Apple has released macOS Catalina 10.15, the next major update to macOS devices, after it was introduced at the WWDC 2019 back in June. This brings Apple Arcade game subscription, all-new Mac versions of Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV apps, Sidecar feature that extends Mac desktops with iPad as a second display, or tablet input device using Apple Pencil with Mac apps, Voice Control that allows Mac to be controlled entirely by voice, Mac Catalyst, a new technology that makes it easy for third-party developers to bring iPad apps to Mac, Screen Time that gives users insight into how they spend time in apps and on websites, and the ability to decide how to spend their time.
macOS Catalina 10.15 update is 4.9GB in size, but for some it’s as big as 8GB in size. It is compatible with MacBook (Early 2015 and later), MacBook Air (Mid 2012 and later), MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 and later), Mac mini (Late 2012 and later), iMac (Late 2012 and later), iMac Pro (all models) and Mac Pro (Late 2013 and later).
It is already available to download for these devices, and can also be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free. Check out the complete change log below.
macOS Catalina gives you more of everything you love about Mac. Experience three all-new media apps: Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. Locate a missing Mac with the new Find My app. And now coming to Mac, your favorite iPad apps. You can even extend your desktop using iPad as a second display. Now you can take everything you do above and beyond.
Apple Music
• Stream and download over 50 million songs with an Apple Music subscription.
• Access the iTunes Store to purchase songs or albums.
• Find all the music you’ve purchased, downloaded, or imported from CDs organized in the improved library.
Apple TV
• Buy or rent the latest movie releases.
• Subscribe to Apple TV channels to watch popular shows on demand and ad-free, online or off.
• Start watching on one device and pick up where you left off on any of your other devices, including Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and compatible smart TVs.
Apple Podcasts
• Find podcasts by title, topic, guest, host, and content.
• Subscribe to your favorite podcasts to receive the latest episodes automatically.
• Begin listening to an episode on your Mac, then seamlessly resume on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch when you’re on the go.
Syncing and backup
• Sync content and back up, update, and restore software from the Finder when you connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac.
App Store with Apple Arcade
• Play 100+ groundbreaking new games with one subscription — no ads or additional purchases.
• Browse the latest games, personalized recommendations, and exclusive editorial content in the all-new Arcade tab on the App Store.
• Enjoy games across iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
Mac Catalyst
• Enjoy a new class of Mac apps built from your favorite iPad titles.
Sidecar
• Expand your Mac workspace by using your iPad as a second display.
• Place one app on each screen, or put your main canvas on your Mac and your tools and palettes on your iPad.
• Use Apple Pencil for tablet input when using your favorite creative pro Mac apps.
Continuity Sketch and Markup
• Create a sketch on your iPad or iPhone and insert it into any document on your Mac.
• Use your iPad or iPhone to sign a PDF or mark up a screenshot on your Mac.
Accessibility
• Control your Mac entirely with your voice using Voice Control.
• Enable Hover Text to display large, high-resolution text in a dedicated window.
• Zoom in closely on one screen when using two displays for improved legibility with Zoom Display.
Security
• Feel secure knowing that the apps you use have been checked by Apple for known malware.
• Authorize access to data when apps request it using new data protections.
Find My
• Keep track of your devices and find friends and family with an easy-to-use new app.
• Help locate devices even if they’re not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.
• Use Activation Lock to protect Mac models with the Apple T2 Security Chip.
Photos
• Enjoy a new immersive, dynamic experience that showcases your best photos and memories.
• View Memory Movies and edit their duration, mood, and title.
Safari
• Browse using an updated start page that surfaces sites from your history, bookmarks, reading list, iCloud Tabs, and even links sent to you in Messages.
• Help secure your accounts using strong passwords suggested by Safari.
Notes
• View notes as visual thumbnails in gallery view.
• Enjoy a more powerful search that recognizes text in items you’ve scanned and objects within images.
• Share an entire folder of notes using shared folders.
Reminders
• Use new edit buttons to add dates, locations, flags, attachments, and more to reminders.
• Take control of your inbox by muting a thread, blocking a sender, or unsubscribing from a mailing list.
Screen Time
• Gain insight into time spent using apps and websites and set usage limits.
• Set up Family Sharing to use Screen Time with your family’s devices.