The much-awaited macOS update i.e. macOS 10.15 Catalina which was announced at WWDC 2019 held during the month of June is now available in beta for testing before the stable version gets public. Apple has added many new and amazing features to it and you are not going to find 32-bit apps support here. This means that you can no longer use your 32-bit apps after upgrading to macOS Catalina.
With macOS Catalina, Apple has brought Catalyst using which the developers can bring their iPad apps to the app.
What’s New in macOS 10.15 Catalina
According to Apple, macOS Catalina is the “world’s most advanced desktop operating system”. You will find the popular iTunes app getting replaced with Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV apps. The OS has a Sidecar feature which allows you to use your iPad as a secondary display or a high-precision input device along with your desktop. macOS Catalina has an enhanced voice control feature to manage your Mac machines using your voice.
Coming to security, macOS Catalina 10.15 is preloaded with an updated Gatekeeper which checks and verify all apps for known security issues. You will also find the new Find My app preinstalled here. Apple has provided a new data protection security feature to protect the user’s documents from third-party apps.
There is a Screen Time feature which provides details like time spent in apps and on websites. If you are a Mac addict then there is also a tool for you in macOS Catalina which will help you to cut your time spent on the Mac machine. Apps like Photos, Mail, and Reminders have been upgraded in macOS Catalina 10.15. You are going to find the Safari browser with an all-new look that works with Siri suggestions. The updated Mac Store has Apple Arcade which will allow you to download premium games at a single subscription price of Rs 99 in India and about $4.99 in the US.
macOS 10.15 Catalina Device Compatibility Lists
At WWDC 2019, Apple announced that macOS Catalina will support Mac machines launched in 2012 and later. Look below for the compatible device list:
- iMac 2012 and later
- MacBook Air 2012 and later.
- MacBook 2015 and later.
- iMac Pro 2017 and later.
- MacBook Pro 2012 and later.
- Mac Pro 2013 and later.
- Mac mini 2012 and later.
How To Download & Install macOS 10.15 Catalina
It is highly recommended to completely backup your existing data before upgrading to macOS Catalina. It is to be noted that macOS Catalina has dropped the support for 32-bit apps so check for your important 32-bit apps before upgrading.
Your mac device will get updated automatically if there is an update available. But, the automatic update feature will not work if you have disabled that. You can also manually check for available updates by going to System Perferences> Software Update after visiting the Apple menu which is situated to-left corner of the screen.
There is also another way to do it, just visit About This Mac option available in the Apple menu section and click on the Software Update button. The easiest way to download macOS Catalina is by visiting the Mac App Store.
