Apple's latest Mac operating system, the macOS Sierra, is now available with a number of features, which tie up the computer OS with the rest of Apple's mobile devices on iOS, smart TVs on tvOS and wearables on watchOS.
Among the most notable features of the macOS 10.12 Sierra are Siri on desktop, Apple Pay on the web, iCloud drive integration and syncing across Macs, the Universal Clipboard and Auto Unlock using the Apple Watch. The new operating system with all its cross-platform features is generating a lot of positive feedback from Apple's community.
Before proceeding to download, however, first check that the computer system meets the requirements.
MacOS Sierra System Requirements
Be reminded that the macOS Sierra requires a device running on OS X 10.7 Lion or later OS X versions. Apple specifies a 2 GB RAM and 8 GB storage space requirement.
Moreover, hardware compatibility must also be checked prior to the download. To compare, first pull up the system overview by clicking on the Apple icon at the top-left corner of the desktop and selecting "About this Mac" from the dropdown menu that appears. This should provide an overview of the system's hardware specifications and the device's year and model, as well as the operating system version it is running on.
Compatible Devices For MacOS Sierra
All Mac computers that were introduced onwards from 2010 are compatible with macOS Sierra. iMacs and MacBooks that were released in late 2009 are compatible as well. The list below elaborates on this.
• MacBook: Late 2009 or later
• MacBook Pro: Mid 2010 or later
• MacBook Air: Late 2010 or later
• Mac mini: Mid 2010 or later
• iMac: Late 2009 or later
• Mac Pro: Mid 2010 or later
Note that certain macOS Sierra features, such as Apple Pay on the web, AirPlay mirroring, and the Universal Clipboard among others, requires the following hardware:
• MacBook: Early 2015 or later
• MacBook Pro: 2012 or later
• MacBook Air: 2012 or later
• Mac mini: 2012 or later
• iMac: 2012 or later
• Mac Pro: Late 2013
If your Mac device is compatible, you can proceed with the download. However, it is a good idea to back up the hard drive before doing so.
How To Download MacOS Sierra
Downloading the new operating system is a very straightforward process. Just open the App Store on a compatible Mac device and use the search function to look for macOS Sierra.
The alternative is to go directly to the macOS Sierra page in the App Store. Click on download to commence the process. The "Purchased tab" will display the download progress.
How To Install MacOS Sierra
Once the download is done, the installation can start. Just click on "Continue" and allow the onscreen instructions to guide you through the whole installation process. Those who want to postpone the new OS's installation to a later time can quit the installer. It can once again be accessed either through Spotlight, the Launchpad or the Applications folder. It's quite hard to miss since the installer's file name is "Install macOS Sierra."
Bear in mind that during the installation process, the computer may reboot a number of times. Apple warns that apps may get slowed down while the system performs some initial tasks in the background.
