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macOS

macOS is an operating system developed by Apple for its Mac computers, including iMac and Mac mini desktops and MacBook Air and Pro laptops. The Macintosh computer was launched by Steve Jobs at the Apple shareholders meeting in 1984 over 40 years ago (YouTube video, 1h 20m).

That initial Macintosh included the Classic Mac OS operating system, known as "System 1". It later became Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah (2001), OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (2012), and macOS 10.12 Sierra (2016). The latest version 15 (Sequoia) was released in October 2024, after 14 Sonoma (2023), 13 Ventura (2022), and 12 Monterrey (2021) earlier.

These are some of its major features.

User interface

  • Stage Manager: window management organization for open apps and windows (side of screen)
  • Menu Bar: app menus and system status icons (top of screen)
  • Dock: application management, launcher (bottom or side of screen)

Spaces and windows

  • Desktop: main workspace, folders, files, apps, shortcuts, and widgets
  • Spaces: virtual desktops to organize windows in multiple workspaces
  • Split views: work with two apps side-by-side in full screen mode.
  • Window tiling: Sequoia suggests tiled positions when dragging windows to screen edges, making it easier to organize multiple windows
  • Window management apps: Magnet or Moom offer additional options to resize, position, activate, arrange, and customize window layouts

System services

  • Finder: local file system storage and navigation
  • Time Machine: continuous incremental backup
  • Spotlight: integrated search capability for apps, documents, files, folders, email, web pages, and settings, as well as quick calculations and conversions
  • Siri: voice-activated digital assistant using natural language processing and machine learning for voice command and web search
  • Focus modes: reduce distractions by filtering notifications and apps based on current activity

Integration

  • iCloud: cloud storage and cross-device data synchronization
  • Shortcuts: powerful features for automation and productivity
  • Widgets: Sonoma allowed desktop placement as well as Notification Center; Sequoia added interaction and iPhone widget integration
  • iPhone Mirroring: Sequoia provides wireless access and control with nearby iPhone including drag/drop for files.