Your iPhone and iPad aren't the only devices getting updates this fall. Apple also plans on rolling out a new version of macOS, macOS Catalina, which will introduce several new features, including improvements to Apple's core apps. What else is new in macOS Catalina? Quite a lot.
Say goodbye to iTunes
Apple is breaking up iTunes into three different apps: Music, TV, and Podcasts. These dedicated apps will allow users to access their content without the clutter of the other experiences. And each app will sync seamlessly between your other Apple devices, so you can pick up right where you left off.
iPad apps come to Mac
Apple is giving developers the tools to bring iPad apps to the Mac. During its keynote at WWDC, Apple showed off Asphalt 9: Legends running on the Mac, with other apps such as DC Universe, Jira, TripIt, and Fender Play on the way. Expect many of your favorite iPad apps to come to the Mac this fall.
Your iPad becomes a second screen
Wouldn't it be great if you could use your iPad as a second display? In macOS Catalina, Apple's new Sidecar feature will allow users to extend their workspace by utilizing the iPad as a second screen. You can use mirroring functionality, work in one app while you reference another, or view content on your Mac and use tools on the iPad.
What's particularly cool about Sidecar is users can take advantage of the Apple Pencil in their favorite apps, including Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Photos, and Brush. As of now, there are over a dozen apps that will support Sidecar when macOS Catalina becomes available.
Photos improvements
The same Photos improvements coming in iOS 13 are making their way to macOS Catalina. Now, users can browse their photos by days, months, and years, making it easier to find their best images. Other new features include large photo previews, auto-play Live Photos, and machine learning for improved personalization.
Manage your screen time
In macOS Catalina, Apple is bringing Screen Time to the Mac, so users can set time limits on apps, schedule downtime, and get weekly reports on their usage. Parents will also be able to set communication limits, so younger users will only be able to communicate with certain contacts.
Find My…
Find my iPhone and Find My Friends are now one app known as Find My. Find My will let users find their devices and close contacts in one easy-to-use app; there's also a new feature that allows users to find devices that aren't connected to Wi-Fi. So, the next time you lose your Mac, Find My may be able to locate it using crowd-sourced location (which, by the way, is encrypted).
So many accessibility features
New accessibility features in macOS Catalina will change how people use their Mac. With Voice Control, for example, you can navigate and control your Apple devices with just your voice. MacOS Catalina also introduces features like hover text and the ability to use a second display that's zoomed in, so you can get a better look at what's going on.
Approve with Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch, macOS Catalina will make it easy to approve app installations, unlock a locked note, and view passwords—all by double-clicking the side button of your Apple Watch.
And much more
This just scratches the surface of what's coming in macOS Catalina. Other new features include picture in picture in Quicktime, iCloud Drive folder sharing, Activation Lock, and Touch Bar support in Sidecar. MacOS Catalina will arrive as a free update this fall.
