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 change (the company dropped OS X with this release)—it further delivers on the seamless user experience established in previous OSes by extending Continuity, Siri, and Apple Pay to name a few of the technologies shared between the desktop and mobile platforms. The release also offers advanced malware protection and optimized storage functionalities.
This primer details what you need to know about macOS Sierra. We'll update this 'living' guide about macOS Sierra periodically when Apple releases updates, important security fixes, and new information about the OS.
Oct 31, 2018 The launch of macOS High Sierra affects Mac users and admins who have a compatible system and are planning on upgrading to the OS, or non-Mac users who are planning to purchase an Apple computer.
SEE: Check out all of TechRepublic's smart person's guides (TechRepublic)
Executive summary
- What is macOS Sierra? macOS Sierra is Apple's latest iteration of operating system in its desktop computing line; it's the successor to OS X El Capitan.
- Why does macOS Sierra matter? macOS Sierra includes new features to its core functionality, including advanced security capabilities to protect system 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 computers to power their business functions and empower themselves simply, securely, and efficiently.
- When was macOS Sierra released? Apple released macOS Sierra (version 10.12) to all users on September 20, 2016. Build 10.12.5 was released on May 15, 2017 for download, deprecating the previously released builds 10.12.1, 10.12.2, 10.12.3, and 10.12.4.
- How can 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 free to all users on supported equipment.
Additional resources:
- First impressions of working with macOS Sierra (TechRepublic)
- The good and bad of Apple macOS Sierra (ZDNet)
- Apple MacOS Sierra review: Six big ways MacOS Sierra is going to change your Apple experience (CNET)
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 make them seamless to the end user. Though not all of macOS Sierra is rooted in cross-platform features between it and iOS, macOS further expands security by protecting core system services from unauthorized access and malware infection, as well as eliminating less secure technologies.
SEE: Screenshots: A complete roundup of new macOS Sierra features (TechRepublic)
Alongside key changes to the core OS, new features have been introduced in an effort to simplify the use of products in the Apple ecosystem, ensuring a seamless transition between work being performed on one device and picking up where you left off on a second device without losing a step. New and upgraded features include the following.
- Siri: 'Just ask,' as Apple states, to get the most out of your Mac. Siri's systemwide integration allows for voice recognition support throughout all common uses: finding your files, searching websites, or controlling multimedia playback.
- Auto Unlock: Using a paired Apple Watch, macOS will automatically unlock the desktop or log in the user—the person doesn't have to enter their password, making it quick and easy for users to access their Mac.
- iCloud Drive: Leveraging the iCloud Drive's available storage, users can 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 Watch, or Touch Bar-enabled MacBook Pro, checking out for purchases on websites on your Mac ensures your personal details remain encrypted.
- Optimized storage: By keeping track of your recently used files, macOS Sierra will monitor existing storage space and offload rarely used files to iCloud, thus freeing up space on your local drive 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 internet browsers store multiple pages within one window.
- Picture in Picture: Similar to how TVs display one show in a small window within the larger screen, Apple has allowed for apps to run within smaller floating windows.
- Universal Clipboard: Copy & paste expanded so that items copied on one device can be pasted on another device regardless of whether the device is running macOS or iOS.
- Safari: Apple's latest version of Safari—10.0—includes support for Apple 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 File System (APFS): This is Apple's 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 additional storage space. Data integrity takes a front seat with the use of checksums and multiple modes of disk encryption for volumes.
System requirements
- RAM: 2 GB
- Disk Space: 8.8 GB
- Only these Macs are supported:
iMac (late 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)
Additional resources:
- All you need to know about MacOS Sierra (CNET)
- Apple macOS Sierra, First take: Siri comes to the Desktop (ZDNet)
- Get your Mac ready for macOS Sierra (ZDNet)
- macOS Sierra Hardware Requirements (Apple)
Why does macOS Sierra matter?
What's Hot at TechRepublic
For this release, Apple opted to rebrand the OS X 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 additional 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, as Apple continues to work toward a more platform-unified design with further integration with iOS without fully merging the two.
Additional resources:
- OS X El Capitan: The smart person's guide (TechRepublic)
- Apple iCloud: The smart person's guide (TechRepublic)
- Apple Pay: The smart person's guide (TechRepublic)
- Apple's first employee: The remarkable odyssey of Bill Fernandez (TechRepublic)
Who does macOS Sierra affect?
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 balance and use Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads.
Additional resources:
- Free ebook: Executive's guide to Apple in the enterprise (TechRepublic)
- Research: Apple's Growing Role in the Enterprise (Tech Pro Research)
- iOS 10 and the enterprise (Tech Pro Research)
- Apple iPhone 7: The smart person's guide (TechRepublic)
- Apple MacBook Pro 2016: The smart person's guide (TechRepublic)
When was macOS Sierra released?
Apple provided its first official glimpse of macOS Sierra to the world on June 13, 2016 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Developers were provided with a beta version of the OS, followed by 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 available on September 20, 2016 for download on the Mac App Store.
Build 10.12.4
Build 10.12.4 was released on March 27, 2017 for download, deprecating the previously released builds 10.12.1, 10.12.2, and 10.12.3. Previous point upgrade builds were minor in size and focus solely on providing fixes for the stability and reliability of known issues.
With it, 10.12.4 brings several enhancements to macOS Sierra for consumers and enterprise users. Night Shift will automatically shift your display's color toward the warmer spectrum to aid while using devices in the evening. Support for Siri and dictation for additional sports and languages has been included, as well as more digital camera RAW format support.
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 Profile Manager's Mobile Device Management (MDM) enrollment. Mac ipad manual.
![Sierra Sierra](https://supportforums.cisco.com/legacyfs/online/legacy/7/5/0/68057-create-user-in-AD.jpg)
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 (CVE) related to the hardening of these OSes.
Hp officejet 3830 manual mac setup software. How to uninstall HP OfficeJet 3830 Driver Scanner?. Click next and wait for the installation process to finish. After everything is ready, we recommend restarting your laptop or computer. then you will be switched to additional guidelines.
Build 10.12.5
Apple made build 10.12.5 available for download on May 15, 2017 as an update in the Mac App Store and in the form of a stand-alone combo update for deployment across the enterprise.
This build is slightly larger than previous updates. The crux of the change 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 bug 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 result in a kernel panic when trying to deploy macOS to Apple computers.
One new feature is support for Microsoft's latest version for Windows 10, 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 10.12.6
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 certain issues that lead to instability and/or compatibility concerns on your Mac. The update resolves issues that prevents users from making SMB connections, as well as, a bug that restarts your Apple computer which serves as an Xsan client. Additionally, a stability improvement has been included for the Terminal app.
Update 10.12.6 also includes 37 security updates to address Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) for a variety of vulnerabilities affecting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the system's Kernel, just to name a few of the more pressing fixes in this important and highly recommended update.
Additional resources:
- Download macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Combo Update (Apple)
- About the macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Update (Apple)
- About the security content of macOS Sierra 10.12.6 (Apple)
- Download macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Combo Update (Apple)
- Download macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Update (Apple)
- Download macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Combo Update (Apple)
- About the macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Update (Apple)
- About the macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Update (Apple)
- About the macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Update (Apple)
- About the macOS Sierra 10.12.1 Update (Apple)
- Apple Beta Software Program (Apple)
- Upgrade to macOS Sierra (Apple)
How can I get macOS Sierra?
The latest version of Apple's operating system is available for download from the Mac App Store. Continuing the licensing structure established with OS X Mavericks (version 10.9), Apple has made the download available for free to all Apple users (consumers and business users).
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Users will upgrade directly from the downloaded installer app. The upgrade process 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 by running the installer app download. Performing a clean install is also possible, yet not 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.
Additional resources:
- macOS Sierra on Mac App Store (Apple)
- Why a MacOS Sierra upgrade might cost you (CNET)
- MacOS Sierra has arrived — here's how to download and install it (CNET)
- How to create a bootable USB installer for macOS Sierra (TechRepublic)
- How to maximize using Siri in macOS Sierra (TechRepublic)
- How to maximize disk space using macOS Sierra's new storage management features (TechRepublic)
- The great, and well-hidden, storage tool in mac OS Sierra (ZDNet)
- 10 hidden MacOS Sierra features you need to know (CNET)
- Ebook: Boost your Mac productivity with these 10 techniques (TechRepublic)
- Ebook: 17 tips for protecting Windows computers and Macs from ransomware (TechRepublic)
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Sign up today Sign up today With High Sierra, version 10.13 of Apple's macOS operating system, the company added subtle updates to improve the privacy of web browsing in Safari, rolled out its new file system as standard, and introduced updates that would allow for the creation of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) content. While the updates may seem simple, they help set the stage for Apple's approach to computing in the future.
To help tech leaders and IT pros better understand macOS High Sierra, we've put together the most important details and resources in this cheat sheet. This is a 'living' article that will be updated and refreshed as new, relevant information becomes public.
SEE: All of TechRepublic's cheat sheets and smart person's guides
Executive summary
- What is macOS High Sierra? macOS High Sierra is version 10.13 of Apple's desktop operating system (OS) series, macOS. It builds on its predecessor, macOS Sierra, and includes updates to Safari, Mail, Photos, its file system, and more.
- Why does macOS High Sierra matter? As a version of macOS, High Sierra will define the user experience for Apple computer users across laptops and desktops in terms of featureset and UI.
- Who does macOS High Sierra affect? The launch of macOS High Sierra affects Mac users and admins who have a compatible system and are planning on upgrading to the OS, or non-Mac users who are planning to purchase an Apple computer in the future.
- When is macOS High Sierra available? The first macOS High Sierra public beta came out in June 2017, but the public release of High Sierra was made generally available on September 25, 2017.
- How do I take advantage of macOS High Sierra? High Sierra is available for download through the Mac App Store.
SEE: Apple's first employee: The remarkable odyssey of Bill Fernandez (PDF download) (TechRepublic)
What is macOS High Sierra?
Apple's macOS 10.13 High Sierra is the latest Mac operating system, designed for use on iMac desktops and MacBook laptops. It was announced at the 2017 WWDC event in San Jose by Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi.
One of the biggest updates unveiled with the High Sierra macOS version is that the Apple web browser, Safari, will now block AutoPlay videos, so users won't encounter videos automatically playing when they open a web page. While the feature will improve the browsing experience for many users, it will make it more difficult for Apple to compete with advertising giants Google and Facebook.
High Sierra brings Intelligent Tracking Prevention for Safari, a new feature that blocks trackers of user data. 'Now your privacy, your browsing history is your own,' Federighi said at WWDC.
Mail search on Mac is also improved with High Sierra, while Photos received a new design and layout. Apple is known for its photo features, such as live photos in iOS and content management options in iCloud Drive, and High Sierra offers better facial recognition support for improved organization and more.
High-efficiency video coding (HEVC) H.265 will be supported by macOS High Sierra. H.265 is a next-generation video compression standard that basically allows video files of the same quality to be compressed to a smaller size. The standard is also supported on mobile starting with iOS 11, meaning the videos a user takes on their iPhone or iPad will remain high quality without taking up as much space.
With the announcement of macOS High Sierra, Federighi said that the Apple File System (APFS) would be the default for all Macs moving forward. APFS allows macOS users to more easily manage space between multiple volumes, in that they can easily add and delete volumes on solid-state drives (SSDs) within the Disk Utility.
'APFS-formatted volumes automatically grow and shrink—you never have to repartition an SSD drive again,' an Apple support page said. 'To see the format of a volume, select it in the Disk Utility sidebar—its format is displayed underneath the volume name in the middle of the window.'
Metal 2, which makes it easier to leverage GPU computing on a Mac, and will support more VR and AR content, was also announced as part of macOS High Sierra. Metal 2 offers external GPU support as well.
Additional resources:
- Apple macOS High Sierra kills AutoPlay in Safari, uses machine learning to improve privacy (TechRepublic)
- macOS High Sierra Preview (Apple)
- 7 best features of MacOS High Sierra (CNET)
Why does macOS High Sierra matter?
With an ever-increasing amount of work being done online, the refinements to Safari in High Sierra could help position Macs as a more viable business machine for certain industries. Additionally, Apple boosted the browser's speed. 'Safari is the world's fastest desktop browser with High Sierra,' Federighi said at WWDC.
What's Hot at TechRepublic
The additional privacy measures will help Safari—and, thus, High Sierra—win over some other users as well. New Safari Reader features will improve the readability of some web pages and articles by eliminating ads and unrelated content.
In the Notes app, tables can now be added to make quick graphical representations of something a user is working on. Business travelers can track flights in the Spotlight search window in High Sierra, making for a more efficient and productive process.
In keeping with its reputation as a powerhouse for creatives, Apple added some new features for its Photos app. Improved facial recognition shows that Apple is investing in the underlying technologies—like machine learning—that power artificial intelligence (AI), which is an area it has been lagging behind in relative to competitors like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. In High Sierra, Photos will integrate with other editing tools like Photoshop and Pixelmator, which could help draw more creatives deeper into Apple's proprietary ecosystem.
High Sierra is Apple's first major foray into AR and VR technologies. Metal 2 will make it easier for users to utilize GPU compute, but it will also support VR content creation—a first for Macs. Unity, Epic, and SteamVR integrations, along with Final Cut Pro X support for 360 video will help attract the next generation of creatives to Apple machines.
Additional resources:
- Mac users, meet APFS: macOS's new file system (ZDNet)
- MacOS High Sierra has some really cool new features (CNET)
- macOS High Sierra delivers advanced technologies for storage, video and graphics (Apple)
- Research: Virtual and augmented reality in the enterprise (Tech Pro Research)
Who does macOS High Sierra affect?
Mac Pro Laptop User Manual
On a high level, the debut of macOS High Sierra matters to current Mac users and anyone considering a Mac for their next machine. However, it has more specific impacts for certain subsets of users.
Creative professionals can use the H.265 support to stream 4K video, and mobile users can leverage it to save space on their iOS devices, while the new Photos app could help boost efficient editing. Creatives looking to develop VR content could leverage the new OS features to build out their portfolio, too.
Developers will be affected by the the software update, as they can use Metal 2 to improve application development.
![Mac High Sierra User Manual Mac High Sierra User Manual](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125487268/968061486.png)
Security-conscious users will likely be interested in the new privacy features in Safari, such as AutoPlay blocking and Intelligent Tracking Prevention. And professional users might see slight productivity improvements with the updates to Mail and Notes.
Additional resources:
- WWDC 2017: Apple positions Mac updates, macOS High Sierra for VR developers (ZDNet)
- Apple developers: The 6 biggest takeaways from WWDC 2017 (TechRepublic)
- 5 hidden MacOS High Sierra features you need to know (CNET)
When is macOS High Sierra available?
On June 5, 2017, Apple unveiled macOS High Sierra for the first time at WWDC. It is only the second instance of Apple's use of the macOS moniker, which replaced the previous OS X title in 2016 when macOS Sierra was introduced.
At the WWDC event, macOS High Sierra was made available in beta. Apple released macOS High Sierra for general download on September 25, 2017. Various updates and patches have been released since then to address security issues and add feature improvements.
It should be noted that a late 2017 security flaw in macOS High Sierra reportedly gave attackers root user access, unless the user set a root password to protect the machine. A later 2018 bug in the Disk Utility revealed APFS-encrypted drive passwords in plain text, but this was patched in macOS High Sierra version 10.13.4. Apple has since released version 10.13.5 with additional bug fixes and patches. Information on how to upgrade to version 10.13.5 can be found on our sister site ZDNet.
Additional resources:
- macOS High Sierra comes with a flaw that leaves your passwords vulnerable (TechRepublic)
- WWDC 2017: Apple reveals macOS refresh, High Sierra (ZDNet)
- Welcome to Apple's new MacOS: High Sierra (CNET)
- Video: Apple introduces new MacOS High Sierra (CNET News)
- macOS High Sierra bug will show hackers what your password is (TechRepublic)
High Sierra Mac Os
How do I take advantage of macOS High Sierra?
Currently, macOS High Sierra is available in the Mac App Store, but it will only run on certain Mac computers. Interested users with a compatible machine can download the OS today.
Determining compatibility for the macOS update starts with the model computer a user currently has. According to Apple's website, the following machines are eligible to run macOS High Sierra:
- iMac models from late 2009 or later
- MacBook models from late 2009 or later
- MacBook Pro models from mid 2010 or later
- MacBook Air models from late 2010 or later
- Mac mini models from mid 2010 or later
- Mac Pro models from mid 2010 or later
- iMac Pro
If a user has one of the compatible models, they also need to be running one of the following versions of Apple's operating system software:
- macOS Sierra
- OS X El Capitan
- OS X Yosemite
- OS X Mavericks
- OS X Mountain Lion
To install the update, a user will need 2GB of free memory and 14.3GB of storage available on their hard drive space. Overall, macOS High Sierra requires roughly 1.5GB more storage space than macOS Sierra 10.12.6, Apple's website said. All of the information on a Mac's model, memory, storage, and OS version can be found under the About This Mac section in the Apple menu.
Additional resources:
- How to download macOS High Sierra and which Macs are compatible (TechRepublic)
- Mac Mini 2018: Cheat sheet (TechRepublic)
- 7 things to know before upgrading to MacOS High Sierra 10.13 (CNET)
- Apple Beta Software Program (Apple)
- Will your Mac run macOS High Sierra? (ZDNet)
- iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra second public betas now available (ZDNet)
Mac High Sierra User Manual Download
Apple Weekly Newsletter
Whether you need iPhone and Mac tips or rundowns of enterprise-specific Apple news, we've got you covered. Delivered Tuesdays