MacOS Sierra (version 10.12) is the thirteenth major release of macOS (previously OS X), Apple Inc.' S desktop and server operating system for Macintosh computers. The successor to OS X El Capitan, it was the first version of the operating system issued under the June 2016 rebranding as macOS. MacOS 10.13 High Sierra is an important, albeit subtle, update to Apple's desktop operating system. Review Apple's new macOS 10.13 High Sierra isn't designed to grab headlines, and that's why it's.
Each time a new operating system arrives, there comes an ubiquitous head-to-head battle: is the new one any better than previous one? Is upgrading worth the effort?
Today we’re going to answer these questions (and a few more) in regards to the new macOS 10.13 High Sierra and its older twin, macOS Sierra. We’ll drill into new features that are worth upgrading as well as downsides if you decide to install macOS High Sierra Beta. At the same time, we’ll have a closer look at regular Sierra version, which may just be strong enough to stick to many Mac users’ preferences. So, let’s put all cards on the table and go for an unbiased macOS High Sierra vs macOS Sierra comparison.
After a bit of fact-checking, we’ll leave it to you whether or not to upgrade to macOS High Sierra Beta. Reasons you should upgrade to macOS High Sierra Beta The macOS 10.13 High Sierra packs a bunch of new features that promise more capabilities for gaming, virtual and augmented reality. Then, there’s a series of small refinements that capitalize on a better, faster and more powerful UI. Here’s why you should probably upgrade to macOS High Sierra. A better file system One of the main arguments for the macOS High Sierra is, undoubtedly, the improved file system, which has received a significant speed boost.
The new APFS (Apple File System), as it is now called, completely reorganizes how data is stored and processed, making it easy for users to copy files faster. For instance, the new copying algorithm allows to send a file to a new location, without storing both copies on drive. The Time Machine has got more flexible and now requires less drive space to operate. From now on your files are better protected against accidental crashes, which is obviously a strong selling point. Enhanced graphics, VR and AR in Metal 2 If you’re looking for just one reason to upgrade to macOS High Sierra Beta, this is it.
Metal 2 is the improved technology wrapped around GPU settings and, basically, an accelerator for your apps. It’s really a game-changer in macOS High Sierra, leveraging powerful tools for developers that can now benefit from external GPU support. New high-end editing tools in Photos The Photos app has evolved with a set of new tools for easy, in-depth editing — Curves, Selective Colors — just to name a few. Amusingly enough, you can now launch external editing tools, like Photoshop, right inside Photos. More live effects and a new sidebar to organize your collections should make photo business more fun in macOS High Sierra. HD videos that take less space The new macOS High Sierra also introduces some great space-saving techniques, while maintaining the video quality as high as ever.
High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is finally supported, which brings video compression to the next level. To put it short, your smaller size videos will look uber cool in Ultra HD. To free up more disk space for High Sierra, clean it up with Safari takes on speed When run on macOS High Sierra, Safari could be the fastest browser ever invented.
Not to mention it also got safer and a lot less annoying, by giving users more power to block their unwanted ads. Siri gets smarter Recently named the world’s most popular voice assistant, Siri has moved one grade up in macOS High Sierra. Compared to the previous OS, it speaks in a more natural voice and can even DJ at your parties. Well, at least create your favorite playlists and answer music-related questions. Of course, these are just cherries on top of the new macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
If you’re already converted by now and can’t wait to hit the Install button, here are some sobering points that may make you change your mind. Reasons you should stick with macOS Sierra (for now) When analyzing the new features of macOS High Sierra, everything sounds great in theory. However, keep in mind that, for now, the download is only available to Apple Developers and is in Beta Version, which says a lot of possible issues and bugs will inevitably pop up. What’s more, depending on how old your Mac is, it’s possible that it won’t be able to support all the improved capabilities that macOS High Sierra brings to the table.
From this standpoint, if you’re not willing to risk your system to help Apple test High Sierra, you might be safer with regular macOS Sierra until the official version of macOS 10.13 High Sierra is released. Most experts agree that the current update looks less of a breakthrough, but rather a scrupulous rework under the hood. That means if you aren’t a software developer or a gamer, you might not even notice the difference. And the last reason, 32-bit apps will no longer be supported in macOS High Sierra. It concerns quite a few apps, really, (ones that don’t have a 64-bit version) but if some of your favorites are 32-bit, you are really out of luck. Feature Comparison macOS Sierra macOS High Sierra Size on drive 4.78 GB about 3 GB Graphics Metal (API) basic Metal 2, perfect for gaming Video H.264 compression H.265, 40% Ultra HD Photos Easy photo organization, face recognition Built-in advanced editor, more effects added File System HFS+, used for 20 years APFS, faster file operation If you are not entirely convinced about switching and yet want your Mac to run better, you can look into some simpler solutions. After all, upgrading your Mac’s OS is a big move, a die-and-reborn type — you cannot predict all possible risks.
At the same time, most Macs require cleaning and optimization after some months of use, like repairing disk permissions or re-indexing Spotlight search. This way you’ll boost the performance of your current OS. How to speed up and optimize your Mac Final tips before switching to macOS High Sierra. Backup your most important data. Remove junk from system folders — CleanMyMac X will do it in just minutes.
Update all your apps (by clicking Check for updates). Delete large & old files to free up drive space The latter can be done with CleanMyMac, the most popular Mac cleaning app in the world, that finds 74 GB of junk on an average Mac. Check it out — you can and clean 500 MB of system junk free of charge. Thanks for getting to the bottom of this article. Hope it helps, folks.
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MacOS High Sierra introduces new core technologies that improve the most important functions of your Mac. From rearchitecting how it stores your data to improving the efficiency of video streaming to unleashing the full power of your graphics processor, it’s all central to today’s Mac experience. Apple File System. Your data is under new management. Your documents. To your Mac, everything you care about is data.
And a file system is what organizes all that data into files and folders you can access with a click. Our current file system was designed in What's New in macOS High Sierra. MacOS High Sierra introduces new core technologies that improve the most important functions of your Mac.
From rearchitecting how it stores your data to improving the efficiency of video streaming to unleashing the full power of your graphics processor, it’s all central to today’s Mac experience. Apple File System. Your data is under new management.
Your documents. To your Mac, everything you care about is data. And a file system is what organizes all that data into files and folders you can access with a click.
Our current file system was designed in the early days of Mac, and it has performed beautifully ever since. But today’s flash‑based Mac systems open up new possibilities for innovation, so it’s time to lay a new foundation.
With macOS High Sierra, we’re introducing the Apple File System to every Mac with all‑flash internal storage, with an advanced architecture that brings a new level of security and responsiveness. The new standard for video.
With the rising popularity of 4K video, a new industry standard arrives on Mac - HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, also known as H.265).1 It can compress video up to 40 percent more than H.264, the current standard for video compression. Using HEVC, videos stream better and take up less space on your Mac, while preserving the same visual quality. A graphics game changer.
Today’s Mac experience relies more than ever on the graphics processor (GPU) in your computer. And GPUs are becoming more and more powerful.
Metal is a technology built into macOS that allows apps to unleash the full power of the GPU. Now Metal 2 not only takes the visual experience to the next level, but also adds capabilities like machine learning, virtual reality, and external GPU support for entertainment and professional creative apps. Whether you play games, create content, or develop software, Metal 2 provides the power to bring your imagination to life. Virtual reality for Mac. It’s a whole new world. MacOS High Sierra lets developers create interactive virtual reality experiences on Mac for the first time, using the new iMac with Retina 5K display, the new iMac Pro coming in late 2017, or any supported Mac paired with an external GPU.3 With optimized support for Valve’s SteamVR and the HTC Vive VR headset, and content creation apps like Final Cut Pro X, Epic Unreal 4 Editor, and Unity Editor, developers have everything they need to create immersive new worlds for you to explore. Version 10.13.6: Note: Combo and delta updates are available in Related Links, as is the update specific to the new iMac Pro.
The macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 update adds AirPlay 2 multi-room audio support for iTunes and improves the stability and security of your Mac. AirPlay 2 for iTunes. Control your home audio system and AirPlay 2-enabled speakers throughout your house. Play music at the same time on multiple AirPlay 2-enabled speakers in your house, all in sync Other improvements and fixes. Fixes an issue that may prevent Photos from recognizing AVCHD media from some cameras. Fixes an issue that may prevent Mail users from moving a message from Gmail to another account.