Apple released the final version of macOS 10.15 Catalina for all users this evening. Below you can find out what new features the new Mac operating system includes and which devices are compatible with it.
macOS 10.15 – it is called Catalina and includes a whole range of new applications – at the same time, Mac users are saying goodbye to a veteran – iTunes. With macOS 10.15 Catalina, iTunes is finally being buried. What was previously found in iTunes will now be independent with the new operating system. Music, podcasts, films and series each get their own application. The new Podcast app offers a special search – it finds texts that have been spoken in podcasts. iOS backups are stored in the Finder under Catalina – you can find out how this works in our extensive Instructions. The new TV app on macOS looks like the TV app on iOS. Playback of compatible content includes 4K HDR and Atmos content. Users will also be able to use their iPad as a second screen in the future. The feature is called “Sidecar” – you can find out how to use it in our Step-by-step instructionsBut be careful – not every device is compatible with the feature. The following devices can use the long-awaited feature:
- iMac 2012 and newer
- MacBook 2015 and newer
- Mac Pro 2013 and newer
- Mac mini 2012 and newer
- MacBook Air 2012 and newer
- MacBook Pro 2012 and newer
- iMac Pro 2017 and newer (all models)
Apple is adding a new feature called Voice Control to macOS and iOS that allows users to control the entire operating system through voice commands. Voice Control allows users to edit text, open apps and files, scroll through the interface, select items, share photos, and more. Apple uses on-device processing to provide the extensive navigation and dictation features.
Find My & Catalyst
There is also a new app called "Find My" - it combines the "Find iPhone" and "Friends" applications. The new app will be able to locate devices using a Bluetooth signal - so there is no longer any need to be online. Macs with T2 chips have an activation lock for additional security under macOS 10.15 Catalina. The new redesign of photos and reminders is also available on the Mac. Screen time is now also available on the Mac. Developers also have access to the Marzipan solution to port iPad applications to Mac devices even faster. The tool is called "Catalyst". According to Apple, the app experience should be significantly better.
The short message service Twitter wants to make use of the new tool and release a new Twitter app for macOS. Other developers are also already planning the first ports of useful services. Of course, Apple's latest service, Apple Arcade, can also be used under macOS Catalina - even playing with Playstation or Xbox controllers is now possible - you can find out how this works here.
These Macs are compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina
All Mac devices introduced in mid-2012 or later are compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina. This means that the following models can update and install the new macOS 10.15:
- MacBook 12″
- MacBook Air, 2012 or newer
- MacBook Pro, 2012 or newer
- Mac mini, 2012 or later
- iMac, 2012 or newer
- Mac Pro 2013 or later
- iMac Pro
In this sense, almost all Macs that were able to update to Mojave are also compatible with Catalina. The new operating system is now available for free download. (Photo by NZPhotography / Bigstockphoto)
