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.

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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.

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Who does macOS Sierra impact?

Apple users from all facets will be directly affected by this latest version of macOS, particularly users that rely on macOS and iOS to bridge the work-life residuum and use Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads.

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When was macOS Sierra released?

Apple provided its first official glimpse of macOS Sierra to the world on June xiii, 2016 at its Worldwide Developers Briefing (WWDC). Developers were provided with a beta version of the Bone, followed past a public beta available to users who signed up for the Apple Beta Software Program on July 7, 2016.

The final release build (16A323) of macOS Sierra was made bachelor on September xx, 2016 for download on the Mac App Store.

Build 10.12.four

Build 10.12.iv was released on March 27, 2017 for download, deprecating the previously released builds x.12.1, 10.12.ii, and x.12.3. Previous point upgrade builds were minor in size and focus solely on providing fixes for the stability and reliability of known issues.

With information technology, 10.12.four brings several enhancements to macOS Sierra for consumers and enterprise users. Dark Shift volition automatically shift your display's color toward the warmer spectrum to assist while using devices in the evening. Support for Siri and dictation for boosted sports and languages has been included, as well as more digital camera RAW format back up.

Enterprise users have received several new updates to be used in conjunction with the newly released macOS Server 5.3, which includes added support for managing devices via Terminal, for Cache Server, Keychains and Contour Manager'southward Mobile Device Management (MDM) enrollment.

This update improves the stability and compatibility of macOS Sierra client and server operating systems and addresses security issues based on Mutual Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) related to the hardening of these OSes.

Build 10.12.5

Apple made build 10.12.5 available for download on May 15, 2017 every bit an update in the Mac App Shop and in the grade of a stand up-alone combo update for deployment across the enterprise.

This build is slightly larger than previous updates. The crux of the alter log mainly highlights several bug fixes to correct issues affecting audio played back over USB headphones, compatibility enhancements with the Mac App Store and its delivery of future software updates and continues added support of RAW formats for digital cameras.

There are a couple of issues fixes for enterprise users. One is a known issue that would affect the system date to be set incorrectly. Another fix stems from the use of the NetInstall server service, which would effect in a kernel panic when trying to deploy macOS to Apple computers.

One new feature is support for Microsoft's latest version for Windows ten, aptly known as the Creators Update (or version 1703), for those looking to dual-boot using Boot Camp.

This update improves the stability and compatibility of macOS Sierra client and server operating systems and addresses security issues based on Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) related to the hardening of these OSes.

Build ten.12.half-dozen

Apple released update 10.12.6 to macOS Sierra on July 19, 2017. While the update does not add any new features or enhancements, it does include fixes to sure bug that lead to instability and/or compatibility concerns on your Mac. The update resolves issues that prevents users from making SMB connections, as well every bit, a bug that restarts your Apple tree computer which serves equally an Xsan customer. Additionally, a stability improvement has been included for the Terminal app.

Update 10.12.six also includes 37 security updates to address Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) for a diverseness of vulnerabilities affecting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the system'southward Kernel, only to name a few of the more than pressing fixes in this important and highly recommended update.

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How can I become macOS Sierra?

The latest version of Apple's operating system is bachelor for download from the Mac App Store. Continuing the licensing structure established with Bone X Mavericks (version 10.ix), Apple has made the download available for free to all Apple users (consumers and business concern users).

Users will upgrade straight from the downloaded installer app. The upgrade procedure is identical to previous versions for supported devices–this means no specialized versions or multiple SKUs. All downloads have the same software features and functionality.

Regardless of the underlying version of Os X, the base system may be upgraded directly to macOS Sierra past running the installer app download. Performing a clean install is besides possible, withal non necessary to make the jump to macOS Sierra. If you wish to perform a clean install, remember to back up your data prior to installing the new Os.

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