Back in June, Apple unveiled macOS High Sierra. The next big upgrade for the company’s desktops and notebook computers. High Sierra shares a similar name with the update from last year, macOS Sierra. Well, this is intended, as with 2017 Apple is focusing more on getting the foundation of the Mac operating system solid with updated core technologies and getting making macOS much more stable.

This doesn’t mean that High Sierra has been relived of any new features, there are plenty of big enhancements.

What’s new?

With High Sierra, Apple has really gone right back to the core of macOS and really focused on the fundamental technologies which really make a Mac tick along.

Apple File System

The APFS is all new. First debuting earlier this year with iOS 10.3, the new speed and efficiency focussed file system is focused on the flash based today of the Mac.

Apple say that its new system has an all new 64-bit architecture, with security in mind. APFS also features protections to make crashes less damaging.

One thing to note is that APFS won’t be compatible on Mac systems with a Fusion Drive.

Virtual reality

Apple is really taking virtual reality seriously this year. Apple has given developers a whole host of new tools to enable virtual reality on the Mac platform. Apple is supporting the SteamVR headset from Valve and HTC Vive VR headsets out of the box

Virtual reality requires the new 2017 iMac 5K or the new iMac Pro, which launches later this year.

Messages in iCloud

Like in iOS 11, macOS High Sierra also supports Messages on iCloud to enable full syncing of the Messages app between iOS, macOS and watchOS. This will now store all of your old chat history in iCloud, so it can save space from your iPhone and add full chat history to a brand new device when you get a new one. Also, deletion is now synced all on all devices as is the read status, as currently that doesn’t work that well.

When can I get High Sierra and what Mac models will run it?

macOS High Sierra will be available to download on the 25th September

It is compatible with:

  • Late 2009 or newer MacBook or iMac
  • 2010 or newer MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini or Mac Pro

Basically, any Macintosh which is running or can run macOS Sierra now will be capable of running macOS High Sierra when it launches.