always suggested going with the latest. Things have changed recently, however.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina?While personally I like macOS Catalina and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, Catalina comes with serious breaking changes. If you have old 32-bit apps, they will not run in the new OS. macOS Catalina and newer can only run 64-bit apps.
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina, first verify that you don't have any 32-bit apps. But first, take a back up, so you can go back in case something breaks after upgrade.
For instance, I had to remove uTorrent after upgrade. And I didn't know that uTorrent is 32-bit!
How to Know If App is 32-bit or 64-bitTo find out whether the app on your Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit follow these steps:
Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the Mac screen
Click on About This Mac option
Click on System Report button in Overview tab (first one)
Scroll down to Software -> Applications
Find the app and check Kind
Which macOS Should I UseIf you have an older Mac which is not eligible to upgrade with some latest software or hardware, I'd suggest upgrading at least to Sierra for the following reasons:
Sierra is still supported by Apple, and it gets security updates
APFS file system is available
It supports Siri
Significant security improvements
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability getting security updates. While Apple generally does not announce the OS end of life dates, it is possible to know when they stop releasing security updates from this page.
For instance, according to the page, the last security update for OS X Yosemite was released on September 12, 2017. The last update for OS X El Capitan was in July 2018, and Carnegie Mellon University confirmed that El Capitan's end of life date was August 2018.
Snow Leopard MythI know that some users on forums believe that the best OS version for Macs was Snow Leopard. But that is a myth. And I know how such myths get created.
Once I worked in the company, which was selling a 20-year old product. And customers were still using and didn't want to switch to new versions, because the old one was rock solid.
I then talked to the engineer who worked on the project, and he revealed that the product was a total disaster when it was first deployed. Engineers had to work on-site for almost a year in order to fix all bugs.
New Mac Operating SystemAfter five or so years of polishing the product, it becomes virtually bug-free, and nobody now remembers how bad it was when it was first rolled out. A similar thing happened Snow Leopard, and it was recognized as best mac os version after some time.
How to Update to the Latest VersionThere are two ways to update to the latest OS version on Mac:
From the Software Update section in System Preferences
Use a download link
Using Software UpdateThis is by far the best option, but it only available if you have Yosemite, or later OS installed already. If you enabled automatic updates, then Mac will inform you that the next macOS is available.
Just open System Preferences, go to Software Update and click on the Upgrade Now button.
This method is also best if wondering how to check if you have the latest version of OS installed on your Mac. Only the version compatible with your hardware will appear here.
For instance, my the latest version for Mac Mini 2012 is Mojave, I can't install anything newer than that.
Using download linksFor older systems or in case you need to downgrade, you have to download a standalone installer in DMG format. DMG stands for disk image, similar to ISO, just different formats.
After downloading the installer, just double click on it and follow instructions. Again, do not forget to take a backup before the upgrade.
Mac OS Comparisons: Requirements, Features, Compatibility, Download LinksFollowing is a high-level description of all Mac operating systems as early as Mountain Lion.
You can refer to those descriptions when deciding which operating system is best for your iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook.
With each OS description, I included a list of Macs supported. However, you can use Mac OS compatibility checker for more detailed information.
macOS 10.15 CatalinamacOS v10.15 (codename Catalina) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 7, 2019
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement increased from 2GB to 4GB.
FeaturesIntroduced Sidecar, which allows for Macs to use an iPad as an external display.
iTunes was replaced by separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV.
Find My Mac and Find My Friends have merged into one app.
Software Compatibility Issues
macOS Catalina is the first Mac operating system that does not support 32-bit applications. Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Catalina.
How to installThere are two ways to install Catalina: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS CatalinaMacBook (Early 2015 or later)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
iMac models (Late 2012 or later)
iMac Pro (All models)
Mac Pro (Late 2013)
macOS 10.14 MojaveRelease date: September 24, 2018
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 18.5GB free space on disk
FeaturesThe main feature of Mojave is 'Dark Mode'
FaceTime adds group feature which allows chatting with up to 32 people
News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home apps were ported from iOS to Mac.
How to installIf your Mac is eligible to update to Mojave, then the easiest way to install it is by enabling automatic updates. Downloading a standalone Mojave installer could be a little tricky.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS MojaveMacBook (Early 2015 or later)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
iMac (Late 2012 or later)
iMac Pro (All models)
Mac Pro (Late 2013 and 2010-2012 models with upgraded GPU)
macOS 10.13 High SierraRelease date: September 25, 2017
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 14.3GB free space on disk

FeaturesAPFS (Apple File System) becomes the default file system in High Sierra. It's a significant upgrade from the older HFS+ in terms of speed, size, and security
iCloud support of Messages which allows sync messages of the account across multiple devices
Mail app uses 35% less storage space due to optimizations
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS High SierraMacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
How to installHere is a High Sierra download link.
macOS 10.12 SierraThis is the first macOS version. Previous OS versions for Macs were called OS X (X stands for 10).
Release date: September 20, 2016
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesSiri was introduced to Macs
Optimized storage with iCloud sync
Auto-lock feature allows unlocking MacBook with paired Apple Watch
APFS preview available
Disk Utility can manage RAID sets again
Significant security improvements
How to installHere is a Sierra download link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS SierraMacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
OS X 10.11 El CapitanLast OS X version.
Release date: September 30, 2015
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesSystem Integrity Protection – a security feature that protects even when the root user executes the process
Performance improvements: open PDF files four times faster, Mail is twice faster, launching apps 40% faster
Notes app similar to the app in iOS
Macs compatible with OS X El Capitansame as OS Mountain Lion.
How to installHere is El Capitan download link.
OS X 10.10 YosemiteRelease date: October 16, 2014
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Macs compatible with OS X YosemiteSame as OS Mountain Lion.
FeaturesMajor user design overhaul
Introduction of Handoff and Continuity features
Photos app replaced iPhoto and Aperture
How to installHere is Yosemite download link.
OS X 10.9 MavericksFirst free Mac OS. Previous OS versions vary from $19.99 to $129.
Release date: October 22, 2013
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesCompressed Memory feature automatically compresses inactive apps when approaching maximum memory capacity
Timer coalescing is a feature that reduces CPU usage by up to 72 percent
App Nap puts apps that are not currently visible to sleep
Macs compatible with OS X MavericksSame as OS Mountain Lion.
How to installOS X Mavericks installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install Mavericks.
OS X 10.8 Mountain LionMust be purchased. Fixed many bugs introduced in OS X Lion.
Release date: July 25, 2012
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
FeaturesNew apps: Notification Center, Notes, Messages, Game Center
AirPlay mirroring allowed to mirror Mac screen to Apple TV
Application updates automatically install from the App Store
List of Apple computers compatible with OS X Mountain LioniMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
Xserve (Early 2009)
How to installMountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
List of older Mac OS VersionsFollowing Mac OS versions are still running on older Macs, but Apple does not support them anymore, and there is no point to upgrade (or downgrade) to them:
OS X 10.7 Lion
OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
Mac OS X 10.1 Puma
Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah
Mac OS X & macOS version code names
OS X 10.10: Yosemite (Syrah) – 16 October 2014.
OS X 10.11: El Capitan (Gala) – 30 September 2015.
macOS 10.12: Sierra (Fuji) – 20 September 2016.
macOS 10.13: High Sierra (Lobo) – 25 September 2017.
macOS 10.14: Mojave (Liberty) – 24 September 2018.
macOS 10.15: Catalina – Coming Autumn 2019.
Is Sierra the latest Mac OS?Download macOS Sierra. For the strongest security and latest features, find out whether you can upgrade to macOS Mojave, the latest version of the Mac operating system. If you still need macOS Sierra, use this App Store link: Get macOS Sierra. To download it, your Mac must be using macOS High Sierra or earlier.
How do I install the latest Mac OS?How to download and install macOS updates
Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac's screen.
Select App Store from the drop-down menu.
Click Update next to macOS Mojave in the Updates section of the Mac App Store.
Current Operating System For MacWhat version of Mac OS is High Sierra?macOS High Sierra. macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) is the fourteenth major release of macOS, Apple Inc.'s desktop operating system for Macintosh computers.
Is Mac OS Sierra still supported?If a version of macOS isn't receiving new updates, it isn't supported anymore. This release is supported with security updates, and the previous releases—macOS 10.12 Sierra and OS X 10.11 El Capitan—were also supported. When Apple releases macOS 10.14, OS X 10.11 El Capitan will very likely no longer be supported.
Is Mac OS Sierra any good?High Sierra is far from Apple's most exciting macOS update. But macOS is in good shape as a whole. It's a solid, stable, functioning operating system, and Apple is setting it up to be in good shape for years to come. There are still a ton of places that need improvement — especially when it comes to Apple's own apps.
How do I download the latest Mac OS?Open the App Store app on your Mac. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed. When the App Store shows no more updates, your version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date.
Can I update my Mac OS?To download macOS software updates, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update. Tip: You can also choose Apple menu > About This Mac, then click Software Update. To update software downloaded from the App Store, choose Apple menu > App Store, then click Updates.
How do I do a clean install of OSX?So, let us begin.
Step 1: Clean up your Mac. 
Step 2: Back up your data. 
Step 3: Clean Install macOS Sierra on your startup disk. 
Step 1: Erase your non-startup drive. 
Step 2: Download the macOS Sierra Installer from the Mac App Store. 
Step 3: Start the Installation of macOS Sierra on the Non-startup drive.
What is the most up to date Mac OS?The latest version is macOS Mojave, which was publicly released in September 2018. UNIX 03 certification was achieved for the Intel version of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and all releases from Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard up to the current version also have UNIX 03 certification.
Is Mac OS High Sierra still available?Apple's macOS 10.13 High Sierra launched two years ago now, and is obviously not the current Mac operating system – that honor goes to macOS 10.14 Mojave. However, these days, not only have all of the launch issues been patched out, but Apple continues to provide security updates, even in the face of macOS Mojave.
What's new in macOS Sierra?macOS Sierra, the next-generation Mac operating system, was unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 13, 2016 and launched to the public on September 20, 2016. The main new feature in macOS Sierra is Siri integration, bringing Apple's personal assistant to the Mac for the first time.
Is Mac OS El Capitan still supported?If you have a computer running El Capitan still I highly recommend you upgrade to a newer version if possible, or retire your computer if it cannot be upgraded. As security holes are found, Apple will no longer patch El Capitan. For most people I would suggest upgrading to macOS Mojave if your Mac supports it.
Is El Capitan better than High Sierra?Bottom line is, if you want your system running smoothly for longer than a few months after the installation, you'll need third-party Mac cleaners for both El Capitan and Sierra.
Features Comparison.
El CapitanSierra
Apple Watch UnlockNope.Is there, works mostly fine.
10 more rows
Can El Capitan be upgraded?After installing all Snow Leopard updates, you should have the App Store app and can use it to download OS X El Capitan. You can then use El Capitan to upgrade to a later macOS. OS X El Capitan won't install on top of a later version of macOS, but you can erase your disk first or install on another disk.
Which is the best OS for Mac?I've been using Mac Software since Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8 and that OS X alone beats Windows for me.
And if I had to make a list, it would be this:
Mavericks (10.9)
Snow Leopard (10.6)
High Sierra (10.13)
Sierra (10.12)
Yosemite (10.10)
El Capitan (10.11)
Mountain Lion (10.8)
Lion (10.7)
Is macOS High Sierra worth it?macOS High Sierra is well worth the upgrade. MacOS High Sierra was never meant to be truly transformative. But with High Sierra officially launching today, it's worth highlighting the handful of notable features.
Is macOS High Sierra free?macOS High Sierra now available as a free update. macOS High Sierra brings powerful, new core storage, video and graphics technologies to the Mac. Cupertino, California — Apple today announced macOS High Sierra, the latest release of the world's most advanced desktop operating system, is now available as a free update.
Should I install macOS High Sierra?Apple's macOS High Sierra update is free to all users and there is no expiration on the free upgrade, so you don't need to be in a rush to install it. Most apps and services will work on macOS Sierra for at least another year. While some are already updated for macOS High Sierra, others are still not quite ready.
How do I wipe and reinstall my Mac?Select your startup drive on the left (typically Macintosh HD), switch to the Erase tab and choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the Format drop-down menu. Select Erase and then confirm your choice. Quit out of the Disk Utility app, and this time choose Reinstall OS X and Continue.
How do you run a clean install of macOS High Sierra?How to Perform a Clean Install of macOS High Sierra
Mac Operating System DownloadStep 1: Backup Your Mac. As noted, we're going to completely erase everything on the Mac. 
Step 2: Create a Bootable macOS High Sierra Installer. 
Step 3: Erase and Reformat the Mac's Boot Drive. 
Step 4: Install macOS High Sierra. 
Step 5: Restore Data, Files and Apps.
What's the difference between Yosemite and Sierra?All University Mac users are strongly advised to upgrade from OS X Yosemite operating system to macOS Sierra (v10.12.6), as soon as possible, as Yosemite is no longer supported by Apple. If you are currently running OS X El Capitan (10.11.x) or macOS Sierra (10.12.x) then you do not need to do anything.
How do I install macOS High Sierra?How to install macOS High Sierra
Apple Latest Operating SystemLaunch the App Store app, located in your Applications folder.
Look for macOS High Sierra in the App Store. 
This should bring you to the High Sierra section of the App Store, and you can read Apple's description of the new OS there. 
When the download finishes, the installer will automatically launch.
What are the Mac OS versions?Earlier versions of OS X
Latest Mac Operating System 2019Lion 10.7.
Snow Leopard 10.6.
Leopard 10.5.
Tiger 10.4.
Panther 10.3.
Jaguar 10.2.
Puma 10.1.
Cheetah 10.0.
Photo in the article by 'Wikimedia Commons' https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mac_OS_wordmark.svg
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