What is macOS? The latest macOS 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 is macOS? What is the latest macOS version? Why should you opt for macOS? Let's find out the answers in the article below!

See more: 

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

Latest macOS Version - macOS Sonoma (macOS 14)

At the WWDC 2023 event, macOS 14 Sonoma was officially unveiled, and Apple now allows users to experience the Developer Beta version (we'll soon have a macOS 14 Beta review for everyone to refer to). Here is the list of devices updated to 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 2018 and earlier 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 chip, allowing devices to run faster, smoother, and more power-efficient.

What's New in macOS 14 Features?

According to Apple, macOS Sonoma represents a significant step forward in the company's development history by introducing many new and significantly improved features for users.

Learn more: Apple unveils macOS 14 Sonoma: Smoother performance, additional 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 be activated by default. Subsequently, a small notification will appear on the screen indicating that this mode is active. Game Mode in macOS 14 is specifically designed to enhance gaming performance by providing smoother and more stable frame rates. Game Mode achieves this by assigning the highest priority to both CPU and GPU depending on each game. This target allocation ensures that games run more efficiently and minimize latency.

Moreover, 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. Additionally, Game Mode enhances Bluetooth sampling rate for gaming controllers (Xbox or PlayStation) and efficiently reduces input lag. Overall, the Game Mode feature will somewhat help Mac users access some games on Windows.

• Password Sharing

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

Furthermore, 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 personal experience for users. Now, users can position widgets directly on the desktop, grant quick access to favorite widgets from the library. These tools easily blend with the wallpaper, allowing users to focus more on their work.

What is macOS?

macOS, derived from Macintosh Operating System, is an operating system developed and first introduced by Apple in 2001.

Undergoing various names, initially Mac OS X, later abbreviated to OS X in 2012, and not until 2016 did the name macOS emerge as it is known today.

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

Advantages and disadvantages of macOS

In general, every operating system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and macOS is certainly no exception.

• Advantages

- Smooth Operation

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

Furthermore, Apple can quickly receive feedback on software bugs and provide users with new updates to fix them within a few weeks.

- Stunning Interface

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

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

- Minimal Virus Presence

In comparison to Windows, macOS has a significantly lower market share in the computer segment. Therefore, this operating system is not a fertile ground for hackers to develop viruses or malicious code.

Moreover, thanks to macOS's high security features, users' devices are also protected against intrusion from viruses on the internet.

- User-Friendly

If you've just bought a laptop running macOS and are getting acquainted with it, I believe you don't need to worry too much. With just about a week of use, you can easily get used to the operations on the machine.

- Extensive App Store

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

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

- Integrated into Apple's Ecosystem

As devices running macOS share the same operating system, they are part of Apple's ecosystem. Therefore, these devices have seamless integration and fast synchronization, greatly supporting users' tasks.

For example, features such as iCloud synchronization between devices.

• Downsides

- Relatively High Cost

Most devices running Apple's macOS operating system tend to have a relatively high price, higher than the general market average of most other device brands.

This could be seen as 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.

In comparison 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 the user experience can be more challenging compared to the original version on Windows.

Why Should You Use macOS?

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

Overall, every operating system brings its own advantages and disadvantages to users. However, in this article, I'll highlight some reasons why choosing the macOS operating system for use.

• macOS is User-Friendly

As mentioned earlier, laptops and computers running on the macOS operating system are truly user-friendly. On a Mac computer, tasks become easier as it is designed to operate according to users' preferences. From backing up memory to other requests, you can ask Siri for assistance. All of these are organized by an intelligent operating system that actively suggests to users.

• Diverse Device Connectivity

The greatest advantage of using devices within Apple's ecosystem is the seamless and unified experience across the company's devices. As a result, they can also provide storage and sharing capabilities between Mac computers, iPad tablets, iPhone phones, and Apple Watch operating systems when using synchronization features.

• Privacy and Security Policies

One of the standout policies chosen by users is the ability to maximize data security of macOS. Apple has built high-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

Experience the exclusive app ecosystem from the company that caters to most needs for work, entertainment, creativity, online exchanges, and more across various platforms or devices. All these apps work with iCloud, so all your changes are updated anytime, anywhere, ensuring the fastest and most powerful work efficiency.

• Compatibility with Standard File and Computer Applications

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

Conclusion

Overall, for my usage and work needs, macOS brings me many outstanding experiences and features that this operating system can offer. Moreover, Apple products also support very high compatibility, helping me work more professionally and creatively wherever I want.

Hopefully through this article, you have a better understanding of the macOS operating system and what it can bring. So what about you? Are you using any devices with macOS? 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: Transform your old computer into a Chromebook