Apple just debuted the next version of the operating system that runs on all Apple computers. It’s called MacOS “High Sierra.”
The software, known as MacOS, is getting some major updates. Here’s what we know so far:
1. It’s called MacOS “High Sierra.” (Really.)
Yes, seriously. And yes, Apple senior VP Craig Federighi immediately made a weed joke. Cool it.
2. Safari is getting a major update.
There are a few changes coming to Safari:
-The new Safari, running in MacOS High Sierra, is being touted as "the world's fastest desktop browser."
-The new version of Safari has a service called "Autoplay Blocking," which stops media from auto-playing across the entire web. Say goodbye to that awful auto-play add on your favorite website!
-There's also a new service to stop ads from tracking you across the web.
3. The Photos app is also getting major updates.
Here are all the tentpole changes:
-It's easier to find and organize your photos: Photos can recognize more faces, and is getting a bunch of categorization and filtration updates.
- The information you input will automatically sync across all your Apple devices.
-Any imported photos will now appear, chronologically, in their own folder.
-Editing photos is getting major updates: Edits from Apple Photos will now seamlessly transition from Apple Photos to Photoshop and other editing applications (and vice versa).
4. The core file system of MacOS is getting a major overhaul, which is a surprisingly big deal.
Sounds boring, right? A change to the file system? This may be the most meaningful change coming to MacOS.
Here's what it means in practice: File management will go much faster than before. A demonstration on-stage at Apple's WWDC developer event showed a dramatically faster file duplication process. That's really meaningful for everyone using MacOS - it means faster backing up of files, moving of files, and much more.
It means that the hundreds/thousands of photos you have can be backed up more quickly. It means that simple file management will go faster and more smoothly. It's a quality of life change that has a huge impact on all Apple computer users.
It also means fewer crashes!
5. Apple is laying the groundwork for virtual reality.
The newest version of MacOS contains the foundations for high-end virtual reality. Specifically, HTC and Valve's Vive headset was shown off; it can be used with SteamVR, which is getting ported to MacOS (that's the VR version of the world's largest game platform, Steam).
Own a high-end VR headset? The newest version of MacOS is capable of running it, most likely. MacOS is getting support for SteamVR and major game engines like Unreal Engine 4 and Unity. What this means in reality is that upcoming Apple computers can power high-end virtual reality headsets. Notably, it doesn't support the Oculus Rift (or the Oculus SDK).