Apple has just announced the latest version of its desktop operating system and perhaps the biggest change it has made is the name. After 15 years, OS X has been renamed as macOS and now with this update, all four of Apple’s operating systems have similar names: iOS, tvOS, watchOS, and macOS. It doesn’t mean Apple’s desktop OS is going to become more likes its mobile OS, rather it’s just an exercise in aligning all major software under one naming scheme. The first iteration of macOS is called Sierra.
One of the biggest features that Apple has added to macOS is Siri. Five years after the digital personal assistant was announced Apple has finally added it to Mac, and it’s just as powerful on the company’s computers as it is on iOS devices.
Mac users can bring up Siri by clicking on the dock icon or from the menu bar and use it to send text messages, open apps, schedule reminders, look up information, and much more. It can search through files on Mac as well and it can save searches to the Mac’s Notification Center.
Another cool feature that has been added to macOS is auto unlock. If users are wearing an Apple Watch their Mac will automatically unlock when they walk up to it. Apple has also baked in a universal clipboard which will enable users to copy and paste between iPhone and Mac. Additional features include enhanced iCloud file management and the ability to make online payments in Safari via Apple Pay.
A public beta of macOS Sierra will be released next month with a full public release slated for the fall this year.
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