When Apple unveiled macOS Sierra in 2016, it marked a significant step forward in how the Mac ecosystem integrated with other Apple devices. This operating system introduced a host of exciting features, many of which enhanced the overall user experience by connecting macOS more seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and the Apple Watch. Whether you were upgrading from an older version or using a Mac for the first time, Sierra brought a lot to the table, transforming how users interacted with their Macs.
Key Features of macOS Sierra
1. Siri Comes to the Mac
One of the standout features of macOS Sierra was the introduction of Siri to the Mac. Previously exclusive to iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, Siri’s arrival on the Mac allowed users to interact with their computers using voice commands. Whether you wanted to find files, launch apps, or ask about the weather, Siri on macOS Sierra made multitasking and navigation more convenient.
- File Management: You could ask Siri to open documents, find specific files, or even manage multiple windows. For example, "Hey Siri, show me my presentations" would quickly surface the relevant files without needing to search manually.
- System Controls: Siri also allowed users to adjust system settings like turning Bluetooth on and off, adjusting volume, or opening specific system preferences.
2. Universal Clipboard
Another feature that brought greater synergy to Apple's ecosystem was Universal Clipboard. This feature allowed users to copy text, images, or files from one Apple device and paste it onto another seamlessly. For instance, you could copy something on your iPhone and then paste it directly into a document on your Mac without any extra steps or syncing.
This feature relied on iCloud to work, ensuring that the data was available across all your Apple devices. Universal Clipboard truly made the interconnected Apple ecosystem shine, and it was a huge time-saver for users who regularly worked across multiple devices.
3. Optimized Storage
With macOS Sierra, Apple introduced Optimized Storage, a feature designed to help users manage their storage more efficiently. This was especially useful for those who worked with large files or had limited storage space.
- Automatic File Management: Sierra would automatically store older files, photos, and documents in the cloud, freeing up space on the Mac’s local drive. These files could still be accessed quickly when needed, but they wouldn’t take up valuable local storage.
- Recommendations for File Cleanup: It also provided recommendations on how to optimize storage by deleting old files and applications that were no longer in use. This made it easier to keep a Mac running smoothly and with more available space.
4. Auto Unlock with Apple Watch
For users with an Apple Watch, Auto Unlock was a highly convenient feature. It allowed Macs to automatically unlock when the user was wearing their Apple Watch, eliminating the need to manually enter a password. When your Mac detected your Watch nearby, it would authenticate and grant access.
This feature not only added a layer of convenience but also boosted security, as only the wearer of the Apple Watch could unlock the Mac, ensuring that unauthorized individuals wouldn’t be able to gain access.
5. Apple Pay on the Web
For those who used Apple Pay on their iPhones or iPads, macOS Sierra introduced the ability to use Apple Pay on the web. With supported websites, you could make secure purchases using your Mac and authorize the payment via your iPhone or Apple Watch.
The process was simple and secure: after selecting Apple Pay at checkout, the payment could be confirmed using Touch ID on an iPhone or an Apple Watch, ensuring ease and security in online transactions.
6. Picture in Picture
Picture in Picture (PiP) was a great addition to macOS Sierra, allowing users to watch videos in a floating window that could be resized and moved around on the desktop. Whether watching a video in Safari, FaceTime, or another compatible app, you could minimize distractions by keeping the video window in view while using other apps.
This was particularly useful for users who liked to multitask or who needed to reference something on their Mac while watching video content.
7. Improved Photos App
The Photos app saw a significant update in macOS Sierra with improved organization and editing tools. The app used machine learning to automatically recognize objects, scenes, and faces, helping users quickly organize and find their photos.
- Memories: The Memories feature would automatically generate collections of photos and videos based on events, people, or places, creating mini movies that could be shared with friends and family.
- Editing Tools: Advanced editing tools allowed users to fine-tune their photos, including adjusting color, exposure, and other elements directly within the app.
8. Updated iMessage Integration
With macOS Sierra, Apple refined its iMessage integration between Mac and iOS. The Messages app on Mac became even more seamless, allowing users to send and receive messages, photos, and videos, all while keeping the conversation synchronized across their devices.
Additionally, Sierra brought new features like message effects, the ability to send handwritten notes, and more emoji reactions, enhancing the overall communication experience.
Performance Enhancements
macOS Sierra also introduced a variety of performance improvements that made the operating system faster and more efficient. These updates included:
- Faster Startup Times: Sierra optimized system startup times, allowing Macs to boot more quickly.
- Better Energy Efficiency: With updates to the macOS kernel, Sierra helped manage power consumption more effectively, improving battery life on MacBooks and other portable devices.
- Improved System Security: As security became a top concern, macOS Sierra introduced new tools to protect against malware, ransomware, and other threats. The operating system also introduced Siri privacy features, ensuring that your voice commands were processed securely.
Conclusion
macOS Sierra was a milestone release for Apple, enhancing the overall functionality of Macs while improving integration with other Apple devices. With features like Siri, Universal Clipboard, Optimized Storage, and Auto Unlock, it was clear that Apple was striving to create a more interconnected and user-friendly ecosystem.
Though it’s been several years since Sierra’s release, many of the features it introduced are now standard across the macOS platform, showing just how ahead of its time macOS Sierra truly was. If you have an older Mac that still runs Sierra, there’s no need to rush to upgrade—many users still find it to be a highly functional and efficient operating system.