macOS High Sierra: A transformative force in the Mac ecosystem
macOS High Sierra, the fourteenth major release of macOS, was unveiled at the WWDC 2017 and released on September 25, 2017. Named after the stunning High Sierra region in California, this iteration of macOS introduced a plethora of enhancements, refining the user experience and introducing groundbreaking features. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the core features, performance improvements, and overall impact of macOS High Sierra.
Core features
macOS High Sierra brought forth a range of notable features that enriched the user experience and expanded the capabilities of Mac computers. Here are some of the most prominent additions:
- Metal 2: This enhanced graphics API boosted graphics performance, enabling smoother gameplay, accelerated rendering, and improved virtual reality experiences.
- HEVC video support: macOS High Sierra introduced native support for High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), allowing users to play and edit high-resolution videos with greater efficiency.
- VR support: With macOS High Sierra, Mac computers became compatible with virtual reality headsets, opening up new avenues for immersive experiences.
- Photos app enhancements: The Photos app received a significant overhaul, gaining smarter sorting and organization features, enhanced editing tools, and improved facial recognition capabilities.
- Siri enhancements: Siri, Apple's intelligent personal assistant, gained new features, including contextual awareness, on-device translation, and integration with third-party apps.
Performance improvements
macOS High Sierra also introduced a range of performance enhancements that made Mac computers more responsive and efficient. These improvements included:
- Faster app launches: App launches were significantly accelerated, reducing the time it took for apps to open and respond to user input.
- Improved file system performance: The File System Journal (FJS) was optimized, leading to faster file transfers, copying, and indexing.
- Enhanced graphics performance: Metal 2, the enhanced graphics API, contributed to improved graphics performance across various tasks, including video playback, gaming, and graphics-intensive applications.
Overall impact
macOS High Sierra made significant strides in refining the user experience, introducing groundbreaking features, and enhancing overall performance. It solidified macOS as a powerful and versatile operating system, catering to a wide range of users, from casual users to creative professionals.
Where can you run macOS High Sierra?
macOS High Sierra can be run on a range of Mac computers, including:
- iMac (Late 2009 or later)
- MacBook (Early 2009 or later)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2007 or later)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
Our take
macOS High Sierra was a remarkable release that elevated the macOS experience to new heights. Its focus on performance, innovation, and refinement made it a compelling upgrade for existing Mac users. While it has been superseded by newer versions of macOS, its impact on the Mac ecosystem remains undeniable.
Should you download macOS High Sierra?
While macOS High Sierra is no longer supported by Apple, it remains a viable option for users who are not concerned about the latest security updates or compatibility with the newest apps. However, if you prioritize the latest features and security patches, it is recommended to upgrade to a newer version of macOS.
macOS High Sierra marked a significant chapter in the evolution of macOS, introducing a plethora of enhancements and solidifying its position as a powerful and versatile operating system. While it has been superseded by newer versions, its impact on the Mac ecosystem remains undeniable. For users seeking a stable and feature-rich macOS experience, macOS High Sierra remains a compelling choice.
