In continuing with Apple's yearly operating system release cycle, the latest entry in the series after OS X El Capitan is macOS Sierra. Version 10.12 of the OS brings more than just a name alter (the company dropped Bone 10 with this release)–it farther delivers on the seamless user experience established in previous OSes past extending Continuity, Siri, and Apple Pay to name a few of the technologies shared betwixt the desktop and mobile platforms. The release also offers advanced malware protection and optimized storage functionalities.

This primer details what you need to know virtually macOS Sierra. We'll update this "living" guide about macOS Sierra periodically when Apple tree releases updates, important security fixes, and new data near the OS.

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Executive summary

  • What is macOS Sierra? macOS Sierra is Apple tree's latest iteration of operating organisation in its desktop computing line; it'south the successor to Os X El Capitan.
  • Why does macOS Sierra affair? macOS Sierra includes new features to its cadre functionality, including advanced security capabilities to protect organization integrity from malware threats, along with productivity enhancements to allow users to continue working when mobile.
  • Who does macOS Sierra affect? Consumers, business users, and IT pros that rely on Apple tree computers to power their business functions and empower themselves only, deeply, and efficiently.
  • When was macOS Sierra released? Apple released macOS Sierra (version ten.12) to all users on September 20, 2016. Build x.12.5 was released on May 15, 2017 for download, deprecating the previously released builds 10.12.ane, ten.12.two, 10.12.3, and ten.12.4.
  • How tin I get macOS Sierra? macOS Sierra is available for download from Apple's Mac App Store. In keeping with its licensing terms, the downloadable installer is available for costless to all users on supported equipment.

Boosted resource:

What is macOS Sierra?

macOS Sierra is the latest release of Apple's operating system for its computing devices. On September 20, 2016, Apple made version 10.12 of its OS available for all to download from the Mac App Store.

Apple has merged the best features of its mobile Os to better integrate its services and brand them seamless to the end user. Though non all of macOS Sierra is rooted in cross-platform features between information technology and iOS, macOS further expands security by protecting core system services from unauthorized access and malware infection, as well as eliminating less secure technologies.

Run across: Screenshots: A complete roundup of new macOS Sierra features (TechRepublic)

Alongside fundamental changes to the core Os, new features take been introduced in an effort to simplify the utilize of products in the Apple tree ecosystem, ensuring a seamless transition between work being performed on 1 device and picking upwards where you lot left off on a second device without losing a pace. New and upgraded features include the following.

  • Siri: "Simply ask," as Apple states, to get the well-nigh out of your Mac. Siri'due south systemwide integration allows for vocalization recognition back up throughout all mutual uses: finding your files, searching websites, or controlling multimedia playback.
  • Car Unlock: Using a paired Apple tree Watch, macOS will automatically unlock the desktop or log in the user–the person doesn't have to enter their password, making information technology quick and easy for users to access their Mac.
  • iCloud Drive: Leveraging the iCloud Drive's bachelor storage, users tin synchronize their Desktop and Documents folders across all macOS-enabled devices for simpler, centralized file management.
  • Apple Pay: Using the biometric security of your iPhone, Apple Picket, or Impact Bar-enabled MacBook Pro, checking out for purchases on websites on your Mac ensures your personal details remain encrypted.
  • Optimized storage: By keeping rail of your recently used files, macOS Sierra will monitor existing storage space and offload rarely used files to iCloud, thus freeing upward infinite on your local bulldoze for newer files.
  • Tabs: Working with multiple documents within the same application meant keeping multiple windows open at the same time. With macOS Sierra, multiple documents are stored within tabs, similar to how net browsers store multiple pages within one window.
  • Picture in Pic: Similar to how TVs display i show in a small window within the larger screen, Apple tree has allowed for apps to run inside smaller floating windows.
  • Universal Clipboard: Copy & paste expanded and then that items copied on i device tin be pasted on another device regardless of whether the device is running macOS or iOS.
  • Safari: Apple's latest version of Safari–ten.0–includes support for Apple tree Pay, enhanced Extensions support and securing the browser by turning off Legacy plug-ins by default as well as hiding the presence of installed legacy plug-ins.
  • Apple tree File System (APFS): This is Apple'southward new file system and the still-in-development successor to the current HFS+. The solid-state optimized system seeks to correct existing issues with HFS+ while adding support for snapshots and clones, which copy files without using boosted storage space. Data integrity takes a front seat with the use of checksums and multiple modes of disk encryption for volumes.

Organisation requirements

  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Disk Space: eight.8 GB
  • Simply these Macs are supported:
    iMac (tardily 2009 or newer)
    MacBook (late 2009 or newer)
    MacBook Pro (mid-2010 or newer)
    MacBook Air (late 2010 or newer)
    Mac Mini (mid-2010 or newer)
    Mac Pro (mid-2010 or newer)

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Why does macOS Sierra matter?

For this release, Apple tree opted to rebrand the OS Ten moniker and upgrade the OS feature set to include a number of productivity-enhancing features for business users and new features to its existing applications, such as Photos and Maps. Added security has been implemented to strengthen its UNIX-based system services, including boosted refinements to Gatekeeper's malware protection by way of implementing code signing for disk images and path randomization for applications.

Aesthetically, macOS Sierra is similar to previous versions of OS X, equally Apple continues to piece of work toward a more platform-unified design with farther integration with iOS without fully merging the two.