If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos. Published Date: February 01, 2021. On September 13, 2000, Apple released a $29.95 'preview' version of Mac OS X (internally codenamed Kodiak) in order to gain feedback from users. It marked the first public availability of the Aqua interface, and Apple made many changes to the UI based on customer feedback. Mac OS X Public Beta expired and ceased to function in spring 2001.
- When was Big Sur released?
The first version of Big Sur was released on the 12th of November 2020
• Total design refresh
• App enhancements to Safari, Messages, Maps
• Compatible with new M1 apple silicon
Latest Version of Mac OS – Big Sur 11.0.1
Big Sur brings BIG changes to the MacOS, from a new OS interface to new architecture compatible with the all new M1 chip. It offers the ability for Apple to use their new silicon processors based on arm64 architecture, which brings massive improvements in speed and power efficiency.
Big Sur comes with a ton of new updates and here is a highlight of what you will get with the latest 11.0.1 version:
Big Sur Safari Updates
- Privacy Updates
- Password monitoring
- Speed optimization
- New design elements
- Customizable start Page
- Expanded extensions support
- New dedicated category for finding new extensions in the App Store
- New tab design and website preview when you hover over a tab.
- Translation (beta) for English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian, or Brazilian Portuguese [US-English and Canadian-English only]
- Privacy Report with an overview of trackers blocked by Intelligent Tracking Prevention
- Safari privacy prompts for extensions
Big Sur Control Center Updates
- Puts favorite menus and Mac controls in one place
- Additional controls for Control Center menus
- Support for pinning favorite menus from Control Center to the menu bar
Big Sur Notification Center Updates
- New data-rich native widgets
- Support for third party widgets
- Notifications and widgets come together in one view in the Notification Center
- Interactive notifications display additional information and actions when expanded.
- Edit view allows for adding widgets and customizing them.
Big Sur Messages Updates
- Pinned conversations – up to 9
- Mentions let you direct a message to an individual in a group conversation
- Inline replies let you reply to a specific message earlier in the conversation
- New emojis and stickers
- #images – find trending gifs to message
- Message effects – laser, balloon, confetti, etc.
Big Sur Messages Maps
- Updated cities with 3d map experience
- Guides for curated recommendations
- indoor maps for airports and malls
- Better cycling directions
- Electric vehicle routing
Currently, there is a public beta version for Big Sur11.2 and here you can find the latest news about it.
macOS Catalina 10.15.7
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 comes with important security updates and fixes for known bugs on your Mac. Here is what you will get with the latest version:
- Fixes an issue with macOS not automatically connecting to Wi-Fi networks
- Resolves an issue that prevents files from syncing through iCloud Drive
- Addresses a graphic issue on iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) that may occur with Radeon Pro 5700 XT
Catalina Mac OS 10.15. is the successor to macOS Mojave. The new features that this update brought to Mac include a battery health feature that is supposed to reduce the rate at which the device's battery ages. This feature can analyze the charging patterns of the battery and the current state of its health and then control the extent to which it would get charged so as to slow-down chemical aging. This feature can be turned on and off from System Preferences >Energy Saver.
Newest Features
Catalina's OS name is inspired by Santa Catalina Island, an island located in California's Channel.
Notable changes made with macOS Catalina are the removal of iTunes, the addition of the Sidecar feature, the expansion of the iPhone and iPad Screen Time featureto Mac computers, and others. Additionally, significant changes have also been made to the macOS security. Below, we will have a quick look at each of these improvements:
Battery Life Improvement
The CPU and TurboBoost function have been both optimized for increased battery life. It works by shutting off CPU cores but allowing for a higher frequency rate on working cores to sustain performance.
iTunes removal
iTunes has been a part of Mac computers ever since 2001 but with Catalina, it has officially been terminated. Now, instead of iTunes, users will have access to three separate apps that together take over the functions of iTunes. Those apps are Music, TV, and Podcasts.
As for managing your devices, with Catalina, this is done via Finder and not via an app.
Sidecar
This feature allows Mac users who also own an iPad to turn their iPads into second screens for their Mac computers. The Mac screen could be extended to the iPad or they could both show the same content (mirror screen). Sidecar also works with Apple pen, enabling users to use their iPads as drawing tablets.
Screen Time
This is an iPhone and iPad feature that, with Catalina, has been carried over to Mac computers. Screen Time allows you to track the usage of all your Apple devices, providing useful information on how your time is being spent across them.
Find My
The Find My app implements the Find My Mac and Find my Friends technology to provide users with the ability to potentially find their lost/stolen device. This technology does this by employing Bluetooth and the help of other devices that are near the lost/stolen one.
Security Improvements
One of the biggest changes made that came with Catalina is related to the security of the macOS.
The first improvement is the Read-Only system volume – a dedicated system volume that allows Catalina to run separately from other data, thereby preventing any potential attempts at tampering with system files done by malware and hackers.
Next, the Gatekeeper feature, which previously only used to check the sources of new apps, now also checks the apps themselves and prevents them from running if it deems them potentially unsafe.
Thirdly, unlike earlier macOS releases, Catalina requires explicit user approval if an app wants to access data stored in the Desktop, Downloads, and Documents folder. Only after the user gives their permission would the app be able to gain access to such data.
Other changes
How to install microsoft word on macbook pro. One other notable change is that 32-bit apps can no longer be run on Mac computers if the latter have been updated to Catalina, making macOS Mojave the last macOS release that supports 32-bit apps.
Older versions
In this section of the article, we will briefly go over the older macOS releases and the most notable changes they've introduced, starting with the leaser recent one:
Yosemite (10.10) – released on the 16th of October, 2014
Yosemite overhauled macOS's user interface and introduced the Continuity and Handoff features which improved and expanded pairing between iOS and macOS devices. Receiving phone calls and text messages was now possible on either device and so was editing same documents across devices.
Later on, a Yosemite update replaced Aperture and iPhoto with Photos.
El Capitan (10.11) – released on the 30th of September, 2015
This macOS release was focused on system performance improvements and changes to already existing features. Public transport information was made available in the Mapsapp, the Notesapp received interface improvements, and the Metal API performance-enhancing app was officially introduced to macOS.
Sierra (10.12) – released on the 20th of September, 2016
Sierra brought Siri to Mac computers and added several Mac-exclusive features for the app. Improvements were also made to the iCloudapp, which could now store user data from the Desktopand Documentsfolders, allowing syncing of those folders with other Macs that share an Apple ID. Additionally, Sierra website support for Apple Pay through the use of a nearby Touch ID or iOS device for authentication.
High Sierra (10.13) – released on the 25th of September, 2017
Most improvements here were 'under-the-hood' – High Sierra brought improvements to VR support, as well as to apps such as Safari, Spotlight, Notes, and Photos. High Sierra was the first to start using Apple File Systemand it also introduced the successor to the Metal API performance-enhancement application – Metal 2.
Mojave (10.14) – released on the 24 of September, 2018
New features introduced by Mojavewere the Dynamic Desktop, Desktop Stack, and Dark Mode. Several iOS-exclusive apps such as Home, Apple News, and Voice Memoswere also carried over to macOS.
How to check the current version on your Mac
In order to find out what your current macOS version is, click on the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen and then select the option labeled About this Mac. The current version of your macOS will be shown at the top of the Overview tab. If you see an older version written there, you may want to update your Mac to the latest version (see below).
How to update to the latest macOS version
To get the latest macOS version, you must open the Mac App Store and search for macOS Big Sur. Once you find the Big Sur update, click on the download (Get) button and wait for the download to complete. Downloading may take a while, so just be patient. Once the update has been downloaded, the installer will be launched automatically. To install the update, simply follow the steps from the installer.
How to downgrade macOS version (using Time Machine)
Note that in order to perform this downgrade with the help of Time Machine, you will need to have first created a Time Machine backup disk from when you still had the earlier macOS version. If you have such a backup, here's how to use it in order to downgrade your OS.
Warning: It is highly advisable that you back up any important data you've created or downloaded since your Mac got updated to the latest OS version. Otherwise, such data would be lost after the downgrade!
Time Needed :30 minutes Imac video editing software, free download.
How to downgrade macOS version (using Time Machine)
- Time Machine
Enter the Time Machine backup disk into your Mac.
- Restart
Click on the apple icon and press Restart
- Settings
Toggle through the snapshots with the arrows until you find an appropriate date before updating to the latest OS version. Then click RESTORE
- Snapshots
From the options that appear, select the one labeled Restore From Time Machine Backup and then select Continue.
- Continue
5. The next screen will ask you to once again click on the Continue button- do it.
- Restore
Now, select the backup drive as your Restore Source.
- Upload
On the next screen, you will see all available backups – select the latest one that's been made prior to updating your Mac.
- Complete
Confirm the restoration and wait for the process to complete.
- Mac OS X
Sidecar
This feature allows Mac users who also own an iPad to turn their iPads into second screens for their Mac computers. The Mac screen could be extended to the iPad or they could both show the same content (mirror screen). Sidecar also works with Apple pen, enabling users to use their iPads as drawing tablets.
Screen Time
This is an iPhone and iPad feature that, with Catalina, has been carried over to Mac computers. Screen Time allows you to track the usage of all your Apple devices, providing useful information on how your time is being spent across them.
Find My
The Find My app implements the Find My Mac and Find my Friends technology to provide users with the ability to potentially find their lost/stolen device. This technology does this by employing Bluetooth and the help of other devices that are near the lost/stolen one.
Security Improvements
One of the biggest changes made that came with Catalina is related to the security of the macOS.
The first improvement is the Read-Only system volume – a dedicated system volume that allows Catalina to run separately from other data, thereby preventing any potential attempts at tampering with system files done by malware and hackers.
Next, the Gatekeeper feature, which previously only used to check the sources of new apps, now also checks the apps themselves and prevents them from running if it deems them potentially unsafe.
Thirdly, unlike earlier macOS releases, Catalina requires explicit user approval if an app wants to access data stored in the Desktop, Downloads, and Documents folder. Only after the user gives their permission would the app be able to gain access to such data.
Other changes
How to install microsoft word on macbook pro. One other notable change is that 32-bit apps can no longer be run on Mac computers if the latter have been updated to Catalina, making macOS Mojave the last macOS release that supports 32-bit apps.
Older versions
In this section of the article, we will briefly go over the older macOS releases and the most notable changes they've introduced, starting with the leaser recent one:
Yosemite (10.10) – released on the 16th of October, 2014
Yosemite overhauled macOS's user interface and introduced the Continuity and Handoff features which improved and expanded pairing between iOS and macOS devices. Receiving phone calls and text messages was now possible on either device and so was editing same documents across devices.
Later on, a Yosemite update replaced Aperture and iPhoto with Photos.
El Capitan (10.11) – released on the 30th of September, 2015
This macOS release was focused on system performance improvements and changes to already existing features. Public transport information was made available in the Mapsapp, the Notesapp received interface improvements, and the Metal API performance-enhancing app was officially introduced to macOS.
Sierra (10.12) – released on the 20th of September, 2016
Sierra brought Siri to Mac computers and added several Mac-exclusive features for the app. Improvements were also made to the iCloudapp, which could now store user data from the Desktopand Documentsfolders, allowing syncing of those folders with other Macs that share an Apple ID. Additionally, Sierra website support for Apple Pay through the use of a nearby Touch ID or iOS device for authentication.
High Sierra (10.13) – released on the 25th of September, 2017
Most improvements here were 'under-the-hood' – High Sierra brought improvements to VR support, as well as to apps such as Safari, Spotlight, Notes, and Photos. High Sierra was the first to start using Apple File Systemand it also introduced the successor to the Metal API performance-enhancement application – Metal 2.
Mojave (10.14) – released on the 24 of September, 2018
New features introduced by Mojavewere the Dynamic Desktop, Desktop Stack, and Dark Mode. Several iOS-exclusive apps such as Home, Apple News, and Voice Memoswere also carried over to macOS.
How to check the current version on your Mac
In order to find out what your current macOS version is, click on the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of your screen and then select the option labeled About this Mac. The current version of your macOS will be shown at the top of the Overview tab. If you see an older version written there, you may want to update your Mac to the latest version (see below).
How to update to the latest macOS version
To get the latest macOS version, you must open the Mac App Store and search for macOS Big Sur. Once you find the Big Sur update, click on the download (Get) button and wait for the download to complete. Downloading may take a while, so just be patient. Once the update has been downloaded, the installer will be launched automatically. To install the update, simply follow the steps from the installer.
How to downgrade macOS version (using Time Machine)
Note that in order to perform this downgrade with the help of Time Machine, you will need to have first created a Time Machine backup disk from when you still had the earlier macOS version. If you have such a backup, here's how to use it in order to downgrade your OS.
Warning: It is highly advisable that you back up any important data you've created or downloaded since your Mac got updated to the latest OS version. Otherwise, such data would be lost after the downgrade!
Time Needed :30 minutes Imac video editing software, free download.
How to downgrade macOS version (using Time Machine)
- Time Machine
Enter the Time Machine backup disk into your Mac.
- Restart
Click on the apple icon and press Restart
- Settings
Toggle through the snapshots with the arrows until you find an appropriate date before updating to the latest OS version. Then click RESTORE
- Snapshots
From the options that appear, select the one labeled Restore From Time Machine Backup and then select Continue.
- Continue
5. The next screen will ask you to once again click on the Continue button- do it.
- Restore
Now, select the backup drive as your Restore Source.
- Upload
On the next screen, you will see all available backups – select the latest one that's been made prior to updating your Mac.
- Complete
Confirm the restoration and wait for the process to complete.
- Mac OS X
Table of Contents
Introduction
In order to keep your Mac secure and operating efficiently it is important that you always install software updates as they become available. These updates not only fix problems with applications and the operating system, but also fix security vulnerabilities that can be used by computer viruses to infect your computer. Unfortunately, many people feel that because they are using a Mac they are much more secure and thus may not be as diligent in updating their software as they would on a Windows machine where viruses are much more common. The reality, though, is that any operating system, regardless of who makes it, constantly introduces security vulnerabilities that need to be fixed. Therefore, it is important to remember that though you may be using a Mac, even they are vulnerable to computer infections as shown by the recent Backdoor.Flashback Trojan.
MacOS Version History - Wikipedia
With that said, updating your operating system and its installed applications so that they are using the latest versions and patches is imperative to having a healthy and usable computer. This tutorial will walk you through updating your Mac computer as well as configuring it to automatically alert you when new updates are available.
How to install operating system updates for Mac computer
To install the latest software updates on your Mac computer please follow these steps.
Click on the Apple () menu in the upper left hand corner and then select the Software Update menu option. Your Mac will now check for any new software updates as shown by the image below:
After checking for new updates, if there are no updates available it will display a messages stating that Your Software is up to date. If you see this message, you can click on the Quit button to exit the software update procedure. On the other hand, if updates are available you will be shown a dialog box, similar to the one below, asking what you would like to do.
You should now click on the Show Details button to see what updates are going to be installed on your computer. This will display a screen, as shown below, that displays all the updates that will be installed.
You can scroll through the list of updates and uncheck those that you do not wish to install. It is suggested, though, that you do not uncheck any of the updates and allow them all to be installed. Once you have reviewed the available updates, click on the Install button to start the update process.
The operating system will now install all of the updates that were listed in the screen above. While the updates are being installed you will see a status screen similar to the one below.
When the updates are finished installing, your Mac will prompt you to reboot your computer. Please allow the computer to reboot and the updates will now have been successfully installed.
How to configure Software Update on your Mac
Software Update can be configured so that updates are automatically downloaded on a regular basis. This section will provide information on the best way to configure Software Update for your Mac.
Click on the Apple () menu in the upper left hand corner and then select the System Preferences menu option. The System Preferences window should now open as shown in the image below.
In this window, click on the Software Update icon as shown by the blue arrow above. This will open the Software Update configuration screen as seen below.
See More Results
In this screen you can configure some basic options as to how Software Update will work on your computer. The Check Now button will allow you to instantly perform a search for new updates. The Check for updates checkbox allows you to specify if you want to check for updates automatically and how frequently you wish to do so. The Download updates automatically button specifies if you would like software updates to be automatically downloaded to your Mac so that they are ready to be installed.
It is suggested that you keep both Check for updates and Download updates automatically checked and to perform these checks daily. This makes sure you are notified of new updates as they occur in the event that there is a critical one that needs to be installed for the safety of your Mac.
How to see what updates have been installed on your Mac
In the event that you need to see what updates have been previously installed on your computer, you can go into the Software Updates preferences screen to see them. To do this, click on the Apple () menu in the upper left hand corner and then select the System Preferences menu option. When the System Preferences window opens, double-click on the Software Update icon. Once you are in the Software Update preferences screen, click on the Installed Software option and you will be shown a screen similar to the one below.
Mac Software Updates In Order
The Installed Software screen will show the name of all the applications, and their updates, and when they been installed on your Mac. When scrolling through the list of software, you may notice that the same software may be listed twice. This is because they are different updates to the same application, which is indicated by the different version numbers.
With this information you can now determine if you are using the latest version of an installed software.
