macOS Catalina’s October 2019 rollout is only a few days away, and many can’t wait to see what the new and improved operating system has in store. Here are some of the features to look out for in Catalina.

Before you download macOS Catalina, make sure your device meets the system requirements. Apple has said that Macs and MacBooks that could upgrade to macOS Mojave can be updated to Catalina, including:

  • 12-inch MacBook (2015 and later)
  • MacBook Air (2012 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (2012 and later)
  • Mac mini (2012 and later)
  • iMac (2012 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (2013 and later)

New apps for music, audio, and video

One of the most conspicuous changes to Catalina is the absence of iTunes — in its place is Apple Music. It has the same interface as its predecessor and gives you access to more than 50 million songs that can be streamed or downloaded.

For your podcasts and videos, there’s Apple Podcasts and Apple TV, respectively. Podcasts enables you to listen to over 750,000 free podcasts, browse episodes easily by guest or topic, and download for offline listening.

Meanwhile, Apple TV offers thousands of movies to buy or rent, ranging from the latest films and TV shows to those you previously bought from iTunes. And starting November 1, you can stream or download all-original movies and series from video subscription service Apple TV+, which you can access through the Apple TV app.

All-new Reminders, Notes, and Search

The Reminders app has been overhauled not just for macOS but for all Apple platforms too. You can now add attachments to reminders and draft smart lists that integrate information from other lists, and tag people in reminders — and be reminded that you tagged them the next time you speak to them using the Messages app.

Meanwhile, Notes lets you collaborate on a single note or several folders with your team or family members. To do this, launch Notes from your dock and open the note you’d like to share with others. In the toolbar, click Add People > Note name or Folder name. Next, choose how you’d like to share the note or folder with them (Mail, Message, etc.).

Finally, the Search function now has the ability to recognize objects and text within images. Additionally, suggested searches that you can click to view make looking for items on your Mac quicker.

A second monitor with Sidecar

Sidecar allows you to mirror your Mac’s desktop on your iPad, effectively turning it into a second screen. This is useful when you’re working on one app but need to reference another — no more switching from tab to tab! And if you’re working on a presentation, you can preview it on your iPad while you edit on your Mac.

Manage your email better

Block specific senders and move their emails straight to the trash with the improved Mail app on macOS Catalina. You can also unsubscribe from email lists and mute thread notifications, allowing you to keep distractions at bay. Also, Mail’s new layout and interface gives you the option to preview a message below or to the right of the message list.

Get usage reports

First introduced in iOS 12, Screen Time’s real-time usage reports give you insight into how you use your Mac. iCloud keeps track of data on how long you use your Mac, what apps you use, what websites you visit most, and even what notifications you receive most often. With these data, you can monitor and block apps and websites that distract you from work and other tasks.

Enhanced security

Keep your Mac and its contents protected from cyber risks with the improved Gatekeeper. macOS’s security feature verifies downloaded apps before you run them, reducing the likelihood of executing malware. Another valuable security feature is Activation Lock, which ensures that only you can reactivate or wipe your device if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Easy login and app installation

Lastly, with macOS Catalina, you can log into accounts that need your Mac password by just double-clicking on the side button of your Apple Watch. You can also use your Apple watch to approve app installation, unlock settings, and more.

These features barely scratch the surface of all that macOS Catalina has to offer. Want to learn more about how the latest OS can help improve your productivity in and out of the office? Reach out to our Mac experts today.