What is macOS and its latest version? Why choose macOS? (constantly updated)

One of the most renowned and exclusive operating systems for high-end computers and laptops by Apple is macOS. So, what exactly is macOS? What's the latest macOS version? Discover the answers in this article!

Learn more: 

• macOS Sonoma Beta Review (macOS 14): What's new besides Game Mode?
• How to update MacOS 14 Beta for better optimization, more features

The Latest macOS Version - macOS Sonoma (macOS 14)

At WWDC 2023, macOS 14 Sonoma was officially unveiled, and Apple now allows users to experience the Developer Beta version (we'll soon have a review of macOS 14 Beta for everyone to refer to). Here's the list of devices compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma:

• MacBook Air from 2018 onwards.
• iMac from 2019 onwards.
• iMac Pro from 2017 onwards.
• MacBook Pro from 2018 onwards.
• Mac Pro from 2019 onwards.
• Mac Studio from 2022 onwards.
• Mac Mini from 2018 onwards.

Therefore, devices from before 2018 are no longer supported for macOS Sonoma updates. This is understandable as the hardware of these products is no longer powerful enough to meet the new features of macOS 14. Furthermore, macOS 14 is primarily optimized for Apple's M2 processor, allowing devices to run faster, smoother, and more power-efficiently.

What's new in macOS 14 in terms of features?

According to Apple, macOS Sonoma marks a significant milestone in the company's development history by introducing many innovative features and substantial improvements for users.

Learn more: Apple unveils macOS 14 Sonoma: Smoother performance, added features for gamers

• Game Mode

Game Mode in macOS 14 is designed with automation in mind. Specifically, when you launch a game, Game Mode will activate by default. Subsequently, a small notification will appear on the screen indicating that this mode is active. Game Mode in macOS 14 is specially designed to enhance gaming performance by delivering smoother and more stable frame rates. It achieves this by assigning the highest priority levels to both CPU and GPU depending on the game. This target allocation ensures that games run more efficiently and minimize latency.

Additionally, Game Mode in macOS 14 also reduces latency when connecting Apple headphones. For instance, when using AirPods, Game Mode significantly reduces audio latency, ensuring perfect synchronization with the game's sound effects. Moreover, Game Mode enhances Bluetooth sampling rate for gaming controllers (Xbox or PlayStation) and efficiently reduces input latency. Overall, the Game Mode feature will somewhat enable Mac users to access some Windows games.

• Password Sharing

With the Password Sharing feature on macOS 14, we can set up password-sharing groups, allowing multiple individuals to contribute to and securely modify passwords. With end-to-end encryption via iCloud, all members in the group can maintain or update passwords.

Moreover, macOS 14 enhances the login experience by automatically filling in one-time verification codes received in Safari. This is one of the interesting features that makes your operations faster whenever using Safari.

• More Efficient Widget Personalization

Widgets in macOS 14 have been developed to optimize personalization experience for users. Now, users can position widgets directly on the desktop, grant quick access to favorite widgets from the library. These tools seamlessly blend with the background, allowing users to focus more on their tasks.

What is macOS Operating System?

macOS is derived from the Macintosh Operating System, developed and introduced by Apple in 2001.

Undergoing various names, initially Mac OS X, later abbreviated to OS X in 2012, and finally in 2016, the name macOS emerged as it is known today.

This operating system has appeared on a wide range of Apple products, such as desktop computers, laptops, ... To date, macOS has established a solid position in the market.

Advantages and Disadvantages of macOS Operating System

Overall, any operating system has its own pros and cons, and macOS is certainly no exception.

• Advantages

- Smooth Operation

Apple has the ability to control both the software and hardware they integrate into their devices, so they can fully optimize the performance of their devices.

Additionally, Apple can quickly receive feedback on software bugs, thereby providing users with new updates to fix them within a few weeks.

- Beautiful Interface

As a leading electronics manufacturer globally, Apple pays great attention to the design of both the operating system interface and its products.

It can be said that the macOS operating system interface is one of the most aesthetically pleasing computer interfaces, inspiring users every time they turn on their machines and work.

- Low Number of Viruses

Compared to Windows, the macOS operating system has much lower market share in the computer field. Therefore, this operating system is not a fertile ground for hackers to develop viruses or malware.

Furthermore, thanks to macOS's high security features, users' devices are also protected from network-borne virus intrusions.

- User-Friendly

If you've just purchased a laptop with macOS and are getting acquainted with it, I think you don't need to worry too much because with just about a week of use, you can fully get used to the operations on the machine.

- Extensive App Store

The App Store on macOS offers a wide variety of apps, allowing you to download and use them anytime.

Additionally, with the recent ARM architecture on macOS, Apple promises that in the future, the number of apps transferred from iOS/iPadOS to macOS will continue to increase.

- Integrated into Apple's Ecosystem

Because devices running macOS share the same operating system, they belong to Apple's ecosystem. Therefore, these devices have connectivity and synchronization capabilities, thus supporting users' work quickly.

For example, some features you can use include iCloud synchronization between devices.

• Drawbacks

- Relatively High Cost

Most devices running Apple's macOS operating system will have a relatively high price, higher than the general market level of most other machine types.

This could be considered a limitation of the macOS operating system in reaching mainstream users or mid-range computer users.

- Limited Compatibility with Major Software

Although macOS is highly praised for its performance optimization and beautiful interface, not all software can run smoothly on this operating system.

Compared to the Windows operating system, macOS users may encounter disadvantages in accessing some office software or entertainment games. For example, the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.) version for macOS lacks many features and operations are somewhat more challenging compared to the original version on Windows.

Why Choose macOS?

For a long time, computers using the macOS operating system have been considered a standard device for graphic design. Although many design software programs nowadays are produced for the Windows operating system, the benefits that macOS brings make Apple laptops and computers remain the choice of many professional designers and tech enthusiasts.

In general, any operating system brings its own pros and cons to users. However, in this article, I'll highlight some reasons why you should choose macOS as your operating system.

• macOS is User-Friendly

As mentioned earlier, laptops and computers running macOS are indeed quite easy to use. On a Mac computer, tasks become easier as it is designed to operate according to user preferences. From backing up memory to other requests, you can simply ask Siri for assistance. All of these are managed by an intelligent operating system that actively suggests to users.

• Diverse Device Connectivity

The greatest advantage when using devices within Apple's ecosystem is the seamless and unified experience among the company's devices. This enables them to provide capabilities for storage, sharing between Mac computers, iPad tablets, iPhone phones, and Apple Watch operating systems when using synchronization features.

• Privacy and Security Policies

One of the prominent policies chosen by users is the ability to maximize data security of macOS. Apple has built high data security features for all data in devices from the early days. Therefore, when using macOS, everything you do on your computer is protected by the strongest security features and privacy rights.

• Exclusive App Ecosystem

Experiencing the exclusive app ecosystem from the company helps fulfill most needs for work, entertainment, creativity, online exchange, etc., on different platforms or devices. All these apps work with iCloud so all your changes are updated anytime, anywhere, providing you with the fastest and most powerful work performance.

• Compatibility with standard computer files and applications

With macOS, you can easily transfer files, photos, and other data from a PC running Windows to a Mac. Additionally, macOS also supports working with common file types such as JPEG, MP3, and PDF, along with other Microsoft documents, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Conclusion

Overall, for my usage and work needs, macOS brings me many great and standout experiences with the features it offers. Alongside this, Apple products also support high compatibility, allowing me to work more professionally and creatively wherever I want.

Hopefully through this article, you have gained a better understanding of macOS and what it can bring. What about you? Are you using any devices with this macOS? Feel free to leave a comment below to let me and everyone else know. Thank you for following along to the end of my article.

Read more: Google introduces Chrome OS Flex: Transforming old computers into Chromebooks