For the first time in quite a few years, Apple seemed to have given some attention to macOS with plenty of new features and changes coming to macOS 10.14 Mojave. With High Sierra focusing on performance, it was time that the next release of the OS introduced some major new features to the table.
Thankfully, Apple did not disappoint in this regard as macOS Mojave comes with plenty of new features and enhancements. Let’s have a look at what all of them are below.
Dark Mode
Apple is finally getting around to including a fully functional Dark Mode in macOS. Switching to the mode will lead to not only the system theme changing but also other system apps like Mail, Maps, Messages, and Photos will switch to a dark theme. Apple is also offering an API for developers to implement Dark Mode in their apps.
Dynamic Desktop
To go along with Dark Mode, Apple is also introducing Dynamic Desktop in macOS Mojave which automatically changes the desktop wallpaper to match the time of the day.
New Mac App Store
Apple first debuted the Mac App Store in 2011 but has given it very little love since then. With macOS Mojave, it is giving the App Store a complete redesign similar to the one it debuted with iOS 11 last year. Apart from the new design, there’s a new Discover tab which would be updated on a weekly basis by editors over at Apple to help you discover new apps. THere are also tabs for Create, Work, Play, and Develop to help users find the app they want. Even for apps you already have installed on your device, the App Store will show useful tips and tricks to help you get the most of it.
Apple has also managed to get Microsoft to bring its Office suite to the Mac App Store which should make its debut later this year. Adobe will also be bringing Lightroom CC on the Mac App Store.
Gallery View in Finder
The Finder gets a new Gallery View in macOS Mojave which makes it easier to skim through your photos and videos. It also has metadata support which is displayed in the Preview pane so you can quickly see important details of a photo.
Quick Actions
Finder now also has a Quick Actions toolbar which allows users to quickly create password-protect PDFs, run Automator actions, and more.
Improved Quick Look
Quick Look has been given an upgrade in Mojave and it can now be used to directly edit photos and videos, mark up PDFs, and more.
Desktop Stacks
Apple is bringing Stacks to the desktop of macOS Mojave. The feature will help clean up even the messiest of desktops by allowing users to group files depending on the file type, date, tags, and more.
Apple News App
macOS finally gets a dedicated Apple News app with a new design. There’s also a sidebar in the app for easy and quick navigation.
Home App
There’s a new Home app in macOS as well that will allow macOS Mojave users to control their HomeKit-enabled accessories easily.
Voice Memo
Another iOS app that is going to be available in macOS Mojave is Voice Memo. Using the app, one can quickly and easily record personal notes, meetings, and more. Voice Memos are also synced across all your devices using iCloud.
Stocks
Finally, the Stocks app is also going coming to macOS Mojave with a brand new interface, personalized watchlist, and interactive charts.
Sneak Peek Into New Developer Framework
An important thing to note here is that all these apps are simply iOS apps which Apple has ported to macOS. The company gave developers a sneak peek into this project under which it is bringing UIKit, the iOS development framework, to macOS. This will allow developers to easily port their iOS apps to macOS. For now, Apple is still working on this framework and as a part of its test, it is bringing four system apps from iOS to macOS Mojave.
Group FaceTime
Apple is debuting Group FaceTime with iOS 12 and the feature is also a part of macOS Mojave. With Group FaceTime, you can make a group video call comprising of up to 32 people. Even better, you can use Animoji, Memoji, stickers, and more while on a FaceTime call now.
We will continue updating this post as and when we come across new features in macOS Mojave. In the meantime, if you have found some great new features in macOS Mojave which are not mentioned above, drop a comment below and let us know!
