macOS Catalina

macOS Catalina
Name	macOS Catalina
Developer	Apple Inc.
Family	macOS
Source model	Closed source
Released	October 7, 2019
Latest release	10.15.7
Marketing target	Personal computer
Kernel type	Hybrid kernel
License	Proprietary software

macOS Catalina. It is the sixteenth major release of macOS, the desktop operating system developed by Apple Inc. for its Macintosh computers. Succeeding macOS Mojave, it was publicly released on October 7, 2019, and introduced significant architectural changes, including the deprecation of 32-bit application support. The update emphasized media management, accessibility, and security, while also bringing key iOS applications to the Mac.

Overview

macOS Catalina represented a pivotal shift in the architecture of macOS, being the first version to exclusively support 64-bit applications, thereby ending the era of 32-bit software compatibility that began with Mac OS X Tiger. This change aligned the platform with modern computing standards and the requirements of Apple Silicon, which was announced the following year. The operating system also saw the introduction of dedicated system volumes, separating the read-only macOS system files from user data to enhance security and reliability. Furthermore, Catalina extended the integration between Apple devices through features like Sidecar, which allows an iPad to function as a secondary display, and the introduction of Project Catalyst tools for developers.

Features

A major addition was the replacement of the iTunes media application with three separate apps: Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV, streamlining media management and aligning with the company's services strategy. The Find My app combined Find My iPhone and Find My Friends into a single, encrypted location-tracking application. Enhanced accessibility tools included Voice Control, allowing complete navigation and control via voice commands, and Screen Time, which provided detailed activity reports and app limits. Security was bolstered with the implementation of Activation Lock for Mac and stricter Gatekeeper protections requiring notarization for software. Development was facilitated by Project Catalyst, enabling easier porting of iPadOS apps to the Mac.

System requirements

macOS Catalina required a Mac with 64-bit Intel processors and at least 4 GB of RAM. Supported models included the MacBook from early 2015 onward, the MacBook Air from mid-2012, the MacBook Pro from mid-2012, the Mac mini from late 2012, the iMac from late 2012, the iMac Pro (all models), and the Mac Pro from late 2013. A minimum of 12.5 GB of available storage was required for installation, with more space recommended. The operating system also required macOS High Sierra or later to be installed for the upgrade process and an active Apple ID for certain services like iCloud and the App Store.

Release history

Apple announced macOS Catalina at its WWDC 2019 developer conference in June. Following several months of beta testing with developers and public beta testers, the first release candidate was seeded in early October. The final version, 10.15, was released to the public on October 7, 2019. Subsequent updates addressed various bugs, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues; notable point releases included 10.15.1, which added support for the AirPods Pro, and 10.15.4, which introduced the ability to upgrade to macOS Catalina remotely. The final update was version 10.15.7, released in September 2020, which provided important security patches and fixes prior to the launch of macOS Big Sur.

Reception

Initial critical reception was mixed, with praise directed at the new media apps, the utility of Sidecar, and the robust Voice Control feature. However, significant criticism focused on the disruptive removal of 32-bit app support, which rendered many older but still-used applications, including popular Adobe creative suites and Google software, completely inoperable. Early adopters reported numerous bugs related to iCloud syncing, Mail app performance, and external display support. Publications like The Verge and Ars Technica noted the update's ambitious nature but cautioned users about potential stability and compatibility issues, especially for professionals reliant on legacy software.

Discontinued technologies

The most prominent discontinuation was support for all 32-bit applications, a move that broke compatibility with software dating back to the PowerPC transition era via Rosetta (software). The iTunes brand was officially retired on the Mac, with its functions split into dedicated applications. The Dashboard feature, a holdover from Mac OS X Leopard, was completely removed. Support for older media formats and hardware, such as certain Adobe Flash-based web content and legacy SMB1 file sharing protocols, was also dropped. Furthermore, the System Integrity Protection security feature became more restrictive, limiting modifications to core system directories even for administrative users.

Category:macOS versions Category:2019 software