macOS High Sierra

macOS High Sierra represents the latest evolution of Apple’s desktop operating system, delivering a host of advanced features tailored for the Mac. This version introduces a new, cutting-edge file storage system, supports the high-efficiency HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) standard, and integrates Metal—Apple’s powerful graphics technology. Metal now unlocks innovative capabilities like machine learning and the development of virtual reality content directly on Mac. Alongside these core advancements, macOS High Sierra also enhances everyday applications, including Photos, Safari, and Mail, making them more powerful and intuitive for users.

Apple File System

The new Apple File System (APFS) in macOS High Sierra is designed for top-tier performance, reliability, and security on the Mac. Its architecture is optimized for today’s high-capacity storage devices, enabling everyday actions—such as duplicating files or folders—in an instant. APFS ensures your data’s safety, protecting against power failures and system crashes, while built-in encryption verifies file security at all times. Not only does macOS High Sierra maintain full read/write compatibility with all previously formatted HFS disks, but it is built to adapt to the next generation of storage technologies that Apple is expected to introduce.

High-Efficiency Video Coding

With support for the industry-standard HEVC (H.265), macOS High Sierra enables seamless playback and streaming of beautiful 4K video files, which take up to 40% less storage space compared to H.264. Thanks to HEVC, Apple delivers high-quality video streaming on networks that previously only supported standard HD—transforming the way Mac users access video content. On the latest iMac and MacBook Pro, hardware acceleration makes editing and encoding HEVC video both quick and energy efficient, so users experience next-level performance.

Metal 2

Metal provides the fastest, most efficient access to the full power of the Mac’s graphics processor. The upgraded Metal 2 API brings enhanced performance, providing developers the means to make their apps and games even faster. Now, Metal 2 also supports machine learning tasks required for computer vision, natural language processing, and speech recognition. Power users benefit from support for external graphics processors, thanks to the synergy between Thunderbolt 3 and Metal 2. With the External Graphics Developer Kit, developers obtain all software and hardware tools necessary to advance their macOS High Sierra projects.

Virtual Reality

For the first time, macOS High Sierra empowers developers to create VR content on the Mac by leveraging Metal 2 and the latest hardware. Industry leaders collaborate with Apple to expand the ecosystem, with platform enhancements arriving throughout the year. SteamVR by Valve is optimized for macOS, ensuring HTC Vive headset compatibility, while Unity and Epic are adapting their VR content creation tools for Mac. Later this year, Final Cut Pro X will offer robust 360-degree video workflows—enabling import, editing, and export of spherical footage to support the growing needs of content creators.

App Enhancements for Mac

The Photos app in macOS High Sierra introduces a redesigned sidebar always visible for album and sorting tools, streamlining photo management. New editing features include Curves for fine-tuning color and contrast, and Selective Color for precise hue adjustments. Live Photos can now be enhanced with playful effects, and Memories automatically organizes your photos and videos into themed collections. Third-party editors like Photoshop and Pixelmator are now accessible from within Photos, and edits are saved directly to your photo library. With new third-party extensions, users can print or publish images via services such as Animoto, ifolor, Shutterfly, WhiteWall, and Wix from within the app.

If you have a developer account, you can instantly access the macOS High Sierra beta and begin exploring these features.

Additional Application Enhancements:

Safari now allows readers to enable Reader mode automatically and open articles in a distraction-free format. The new Autoplay Blocking feature halts unwanted audio playback in browser tabs.

Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention uses machine learning to identify and remove advertiser tracking, protecting user privacy during web browsing.

Mail search is faster and smarter with Top Hits, which surfaces your most relevant emails at the top of the results.

Siri’s voice on Mac is more natural and expressive, and with Apple Music integration, Siri tailors playlists and answers music-related questions based on your listening habits.

Notes gets table support—users can type in cells, edit tables, and reorganize rows and columns with ease.

Spotlight now includes airline flight information, displaying arrival and departure times, delays, terminal and gate details, and even a map for your journey.

The new iCloud File Sharing feature allows users to share any file stored in iCloud Drive, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration among Mac users.