Apple details its latest desktop operating system: macOS Sierra
The rebranded software comes with more than just a new name.
It wouldn't be WWDC without Apple detailing a new version of OS X. Oh wait, scratch that: Cupertino's desktop operating system is now named macOS, as had been rumored in recent weeks. But the name change isn't the only thing being discussed at the developers conference. For starters, Apple is bringing Siri to the Mac, giving users hands-free access to their computer. There's a new feature called Auto Unlock too, which will allow you to unlock your Mac with via an Apple Watch.
The trend here is clear, and that's to make the experience between Apple devices seamless. With that Continuity support in mind, Craig Federighi, the company's senior vice president of software engineering, also took the stage to reveal Universal Clipboard. That tidbit is exactly what you'd expect: If you copy text or URL on a Mac or iOS device, you can then paste it on another -- so long as they're both linked by your iCloud account. Additionally, macOS Sierra is going to let those of you with an iPhone see and access your Mac on your handset.
In case Siri coming to macOS wasn't enough for you, Apple Pay is joining the virtual assistant on desktops and laptops. That means you'll now be able to use the service on the web, making it faster and simpler to check out on some of your favorite shopping sites. Meanwhile, to help with productivity, macOS Sierra will feature a picture-in-picture mode, similar to what we've seen on the iPad.
Without a doubt, the biggest announcement is Siri expanding outside of iOS. In macOS, the virtual assistant lives on the familiar desktop dock, right next to the Finder application. Functionality-wise, Siri for macOS can control apps and do web searches -- and tell you jokes, of course, because we all know how important that is. It's available today in public beta.
For its part, macOS Sierra is set to release in the fall as a free upgrade. According to Apple, the operating system will be compatible with late-2009 and later MacBook and iMac, as well as 2010 and later MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini and MacPro.
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