The next major version of the Mac operating system is now available: macOS Mojave. Version 10.14 introduces system wide Dark Mode, new apps like Apple News and Home, new ways to organize (and decorate) your desktop, and much more.
Availability
macOS Mojave is available as a free software update on the Mac App Store for these Macs according to Apple:
- MacBook models introduced in early 2015 or later
- MacBook Air models introduced in mid 2012 or later
- MacBook Pro models introduced in mid 2012 or later
- Mac mini models introduced in late 2012 or later
- iMac models introduced in late 2012 or later
iMac Pro (all models) - Mac Pro models introduced in late 2013, plus mid 2010 or mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-capable graphics processor, including MSI Gaming Radeon RX 560 and Sapphire Radeon PULSE RX 580
Developer and public beta testers can update from the pre-release version through the Mac App Store link above.
macOS Mojave
macOS Mojave introduces several new features that can improve how you work with files and access information. Version 10.14 also includes few changes that may break existing workflows — although you should always check app compatibility for software you rely on before upgrading.
macOS Mojave will be the last version to work with 32-bit apps, however, and Back to my Mac has been discontinued.
Dark Mode
Recent versions of macOS have had a feature that turned the Dock and menu bar dark, and macOS Mojave goes all the way with a real Dark Mode. This changes the appearance of built-in apps including Finder, Safari, Photos, and iTunes as well as updated third-party apps.
You can change between Light Mode and Dark Mode in System Preferences under General. There’s no built-in option to automate mode switching at launch. macOS Mojave also includes eight different appearance colors that let you change how your Mac looks.
Dynamic Desktop
macOS Mojave introduces a whole new wallpaper style called Dynamic Desktop. Version 10.14 includes two versions at launch: Mojave which is a desert scene, and Solar Gradients which is color-based.
Dynamic Desktop wallpapers change their appearance throughout the day based on your location. You’ll see a lighter wallpaper during the day and darker colors into the evening. When using Dark Mode, however, Dynamic Desktop will be limited to darker colors.
Apps
Four new apps debut on the Mac with macOS Mojave:
- News for following publications and topics on Apple News
- Stocks for following financial markets and related news
- Home for managing and controlling HomeKit accessories
- Voice Memos for recording audio and accessing clips recorded on iOS
Safari is updated with the ability to add favicons, or website icons, to tabs as a preference. Mail gains new mailbox sorting suggestions and an emoji picker button in the toolbar when composing new messages.
Siri
Apple’s voice assistant came to the Mac two versions ago with macOS Sierra, and today Siri on the Mac is gaining new features. Siri on the Mac finally works with HomeKit. You can also use Siri to look up saved password information.
Files
macOS Mojave includes several new tools for working with files on your Mac.
- Stacks lets you group related files on your desktop by type, date, tags, and more.
- Finder gains a new Gallery View, Quick Actions for assigning common tasks to easy-to-access buttons, and Quick Look now lets you manipulate images and videos without opening Preview or QuickTime.
- Screenshots have been overhauled to make it easier to edit images and capture screencasts. Hold Shift-Command-5 to access the new tools.
- Continuity Camera lets you insert photos and videos captured on your iPhone or iPad in apps like Messages, Mail, and Pages on your Mac.
FaceTime
macOS Mojave will introduce Group FaceTime with up to 32 participants in a future update. Version 10.14 doesn’t yet include this feature, but we expect it to roll out around October in iOS 12.1 and macOS 10.14.1 or later.
More
macOS Mojave also includes loads of new wallpaper options, a redesigned Mac App Store, improvements to data protection and privacy, and expanded language support including UK English, Australian English, Canadian French, and Traditional Chinese for Hong Kong.
Future updates to macOS Mojave will move from the Mac App Store update tab to the Software Update section of the System Preferences app. Check out 9to5Mac for more macOS Mojave coverage including hands-on with new features, app updates, and more.
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