macOS High Sierra

macOS High Sierra is the latest version of the desktop operating system from Apple designed specifically for Mac. This platform introduces a brand-new file storage system, supports High Efficiency Video Coding technology (HEVC), and features the advanced Metal graphics technology created by Apple, which unlocks powerful capabilities such as machine learning and virtual reality content creation. In addition, macOS High Sierra brings meaningful improvements to many of the applications that Mac users rely on every single day, including Photos, Safari, and Mail.

Apple File System

The Apple File System (APFS) delivers improved performance while remaining reliable and secure for every Mac user. Its architecture is specifically optimized for modern storage technologies designed for high-capacity drives. APFS makes it possible to perform everyday tasks instantly, such as copying files or folders, ensures data integrity in the event of power outages and system crashes, and provides robust file protection through built-in native encryption. If you download macOS High Sierra, you will find it is fully compatible with previously formatted HFS drives for both reading and writing, and it has been designed with future storage technology advancements firmly in mind.

High Efficiency Video Coding

Support for the industry-standard HEVC (H.265) codec allows Mac users to play back and stream 4K video files of outstanding quality that occupy up to 40% less storage space compared to the existing H.264 standard. Thanks to HEVC technology, Apple has made it possible to stream high-quality video over networks where previously only standard HD video streaming was achievable. With hardware acceleration capabilities on the newest iMac and MacBook Pro models, HEVC editing and encoding workflows become significantly faster and more energy-efficient on your Mac.

Metal 2

Metal is the fastest way to harness the full power of the graphics processor in your Mac. The Metal 2 technology, featuring an enhanced API and significantly increased performance, enables developers to make their applications even faster and more responsive. It now supports machine learning capabilities used for computer vision, speech recognition, and natural language processing on the Mac. The most demanding users will gain access to external graphics processors through the combination of Thunderbolt 3 and Metal 2 technologies. The External Graphics Developer Kit provides developers with all the software and hardware resources they need to enhance and optimize their applications for Mac.

Virtual Reality

macOS High Sierra, built upon the performance of Metal 2 and the newest Mac hardware, supports virtual reality content creation capabilities for the very first time, enabling developers to build new games, 3D content, and immersive virtual reality experiences on Mac. Leading companies specializing in the field of virtual reality are collaborating with Apple to develop new tools for Mac that will become available later this year. For example, Valve is optimizing the SteamVR virtual reality platform for macOS and will provide support for the HTC Vive headset, while Unity and Epic are adapting their virtual reality content development tools for macOS as well. Furthermore, later this year Final Cut Pro X will add support for professional 360-degree workflows with the ability to import, edit, and export spherical video content on Mac.

Mac App Improvements

The Photos app in macOS High Sierra features a new persistent sidebar with albums and sorting tools that remains visible on screen at all times. The redesigned editing mode includes powerful new tools: Curves for precise adjustment of color and contrast, and Selective Color for modifying a specific chosen color within an image. Live Photos can now have fun effects applied to them, and the Memories feature brings together a user's photos and videos according to new creative themes. The Photos app now supports external photo editors, so users can open Photoshop, Pixelmator, and other editing applications directly from within Photos, and all edits are saved back to the Photos library. For the first time, thanks to support for third-party extensions, users can print and publish images through services like Animoto, ifolor, Shutterfly, WhiteWall, and Wix directly from the Photos application on Mac.

If you have a developer account, you can download macOS High Sierra beta right now and begin exploring all of these features.

Additional App Improvements:

Safari now allows users to automatically enable Reader mode and view articles in a clean, easy-to-read format, while the Autoplay Blocking feature prevents audio and video media files from playing automatically in the browser on your Mac.

The Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature in Safari uses machine learning technologies to detect and remove tracking data that advertisers use to monitor user activity across the internet, helping to protect your privacy on Mac.

Search in Mail becomes faster and easier thanks to Top Hits, which ensures the most relevant messages appear at the very top of your search results list.

The Siri voice on Mac has become more natural and expressive, and when used with Apple Music, the voice assistant takes your personal preferences into account, creates tailored playlists, and answers your questions about music and artists.

Notes now includes simple tables, so users can type text into cells, edit table contents, and freely move rows and columns to organize their information effectively.

Spotlight can now find detailed flight information, including arrival and departure times, flight delays, terminal or gate information, and even a map showing your flight route on your Mac.

The iCloud File Sharing feature allows you to share any file stored in iCloud Drive and opens up entirely new possibilities for collaborative work. To get the macOS High Sierra download DMG installer for your Mac, ensure your system meets the requirements before proceeding with the installation.