macOS High Sierra

macOS High Sierra is the latest version of the desktop operating system from Apple, designed specifically for Mac computers. 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. Its architecture is specifically optimized for modern storage technologies designed for high-capacity drives. APFS enables users to perform everyday tasks instantly, such as copying files and 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 fully compatible with previously formatted HFS drives for both reading and writing, and it has been designed with future storage technology developments in mind.

High Efficiency Video Coding

Support for the industry-standard HEVC (H.265) codec enables playback and streaming of stunning 4K video files 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 that previously could only handle standard HD video streaming. With hardware acceleration capabilities on the newest iMac and MacBook Pro models, HEVC editing and encoding processes become significantly faster and more energy-efficient on Mac.

Metal 2

Metal is the fastest way to harness the full power of the Mac GPU. The Metal 2 technology, featuring an enhanced API and significantly increased performance, allows 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 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 capabilities of new Mac hardware, introduces support for virtual reality content creation for the very first time, enabling developers to build new immersive games, 3D content, and virtual reality experiences on Mac. Leading companies specializing in virtual reality are collaborating with Apple to develop new Mac tools that will become available later in the year. For example, Valve is optimizing the SteamVR virtual reality platform for macOS and enabling support for the HTC Vive headset, while Unity and Epic are adapting their virtual reality content development tools for macOS as well. Furthermore, later in the year Final Cut Pro X will add support for professional 360-degree workflows with the ability to import, edit, and export spherical video content.

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 color and contrast adjustments, and Selective Color for modifying a specific chosen color. Live Photos can now have fun effects applied to them, and the Memories feature compiles user 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, with all edits 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 get the macOS High Sierra download dmg beta right now and begin exploring all the new 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 from playing automatically in the browser on 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.

Search in Mail becomes faster and easier thanks to Top Hits, which surfaces the most relevant emails at the top of the 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, allowing users to type text in cells, edit table contents, and move rows and columns around with ease on their Mac.

Spotlight can now display detailed flight information, including arrival and departure times, flight delays, terminal or gate information, and even a map showing the route of your flight.

The iCloud File Sharing feature allows users to share any file stored in iCloud Drive and opens up new collaborative possibilities for working together on Mac.