Apple macOS High Sierra

Apple officially announced latest version of its desktop operating system for its computers called as High Sierra at ongoing WWDC 2017. It offers an all-new file system, support for High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) and an update to Metal, Apple’s graphics technology that powers everything from machine learning to virtual reality content creation. macOS High Sierra also includes a number of refinements to the Photos, Safari and Mail apps.

The latest macOS gets Apple File System (APFS) feature that offers faster file duplication and even brings native encryption, improved security, simplified data backup on the go. It even protects data from power outages and system crashes and keeps files safe. Up next is improved Safari, which Apple claims is now the fastest browser. The new Safari will now uses machine learning to identify advertisers and others who track your online behavior. It features autoplay blocking that detects sites that play videos and will pause them. The Mail has also been improved with supports for Top Hits search, making it easier to find emails during search. It also gets Split View Mail Compose that lets you split window pane between the compose interface and other applications.

Photos are also updated with an addition of a persistent sidebar, as well as a new dropdown for filtering content. They also get better organization, looped Live Photos, and new Memories categories. A number of UI tweaks, new editing tools have also been included in Photos. High Sierra gets support for HEVC (H.265) that enables video streaming and playback of 4K video files that are up to 40 percent smaller than with the current H.264 standard. macOS High Sierra adds support for VR content creation for the first time. Final Cut Pro X will add support for professional 360-degree workflows with the ability to import, edit and export 360-degree video.

Finally macOS High Sierra gets Metal 2 features a refined API and improved performance that help developers accelerate their apps. It adds support for machine learning used in speech recognition, natural language processing and computer vision. An External Graphics Developer Kit gives developers all the hardware and software they need to optimize their apps.

macOS High Sierra is now available to developers and will be available for public later this year.