MacOS High Sierra release

Apple are rolling out their free update for MacOS from Monday, called High Sierra.

It will be available for:

• MacBook Pro – 2010 or later models
• MacBook – Late 2009 or later models
• MacBook Air – 2010 or later models
• iMac – Late 2009 or later models
• Mac Mini – 2010 or later models
• Mac Pro – 2010 or later models

“New technologies at the heart of the system make your Mac more reliable, capable and responsive – and lay the foundation for future innovations,” Apple writes on its website. “macOS High Sierra also refines the features and apps you use every day. It’s macOS at its highest level yet.”

Most of the updates will be behind the scenes, under the hood kind of improvements to performance and security that most will likely not notice. Some minor UI tweaks will include:

The Safari web browser will include a new service called “Autoplay Blocking,” which stops media from autoplaying across the internet.

There is also a new feature that stops ads from tracking you around the internet.

The Photos app will include improved organization and search. The updated app will recognize more faces, and will include more filtration and categorisation updates. Edits on Apple Photos will also seamlessly transition to other photo editing applications, like Photoshop.

The core file system of macOS is getting an overhaul to make it faster than ever before. It will be quicker and easier to back up files or move them around, which means fewer crashes all around. 

The new operating system will also include support for high-end virtual reality. Apple previously showed off its ability to use the HTC Vive headset, though it doesn’t support the Oculus Rift of Oculus SDK.

The new video technology in High Sierra called HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, also known as H.265) means “videos stream better and take up less space on your Mac, while preserving the same visual quality.”

The update should be available from 6pm (GMT) on Monday.