MacOS Mojave the latest and greatest version of macOS is out there and all want to use it. It brings bundle of new features and apps for Mac users.
But before upgrading to macOS Mojave, user needs to know certain things like system requirement, compatible systems, from where to download and more.
Here, in this guide we explain about all these things and how to upgrade to macOS Mojave. Besides we will also talk about new features and how users will be helped.
So, what are we waiting for let’s begin.
1. Compatibility Check
IF you are running OS X Mountain Lion or later on any of the following Mac models, you can upgrade to macOS Mojave.
- All iMac Pro models.
- MacBook Air or MacBook Pro model introduced in mid-2012 and later.
- Mac Mini model introduced in mid-2012 or later.
- Mac Pro model introduced in late 2013 and onwards with a recommended Metal-capable graphics card.
- MacBook introduced in early 2015 or later.
- iMac introduced in late 2012 or later.
2. System Requirement
Now, that you know compatible Mac models you need to know the system requirements to upgrade to macOS Mojave:
- Least 2GB of memory.
- 20GB Free Space.
3. Create a Backup
Creating a backup of your data before installing any upgrade is a good idea. Time Machine or other backup methods like bootable hard drive can be used.
How to take backup of your Mac data using Time Machine
The first step to stay safe if anything goes wrong with a system update is to create data backup. As it will help you to restore to old state.
Here we explain, how you can use Time Machine to backup your Mac data.
- Connect a Time Capsule or external disk.
- Next, at the upper left corner of the home screen you can see Apple icon (?)click it.
- From the drop-down menu, choose System Preferences.
- Next, from System Preferences window choose Time Machine.
- Now, slide the slider to enable Time Machine and click on Select Backup Disk to choose the disk on which you would like to take backup.
Time Machine will start taking backup after formatting the hard drive.
4. Get Connected
Make sure you have working and reliable internet connection as it will take long to install macOS. If you are upgrading Mac notebook check battery and plug it into AC power.
5. Download macOS Mojave
Click on Get to download macOS Mojave.
6. Start Installing
Once the OS is successfully downloaded, installer will automatically open. To move further you need to click on Continue and follow onscreen instructions to install macOS Mojave. Make sure your Mac doesn’t go to sleep or you close the lid during installation.
Your Mac might restart to complete installing latest macOS.
Note: If permission to install helper tool is requested, enter administrator name and password that you use to login to you Mac and click Add Helper.
Now, that you have latest macOS Mojave installed, it’s time to know about new features and apps added to macOS Mojave. Users will not see any immediate changes, but they will be able to use new features.
The apps added to macOS Mojave may not be something new for iOS users as they have been using it for years. But for Mac users News, Stocks, Home and Voice Memos all are all new. The thing that makes these four apps special is they are the very first apps written for iOS.
With Home app users can control Homekit-enabled devices such as smart lights and thermostats from their Mac. Similarly, Voice Memos will help to make quick recordings.
New Features Added to macOS Mojave
1. Dark Mode
This new feature added to macOS Mojave unlike macOS High Sierra lets you turn entire Mac desktop dark including apps and wallpaper. You can find Dark Mode option in System Preferences>General.
2. Dynamic Desktop
Similar to Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktops is merely a cosmetic update, but definitely cool. This mode keeps changing desktop wallpaper according to the time of day.
3. Stacks
With so many icons and files stored on desktop, it is difficult to find a specific file. But with Mojave no longer you need to worry about organizing your desktop. Stack will take care of it, it arranges files into groups based on date, tag, file type, like images, PDFs and more. Even more you can expand stack to find a file or can drag the app to attack it to an email.
To access a file, you need to expand and open the stack.
If you are using trackpad use two fingers to swipe through thumbnails of files in a stack.
If using multi-touch mouse, use one finger or double-click to open a file.
Besides, you can even drag a file attach it to an email.
4. Finder Improvements
MacOS Mojave enhances Finder by replacing Cover Flow view with Gallery View. This means user will be able to see a large thumbnail preview of file and can even scroll through small thumbnail.
This view is useful for browsing photos in Finder as user will be able to see file’s metadata and can use Quick Actions like rotate images, combine files into PDF, shorten video and more without needing an app.
5. Quick Look
Work on a file without opening it. This means by simply tapping the spacebar a quick glance at file can be taken. Plus, marking up a PDF, trimming audio and video and even rotate or crop image can be done using Quick Look.
6. Screenshots transformed
Capturing screenshots is no longer difficult with macOS Mojave. With help of a simple shortcut, screenshots can easily be take, what user needs to do is press Shift+Command+5 keys altogether or launch new Screenshot utility.
This brings up an easy-to-use menu that includes timer, screen-recording tools, screen selection option, save destination and more. User needs to take the screenshot and leave rest on macOS Mojave as, it will automatically save it to the destination chosen by the user. This screenshot can be dragged directly into a document or can be shared at once.
7. Continuity Camera
You can now use your iPhone or iPad to scan or click something and get it instantly on your Mac. User needs to choose Insert a Photo from the File menu and can see the capture image as PDF in Finder. Continuity Camera works in Messages, Mail, Finder, Pages, Notes, Keynote and Numbers.
To use continuity camera, right click in an Apple application like Finder, Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and this will show option to Take a Photo or Scan Document. Choose the option and you’ll be able to view all active iOS devices logged into same Apple ID. Select the device you want to use and follow onscreen instructions to get things done.
Besides these features, certain other features are said to come to macOS Mojave this year. They are as follows:
Features yet to be added to macOS Mojave
With macOS Mojave you can do lot more then you think. Coming later this year you can use FaceTime, and other apps.
FaceTime
Being a user of macOS Mojave user can jump on a FaceTime call with up to 32 people, can invite anyone to join call while in progress. Plus, on the same call can include audio and video callers. This will allow Apple users to connect with one another irrespective of the device.
New Apps
Stocks: One of the best app to keep tab of market stocks and get an in depth interactive charts with details.
Home: This app helps to control HomeKit-enabled accessories like lights, fans and more from your Mac using Siri.
Voice Memos: Voice Memos make capturing personal reminders, interviews, songs and even class lectures really easy. And with iCloud, anyone can access these voice memos as a when recorded on iPhone straight on your Mac.
Mac App Store
New fresh look with exciting editorial content.
Discover
Find best new and updated apps. Plus, weekly editor pick.
Themed Tabs
Apart from new features, four themed tabs: Create, Work, Play and Develop also added to macOS Mojave.
Stories
Experience inspirational stories about how apps impact our lives, using images, videos and the words of the developers and artists who bring these apps to life.
Video
Get first hand peek with preview videos to look into the features, functionality and app’s user interface.
Privacy and Security
Committed to keeping your information yours.
macOS Mojave goes further than ever with robust enhancements designed to keep control of your data and keep trackers off your trail.
Better Control of Your Data
macOS Mojave requires apps to get your approval before accessing the camera or microphone on your Mac. The same goes for data like your Messages history and Mail database.
Enhanced Tracking Prevention
Safari now stops advertisers and other third parties from collecting information by simplifying system profile. For this they use Intelligent Tracking Prevention to keep social networking sites away from prying on your personal data.
Automatic Strong Passwords
macOS Mojave uses every trick to make your passwords unique and robust. Safari stores, creates and autofill passwords also it marks the existing passwords that have been reused so that the user can update them. MacOS Mojave makes security user friendly and easy.
Added features
Enable website icons in Safari preferences and take a peek at all open sites.
Compose expressive mails by adding emoji using the new Emoji button.
Use Siri to control HomeKit-enabled devices, fill passwords and even get to know about your favorite things.
Additional language packs
Language options for instance Canadian, UK English, French, Australian English, and Traditional Chinese for Hong Kong were added along with and Romanized keyboard input for Japanese and improved maps for China.
The features explained above are those added to macOS Mojave and the ones that are yet to come this year. Undoubtedly, these features bring ease for a Mac user. We hope you like the article and will be able to successfully install macOS Mojave on your Mac.