Apple today previewed macOS Mojave, the latest version of the world’s most advanced desktop operating system, with new features inspired by pros but designed for everyone. In macOS Mojave, a new Dark Mode transforms the desktop with a dramatic new look that puts the focus on user content. The new Stacks feature organizes messy desktops by automatically stacking files into neat groups. Familiar iOS apps, including News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home, are now available on the Mac for the first time. FaceTime now adds support for group calling, and the Mac App Store gets a full redesign featuring rich editorial content and the addition of apps from top developers, including Microsoft, Adobe and others.
“macOS Mojave is a major update that introduces powerful new features for a wide range of Mac users, from consumers to pros,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Dark Mode brings a dramatic new look to macOS that puts your content front and center, familiar iOS apps come to the Mac for the first time and the redesigned Mac App Store makes finding new apps easier and more enjoyable than ever.”
Dark Mode
macOS Mojave users can switch to Dark Mode to transform their desktop to a darkened color scheme, putting the focus on user content while controls recede into the background. Users can toggle between a light and dark desktop, and built-in Mac apps like Mail, Messages, Maps, Calendar and Photos all include Dark Mode designs. macOS Mojave also features a new Dynamic Desktop that automatically changes the desktop picture to match the time of day. An API is available so developers can implement Dark Mode in their apps.
Desktop and Finder
Stacks for the desktop can organize even the most cluttered of desktops by automatically stacking files into neat groups based on file type. Users can customize their Stacks to sort based on other file attributes like date and tags. Finder also gets a significant update in macOS Mojave with an all-new Gallery View that lets users skim through files visually. The Preview Pane now shows all of a file’s metadata, making it easier to manage media assets. Quick Actions allow users to do things like create and password-protect PDFs and run custom Automator Actions on files right from Finder. Quick Look provides a fast, full-size preview of a file, allowing users to rotate and crop images, mark up PDFs and trim video and audio clips without ever opening an app.
News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home
In macOS Mojave, handy apps including News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home are now available on Mac for the first time. In the News app, articles, photos and videos look great on the Mac display and users can follow their favorite publications from one app. With Home, Mac users can control their HomeKit-enabled accessories to do things like turn lights off and on or adjust thermostat settings without ever having to step away from their computer. Voice Memos makes it easy to record personal notes, lectures, meetings, interviews and song ideas, and access them from iPhone, iPad or Mac. Stocks delivers curated market news alongside a personalized watchlist, complete with quotes and interactive charts.
Group FaceTime
Group FaceTime makes it easy to chat with multiple people at the same time. Participants can be added at any time, join later if the conversation is still active and choose to join using video or audio from an iPhone, iPad or Mac — or even participate using FaceTime audio from Apple Watch.
All-New Mac App Store
Since its launch in 2011, the Mac App Store has transformed the way users download and install software for the Mac, and today it remains the single largest catalog of Mac apps in the world. In macOS Mojave, the Mac App Store gets a complete redesign with a new look and rich editorial content that makes it easy to find the right Mac app. The new design highlights new and updated apps in the Discover tab, while tabs for Create, Work, Play and Develop help users find apps for a specific project or purpose. A number of apps from top developers are also coming soon to the Mac App Store, including Office from Microsoft, Lightroom CC from Adobe and more. As always, users can download apps from the Mac App Store with confidence that Apple has approved them for safety and security.
Privacy and Security
As with all Apple software updates, enhanced privacy and security remain a top priority in macOS Mojave. In Safari, enhanced Intelligent Tracking Prevention helps block social media “Like” or “Share” buttons and comment widgets from tracking users without permission. Safari now also presents simplified system information when users browse the web, preventing them from being tracked based on their system configuration. Safari now also automatically creates, autofills and stores strong passwords when users create new online accounts and flags reused passwords so users can change them. New data protections require apps to get user permission before using the Mac camera and microphone or accessing personal data like user Mail history and Messages database.
Sneak Peek of Developer Framework for Mac Apps
The News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home apps were brought to Mac using iOS frameworks that have been adapted to macOS. Starting in late 2019, these additional frameworks will make it easier for developers to bring their iOS apps to macOS — providing new opportunities for developers and creating more apps for Mac users to enjoy.
Other New Features
• Screenshots deliver new on-screen controls for easy access to every screenshot option and new video recording capabilities. A streamlined workflow enables easy screenshot sharing without cluttering the desktop.
• Continuity Camera allows Mac users to take a picture or scan a document nearby with their iPhone or iPad and have it appear instantly on their Mac.
• Markup tools are now integrated into Finder, Quick Look and Screenshots, making it fast and efficient to add comments to content and share with others.
Availability
The developer preview of macOS Mojave is available to Apple Developer Program members at developer.apple.com starting today, and a public beta program will be available to Mac users in late June at beta.apple.com. macOS Mojave will be available this fall as a free software update for Macs introduced in mid-2012 or later, plus 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models with recommended Metal-capable graphics cards. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.
MacDailyNews Take: We’ll see how the redesigned Mac App Store fares (can’t be any worse), but the Group FaceTime, Dark Mode, and Desktop Stacks are excellent and, of course, the Developer Framework for Mac Apps to deliver iOS apps to the Mac is very intriguing!
If Apple focuses on making it rock solid (it just works), they’ll have a winning macOS release in 2018!
Oh boy….
Even I can see the marketing blunder.
MS called Windows Mohave an experiment to prove to consumers Vista didn’t suck!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mojave_Experiment
One is better the other isn’t, question which one? No One but Geek’s will even care or remember…
As long as its not MacOS Mojave Vista Edition
PS…
Its geeks that keep marketers honest (as much as possible)
But feel free to dismiss them.
or even remembers Microsoft’s blunder. You meant to write “Only I can see the marketing blunder”. macOS Mojave will be just fine.
I just cant say Mojave since Vista without laughing…. Now i akso laugh at this.
PS- I don’t control whi cares, but either do you. I do control factual reminding…
Who… Neither…
Wishful thinking on your part once again. Though wishfool might be more accurate on this particularly contrived effort of yours.
That was a real marketing campaign by MS, but continue your apologist delusion.
Nobody is disputing that Microsoft briefly used Mojave in a marketing campaign. It was ten years ago and the campaign was largely panned as a failure. The conversation at Apple was probably something like this, “Hey what about Mojave for the new OS?”. “Well, Microsoft used Mojave in that awful campaign to rebrand Vista.” “Sure, but that was ten years ago and who remembers Vista or that campaign other than a handful of rabid Microsoft fans?” “Right, let’s use Mojave, that old campaign doesn’t matter.”
I also think it might be a bit of an inside joke at Apple. Releasing an OS that isn’t a piece of crap using the same name? That’s kind of funny, a jab at Microsofties like you, and judging by your comments here it got you good. Cue the “It didn’t get me” comment in 3, 2, 1…
You think I’m an MS fan? How lame….
I don’t do fan.
reaction and comments any other way. If you don’t want to be viewed as a fan then don’t act like one.
Your perceptual limitations don’t make a fan of me.
Porting iOS apps to macOS? No thank you. I am stunned at the stagnation of macOS.
I have used Apple products and Macs *exclusively* for thirty years. I was an Apple stock holder for more than a decade. However, it is becoming more and more clear that Cook et al. do not care about laptop/desktop users. Tim Cook has said no one would use a laptop when they could use an iPad instead. WRONG. That tells me where his priorities are. Well, that and the “Pride Edition” watch.
I always assumed I would use Macs all my life. If Apple continues down the current path, then I am no longer a customer they want. I don’t want iOS. I don’t want watchOS. I want a pro level macOS running on a MacBook Pro. Apparently, macOS and MacBook Pros are low priorities at Apple and, judging by the way they are treated, may already have their days numbered.
Oh how repetitive becomes the ‘I am a long standing Mac user but…’ It’s always the mark of the troll though whether you are one only you know. However instead of the very troll like non specifics of supposed outrage a few succinct examples of just why this OS fails the professional user or need any other just might have been a little more convincing to the objective reader. But then actual FACTs are a little more difficult to come by and to use convincingly than the usual meaningless hyperbole when spouting twaddle aren’t they. So tnink agIn and explain what you need that isn’t there and we might just show you done respect, presently as a pure time waster you deserve none.
Well said!!!! Bravo.
The reveal for macOS 10.14 was even more boring and uninspired that I could have ever imagined. Apple just announced simple updates that could have been introduced 5+ years ago, since people were asking for these features then. I share your concern that Apple is doing the absolute bare minimum to the Mac hoping it will die on its own and Apple can then turn its attention to iOS subscription based computing, leaving users with no personal computing or private data storage whatsoever. Everything you do will be on Apple’s servers (and sold to highest bidder for improved ads on the prideful AW). Beancounters have ruined Apple.
“I was an Apple stock holder for more than a decade.”
Was? So you sold and missed out on the incredible gains over the last 10 to 15 years? If so you’re an idiot who shot his face off because you had a speck in your eye. Luckily I’m not as dumb as you are.
You dumb presumptuous twit!
They might hate gambling.
How do you know when they sold and at what sell price?
How do you know what they did with the money? Maybe opened their own business and tripled it.
What a clown!
the market you would know keeping your money in a stock like Apple long term isn’t gambling. Study Warren Buffett’s approach. You can gamble in the stock market. You don’t have to gamble in the stock market though. I don’t have much hope that you have the mental capacity to understand the difference. Your loss. Literally.
Investing is all about risk/reward. The very definition of gambling. Sell that BS to someone else.
All I can say after paying attention to the entire presentation…
My socks are still firmly on my feet.
… you really should wash them once in a while.
2012 Macs and later? Why, if the emphasis is on better performance?
The 2012 Macs are the most recent models!
Certainly hope we don’t have to wait till late September for some upgraded hardware but you never know with this lot.
MacPro5,1 may get (partial) support in the end in Mojave? Pfiew! We can live another year waiting for the long ultra-overdue new Mac Pro.
Well, maybe.
Any idea what are the “metal friendly” GPUs / graphic cards likely to be eligible? will my old original but resilient ATI HD 5770 1GB make the cut??? Mmm.
One of the workhorses in our office is a 2010 Mac Pro. Recently updated with improved graphics cards for light multiple screen 4K work, added hard drive, and new startup volume via an SSD on PCI expansion card. Nothing in Apple’s lineup today would allow the user that kind of flexibility and value.
We would have gladly bought a new Mac Pro if there was one available that was reasonably priced, future proofed, user repairable. But Cook doesn’t want to give users that so That 8 year old Mac may still be in use when Cook announces his pipeline is clogged and he has chosen to shut down all Mac product lines in order to concentrate on watch bands and emojies full time. At that point, I will gladly join in the torching of the infinite circle jerk building in Cupertino. The house that Jobs build, Emperor Nero Cook has allowed to rot.
I remember the dark look, my Apple ][ used to have it. Then I got a Mac.
Regurgitating my impressions from watching the Keynote…
UNINSPIRED 💤
• Rehashing and repurposing old stuff into macOS that we’ve seen before. *yawn*
• White mode. Black mode. More kindergarten level thinking and expression.
• Getting around to stuffing features into MacOS we should have had years ago, but relied upon third party developers to provide.
• Making everything integrate and do everything. It reminded me of the nanobot apocalypse when the Earth becomes grey goo.
❓Meanwhile❓
Q: Has APFS (Apple File System) been finished?
A: NO! Shame on you Apple! No wonder you never bothered mentioned it.
Q: Does the new Mac App Store interface serve the customer? Or does it merely serve Apple Marketing?
A: Apple Marketing. Nothing new serves customer ease of use, that I could see.
Q: Was there anything insanely-great in the new macOS 10.14 Mohave?
A: Maybe ML (Machine Learning). We shall see. Otherwise NO.
There weren’t any major demo bungles. That’s good. But what we heard was conveyor belt, robotic marketing speak we Apple veterans can all recite by heart. Robots might as well have done the presentation. 🤖🤖🤖
Uninspired.
Unimaginative.
Catch up.
Mechanical.
Dull.
UNINSPIRING 💤
Watched the whole keynote. I was moderately interested in Mojave until I discovered that my wife’s 26-inch iMac Mid 2010 and my 13-inch Mac Pro Early 2011 are both “too old” to upgrade. I’m retired and can’t afford to replace perfectly good computers, but I will miss being able to run modern software.
In the past, there have occasionally been third party workarounds for ‘legacy’ Macs. So far, I’m not aware of missing 64-bit related tech in Macs past ~2009. Therefore, I don’t yet understand the cutoff. But we’ll learn more with time.
Derek Currie,
Thank you! Now is Cupertino listening?
Love the comments regarding the Pride Watch and the Infinite Circle Jerk too by others.
Again, now is Cupertino listening?
Like a certain cowboy speak I heard recently, Apple is becoming “All hat, no substance” the pending $trillion market value notwithstanding.
Apple asked me to AppleSeed macOS 10.14. The public beta is upcoming as well. It’s an opportunity to comment to the nth degree. But whether they listen and care is part of the problem. I never bothered with macOS 10.13 because they never did fix some bugs I repeatedly pointed out to them in 10.12. Why bother beta testing if feedback is ignored?
There was that portion where Craig was demoing what looked like coverflow but rebranded with a different name, of course. You’re right. Uninspired. Unimaginative.
I had this feeling as I watched that Craig has a dusty old list of filler features to toss into macOS to keep the kiddies happy. I started imaging what’s left on the list for 10.15. I started feeling like users were being patronized. That doesn’t feel good.
No doubt some of the filler features will be useful. But apart from ML (machine learning) what’s really new and inventive? Please prove me wrong folks.
Still no overarching reason to upgrade from El Capitan. Maybe I’ll inch up to Sierra. However it does raise the question of how stable OS10.14 will be? Hmmm.
Well, I expect Mojave tone hot.
Dagnabbedit MDN, allow editing. Not nary “tone”… to be. To be (hmmmm, okay boys, have at it).
All this press, and I haven’t seen the answer to a BIG question:
Any word on whether it’ll work with Fusion Drive???
It was in the keynote. Fusion and hard drives.
The Mac App Store is still running?
Once I installed Steam, nearly 5 years ago, I stopped using Apple’s Store. I check in from time to time, but it’s largely useless.
Oh, good. Stacks… Bringing user content to the forefront… How about instead pruning some of the weird existing inconsistent features, doubling down on ensuring stuff just works, looking to make users more efficient and productive, cleaning up some of the geek speak (seriously, there are keys denoted by symbols in the OS that aren’t even on the kb), fixing the MBP line so that Page Up/Down and Begin/End aren’t non-obvious Herculean multi-key presses, making it obvious when the OS asks for a password and making it clear when an -app- asks for a password (and reducing this to the greatest extent possible), putting some USB type-A ports back into notebooks… Please stop with the obsession with emoji, color schemes, iOS integrations, etc and give us computers we want to use!!!!
Bring back Dancing Monkey Boy; At least the buffoon entertained me but, you know, I am not a developer.