As expected, Apple previewed its macOS 10.14 operating system during the keynote of the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California today.
The upcoming operating system includes an assortment of new features, including a Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop wallpapers, Desktop Stacks, a redesigned Mac App Store, and more.
The new optional Dark Mode allows users to incorporate a darkened color scheme that touches almost every part of the OS, including System Preferences, Messages, Mail, Maps, Photos, Calendar, and more.
Mojave’s Dark Mode also includes a new Dynamic Desktop feature that automatically transitions new desktop wallpapers to match the time of day.
A new Desktop Stacks feature is designed to better organize your desktop and can automatically stack files into neat groups based on file type. Users can customize their Stacks to sort based on other file attributes like date and tags.
A new Gallery view for Finder allows the user to preview files, including images, video, documents, and others, visually. This also users a new Finder sidebar that offers media metadata and Quick Actions, which allow users to do things like create and password-protect PDFs and run custom Automator Actions on files.
The Finder’s Quick View will be updated with new Markup tools that will allow users to rotate and crop images, edit PDFs and trim both video and audio clips without needing to open an app.
macOS 10.14 Mojave also features a variety of iOS apps, including News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home. These apps have been ported to the macOS via adapted iOS frameworks, bringing the two operating systems operationally closer in some regards.
macOS 10.14 Mojave features an all-new redesigned Mac App Store, complete with a cleaner look, highlighted and updated apps via the “Discover” tab along with tabs for “Create,” “Work,” “Play,” and “Develop.”
Apple also seems to be focusing on security and privacy elements in macOS 10.14 Mojave, as the new Safari browser includes enhanced Intelligent Tracking Prevention to help block social media “Like” or “Share” buttons and comment widgets from tracking users without permission. The updated browser now presents simplified system information when users browse the web, preventing them from being tracked based on their system configuration. In another security measure, Safari will automatically create, autofill, and store strong passwords when users create new online accounts, and flag reused passwords so users can change them.
At long last, Apple is implementing Group FaceTime in macOS 10.14 Mojave, which enables chat sessions with up to 32 users at the same time. FaceTime users can also join later if a conversation is still active and choose to join using video or audio from an iPhone, iPad or Mac, or using FaceTime audio via Apple Watch. Group FaceTime is also available on iPhones and iPads running iOS 12.
The new operating system will also feature an extension of its continuing Continuity feature, the new Continuity Camera allowing the Photos app in macOS Mojave to access still shots and video captured from nearby iOS devices. Screenshots in macOS will also include new on-screen controls for accessing existing but hidden screenshot options as well as new video recording and photo editing capabilities.
macOS 10.14 Mojave will be available this fall as a free software update for Macs from mid-2012 or late as well as 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models with recommended Metal-capable graphics cards.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors