Apple has officially unveiled the new version of macOS (Topic)

The new macOS version 10.15 Catalina is now available. Apple updated the operating system for branded computers, adding new important functions, changing the existing ones, and the corporation decided to abandon some tools altogether. ITunes turned out to be one of them - in macOS Catalina, the usual media player was replaced by four separate applications. In addition, in Build 10.15, Apple tried to combine the iOS and macOS platforms into a single system using the Project Catalyst solution.

Combining Systems

For the first time in macOS, the company has implemented the new Project Catalyst system. With its help, you can transfer mobile versions of applications to desktop devices. This tool complements iPad apps with full menus, mouse controls, windowed mode, and much more found in desktop software solutions. At the same time, the technology does not make significant changes to the code of mobile applications. In the future, Project Catalyst will allow porting applications originally written for the iPhone to Mac devices.

What's changed

From now on, the new macOS 2019 does not support 32-bit applications. This was not a surprise, the corporation warned about this over a year ago. There are no exceptions even for industry giants - support for 32-bit software is disabled even for Adobe and Microsoft. Apple recommended installing 64-bit versions of the required programs, and if they are not available, look for the closest analogue.

A new macOS update now includes a Screen Time option. The company's developers first added "screen time" to mobile iOS 12 last year. The function keeps statistics on how the device is used - accounting for running applications and incoming notifications, time spent in a particular program. In addition, the option allows you to block certain applications. Screen Time allows you to sync your iOS gadget with your Mac.

Additionally, the new version of macOS has a Sidecar feature. The tool allows you to use iPad as an additional device on your main computer. The connection between them is provided by the wireless AirPlay technology. Sidecar is available in two versions. The first involves using a tablet as a graphic addition, when any drawing on the iPad is displayed on the screen of a desktop device. In another mode, the iPad turns into a second full-fledged monitor, where you can drag application windows from your computer and back.

Another new addition to macOS is the Locator tool. It is designed to locate a missing Apple device. The application is activated even if the device is disconnected from the Internet or "asleep". When searching, the tool uses Bluetooth signals with special encryption. They transmit data to the nearest Apple gadgets, and they, in turn, send the coordinates to iCloud, from where they will become available to the owner of the device.

What's new

The operating components of the system were also supplemented with innovations. The Safari browser has a redesigned start page with a section of recommended sites based on user preferences. A password generator has also been added to the browser.

"Reminders" and a tab for photos have got updated structures. In the photo section, all images were divided into collages by time of creation. Sorting has been added to Reminders, along with the Today, Scheduled, All and Checkbox topics.

In addition, the new macOS has become even stricter. The updated privacy policy requires programs to request access to the drive, desktop, documents and files, information in iCloud Drive.

Catalina has already appeared in the branded Mac App Store, and you can update macOS for free. However, not all Apple devices are supported by the update. Approved models include MacBook Air, Mac Pro, iMac, Mac mini from 2012 and up. Also on the list are MacBook from 2015, iMac Pro 2017 onwards. Apple has published the full list on its website.

The Topic of Article: Apple has officially unveiled the new version of macOS.
Author: Jake Pinkman