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{{Short description|Thirteenth major release of macOS}}
{{Short description|Thirteenth major release of macOS}}
{{lowercase title}}
{{lowercase title}}
{{redirect|macOS 10.12|macOS 12|macOS Monterey}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox OS version
{{Infobox OS version
| logo = macOS Sierra wordmark.svg
| logo = [[File:macOS Sierra wordmark.svg|250px|class=skin-invert]]
| name = macOS Sierra
| name = macOS Sierra
| logo alt =
| logo alt =
| screenshot = MacOS Sierra Desktop.png
| screenshot = MacOS Sierra Desktop.png
| caption = macOS Sierra desktop
| caption = macOS Sierra desktop
| screenshot_size = 340px
| screenshot_size = 250px
| screenshot_alt =
| screenshot_alt =
| collapsible =
| collapsible =
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| website = {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032643/www.apple.com/macos/sierra|date=August 30, 2017|title=macOS - Apple}}
| website = {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032643/www.apple.com/macos/sierra|date=August 30, 2017|title=macOS - Apple}}
| tagline = What can your Mac do now? Just ask.
| tagline = What can your Mac do now? Just ask.
| support status = Obsolete, unsupported as of September 2019. [[iTunes]] is no longer being updated, but is able to download driver updates to sync to newer devices.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.com/|title=Home|website=iTunes.com|access-date=2020-08-09|archive-date=2006-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107185359/http://www.itunes.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Drops support for Macs released from mid 2007 to mid 2009.
| support status = Obsolete, unsupported as of September 2019. [[iTunes]] is no longer being updated, but is able to download driver updates to sync to newer devices.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.com/|title=Home|website=iTunes.com|access-date=August 9, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107185359/http://www.itunes.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Drops support for Macs released from mid 2007 to mid 2009.
| other articles =
| other articles =
}}
}}
{{macOS sidebar}}
{{macOS sidebar}}


'''macOS Sierra''' (version 10.12)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/download|website=Apple Developer|access-date=16 June 2016|title=Download - Apple Developer|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208042401/https://idmsa.apple.com/IDMSWebAuth/signin?appIdKey=891bd3417a7776362562d2197f89480a8547b108fd934911bcbea0110d07f757&path=%2Fdownload%2F&rv=1|url-status=live}}</ref> is the thirteenth [[software versioning|major release]] of [[macOS]] (formerly known as {{Nowrap|OS X}} and {{Nowrap|Mac OS X}}), [[Apple Inc.]]'s desktop and [[server (computing)|server]] operating system for [[Macintosh]] computers. The name "macOS" stems from the intention to unify the operating system's name with that of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS. Sierra is named after the [[Sierra Nevada]] mountain range in [[California]] and [[Nevada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3083346/os-x/macos-sierra-faq-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-mac-operating-system.html|title=macOS Sierra FAQ: What you need to know about the new Mac operating system|last=Loyola|first=Roman|date=7 July 2016|website=Macworld|access-date=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715155623/http://www.macworld.com/article/3083346/os-x/macos-sierra-faq-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-mac-operating-system.html|archive-date=15 July 2016}}</ref> Its major new features concern [[Continuity (Apple)|continuity]], [[iCloud]], and windowing, as well as support for [[Apple Pay]] and [[Siri]].
'''macOS Sierra''' (version 10.12)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/download|website=Apple Developer|access-date=June 16, 2016|title=Download - Apple Developer|archive-date=February 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208042401/https://idmsa.apple.com/IDMSWebAuth/signin?appIdKey=891bd3417a7776362562d2197f89480a8547b108fd934911bcbea0110d07f757&path=%2Fdownload%2F&rv=1|url-status=live}}</ref> is the thirteenth [[software versioning|major release]] of [[macOS]] (formerly known as {{Nowrap|OS X}} and {{Nowrap|Mac OS X}}), [[Apple Inc.]]'s desktop and [[server (computing)|server]] operating system for [[Macintosh]] computers. The name "macOS" stems from the intention to unify the operating system's name with that of iOS, watchOS and tvOS. Sierra is named after the [[Sierra Nevada]] mountain range in [[California]] and [[Nevada]]. Specifically, [[Lone Pine Peak]] is the location for macOS Sierra's default wallpaper.<ref>{{cite web|title=MacOS Sierra features Mt. Whitney {{!}} General Discussion {{!}} WhitneyZone Message Board|url=http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/46655/MacOS_Sierra_features_Mt._Whit|accessdate=21 September 2024}}</ref> Its major new features concern [[Continuity (Apple)|Continuity]], [[iCloud]], and windowing, as well as support for [[Apple Pay]] and [[Siri]].


The first beta of macOS Sierra was released to developers shortly following the 2016 [[Apple Worldwide Developers Conference|WWDC]] keynote on June 13, 2016. The first public-beta release followed on July 7, 2016. It was released to [[end user]]s on September 20, 2016, as a free upgrade through the [[Mac App Store]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/07/wip-macos-sierra-will-be-released-on-september-20|title=macOS Sierra will be released on September 20 for free to Mac owners|last=Majo|first=Benjamin|date=7 September 2016|website=9to5Mac|access-date=7 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908200817/https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/07/wip-macos-sierra-will-be-released-on-september-20|archive-date=8 September 2016}}</ref> It was succeeded by [[macOS High Sierra]] on September 25, 2017.
The first beta of macOS Sierra was released to developers shortly following the 2016 [[WWDC]] keynote on June 13, 2016. The first public-beta release followed on July 7, 2016. It was released to [[end user]]s on September 20, 2016, as a free upgrade through the [[Mac App Store]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/07/wip-macos-sierra-will-be-released-on-september-20|title=macOS Sierra will be released on September 20 for free to Mac owners|last=Majo|first=Benjamin|date=September 7, 2016|website=9to5Mac|access-date=September 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908200817/https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/07/wip-macos-sierra-will-be-released-on-september-20|archive-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref> and it was succeeded by [[macOS High Sierra]] on September 25, 2017.


==System requirements==
==System requirements==
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*[[Mac Pro]] (Mid 2010 or later)
*[[Mac Pro]] (Mid 2010 or later)


Sierra dropped support for various Macs released from mid 2007 to mid 2009, the first version of macOS since [[OS X Mountain Lion]], released in 2012, to do so.<ref name="elliott20160613">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/how-to/see-which-macs-will-and-wont-work-with-macos|title=See which Macs will -- and won't -- work with macOS|publisher=CNet|date=2016-06-13|access-date=16 June 2016|author=Elliott, Matt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616095526/http://www.cnet.com/how-to/see-which-macs-will-and-wont-work-with-macos|archive-date=16 June 2016}}</ref> Support for [[Xserve]] was also dropped in Sierra.
Sierra dropped support for various Macs released from mid 2007 to mid 2009, the first version of macOS since [[OS X Mountain Lion]], released in 2012, to do so.<ref name="elliott20160613">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/how-to/see-which-macs-will-and-wont-work-with-macos|title=See which Macs will -- and won't -- work with macOS|publisher=CNet|date=June 13, 2016|access-date=June 16, 2016|author=Elliott, Matt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616095526/http://www.cnet.com/how-to/see-which-macs-will-and-wont-work-with-macos|archive-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> Support for [[Xserve]] was also dropped in Sierra.


===Workarounds for unsupported systems===
===Workarounds for unsupported systems===
Developers have created workarounds to install macOS Sierra on some Mac computers that are no longer officially supported as long as they are packed with a CPU that supports SSE4.1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-10-12-sierra-unsupported-macs-thread.1977128|title=macOS 10.12 Sierra Unsupported Macs Thread|website=[[MacRumors]] Forums|access-date=2016-06-22|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616134930/http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-10-12-sierra-unsupported-macs-thread.1977128|archive-date=2016-06-16}}</ref> This requires using a patch to modify the install image.<ref>{{Cite web |title=macOS Sierra Patch Tool |url=http://dosdude1.com/sierrapatch.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=dosdude1.com |archive-date=2017-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202113020/http://dosdude1.com/sierrapatch.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Developers have created workarounds to install macOS Sierra on some Mac computers that are no longer officially supported as long as they are packed with a CPU that supports SSE4.1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-10-12-sierra-unsupported-macs-thread.1977128|title=macOS 10.12 Sierra Unsupported Macs Thread|website=[[MacRumors]] Forums|date=June 13, 2016 |access-date=June 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616134930/http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-10-12-sierra-unsupported-macs-thread.1977128|archive-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> This requires using a patch to modify the install image.<ref>{{Cite web |title=macOS Sierra Patch Tool |url=http://dosdude1.com/sierrapatch.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |website=dosdude1.com |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202113020/http://dosdude1.com/sierrapatch.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Changes==
==Changes==
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====Siri====
====Siri====
[[File:Siri for macOS Sierra Demo.png|thumb|A demonstration of Siri on macOS Sierra Beta]]
[[File:Siri for macOS Sierra Demo.png|thumb|A demonstration of Siri on macOS Sierra Beta]]
The user can access the Siri intelligent assistant via the [[Dock (OS X)|Dock]], the [[menu bar]] or a keyboard shortcut and results are shown in a [[Window (computing)|window]] in the upper-right corner.<ref name="how-to-use-siri">{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3088224/macs/how-to-use-siri-on-macos-sierra.html|title=How to use Siri in macOS Sierra|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=2017-02-16|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005925/http://www.macworld.com/article/3088224/macs/how-to-use-siri-on-macos-sierra.html|archive-date=2017-02-04}}</ref> Siri can send messages, search the web, find files and adjust settings. Results can be dropped into other applications or pinned to [[Notification Center]].<ref name="how-to-use-siri"/> For instance, pictures from search results can be dragged into a document.
The user can access the [[Siri]] intelligent assistant via the [[Dock (OS X)|Dock]], the [[menu bar]] or a keyboard shortcut and results are shown in a [[Window (computing)|window]] in the upper-right corner.<ref name="how-to-use-siri">{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3088224/macs/how-to-use-siri-on-macos-sierra.html|title=How to use Siri in macOS Sierra|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=February 16, 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005925/http://www.macworld.com/article/3088224/macs/how-to-use-siri-on-macos-sierra.html|archive-date=February 4, 2017}}</ref> Siri can send messages, search the web, find files and adjust settings. Results can be dropped into other applications or pinned to [[Notification Center]].<ref name="how-to-use-siri"/> For instance, pictures from search results can be dragged into a document.


====iCloud Drive and Optimized Storage====
====iCloud Drive and Optimized Storage====
[[File:Optimized Storage Suggestions.png|thumb|upright=1.5|This image shows what the Optimized Storage suggestions are.]]
[[File:Optimized Storage Suggestions.png|thumb|upright=1.5|This image shows what the Optimized Storage suggestions are.]]
[[iCloud Drive]] can upload the user's documents and desktop directories and sync them to other devices. The [[System Information (Mac)|System Information]] application has a new section that gives the user detailed information about space usage per application or file and provides tools and suggestions for freeing up space. For instance, the user can let the system upload old files to iCloud Drive and remove their local copies, keeping them available on-demand in [[Finder (software)|Finder]]. It can also remove old files from [[Trash (computing)|trash]] automatically. iTunes can delete watched, purchased films and [[Television program|TV programs]] from its library.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2016/09/macos-10-12-sierra-review-os-x|title=macOS 10.12 Sierra: The Ars Technica review|last1=Cunningham|first1=Andrew|last2=Hutchinson|first2=Lee|date=September 20, 2016|website=[[Ars Technica|Ars Technica UK]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925224854/http://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2016/09/macos-10-12-sierra-review-os-x|archive-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-optimize-storage|title=macOS Sierra: Save Disk Space With the New 'Optimize Storage' Option|last=Clover|first=Juli|access-date=2016-11-25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064701/http://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-optimize-storage|archive-date=2016-11-26}}</ref>
[[iCloud Drive]] can upload the user's documents and desktop directories and sync them to other devices. The [[System Information (Mac)|System Information]] application has a new section that gives the user detailed information about space usage per application or file and provides tools and suggestions for freeing up space. For instance, the user can let the system upload old files to iCloud Drive and remove their local copies, keeping them available on-demand in [[Finder (software)|Finder]]. It can also remove old files from [[Trash (computing)|trash]] automatically. iTunes can delete watched, purchased films and [[Television program|TV programs]] from its library.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2016/09/macos-10-12-sierra-review-os-x|title=macOS 10.12 Sierra: The Ars Technica review|last1=Cunningham|first1=Andrew|last2=Hutchinson|first2=Lee|date=September 20, 2016|website=[[Ars Technica|Ars Technica UK]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925224854/http://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2016/09/macos-10-12-sierra-review-os-x|archive-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-optimize-storage|title=macOS Sierra: Save Disk Space With the New 'Optimize Storage' Option|last=Clover|first=Juli|date=September 20, 2016 |access-date=November 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064701/http://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-optimize-storage|archive-date=November 26, 2016}}</ref>


====Auto Unlock and Universal Clipboard====
====Auto Unlock and Universal Clipboard====
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====Tabs and Picture-in-Picture====
====Tabs and Picture-in-Picture====
Applications that support multiple windows can support [[Tab (GUI)|multiple tabs within a single window]], allowing the user to keep windows organized similarly to [[Safari (web browser)|Safari]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-tabbed-windows|title=macOS Sierra: Apps Gain Safari-Style Tabs|access-date=2018-01-25|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070823/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-tabbed-windows|archive-date=2018-01-26}}</ref> With [[Picture-in-Picture]], videos can be played in a window that follows the user across the system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-picture-in-picture-safari-itunes|title=macOS Sierra: Picture in Picture Mode for Safari and iTunes Videos|access-date=2018-01-25|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070739/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-picture-in-picture-safari-itunes|archive-date=2018-01-26}}</ref>
Applications that support multiple windows can support [[Tab (GUI)|multiple tabs within a single window]], allowing the user to keep windows organized similarly to [[Safari (web browser)|Safari]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-tabbed-windows|title=macOS Sierra: Apps Gain Safari-Style Tabs|access-date=January 25, 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070823/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-tabbed-windows|archive-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref> With [[Picture-in-Picture]], videos can be played in a window that follows the user across the system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-picture-in-picture-safari-itunes|title=macOS Sierra: Picture in Picture Mode for Safari and iTunes Videos|access-date=January 25, 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070739/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-picture-in-picture-safari-itunes|archive-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref>


====Apple File System====
====Apple File System====
Apple released a preview of a new [[file system]] in Sierra, called [[Apple File System]] (APFS), to overcome the [[HFS Plus#Criticisms|limitations of HFS Plus]]. It is intended for [[solid-state drive]]s and [[flash memory]] and will adopt several features found in modern file systems, such as [[Snapshot (computer storage)|snapshots]] and cloning, as well as native support for features that Apple already provides in [[HFS Plus#Criticisms|HFS Plus]] through supplementary software, such as file-system encryption and [[trim (computing)|TRIM]] support. The file system was released in macOS High Sierra.<ref>{{cite news|title=macOS High Sierra: You'll Hardly Notice You've Upgraded - The Mac Observer|url=https://www.macobserver.com/news/macos-high-sierra-youll-hardly-notice-youve-upgraded|access-date=10 May 2018|work=The Mac Observer|date=4 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511013037/https://www.macobserver.com/news/macos-high-sierra-youll-hardly-notice-youve-upgraded|archive-date=11 May 2018}}</ref>
Apple released a preview of a new [[file system]] in Sierra, called [[Apple File System]] (APFS), to overcome the [[HFS Plus#Criticisms|limitations of HFS Plus]]. APFS is intended for [[solid-state drive]]s and [[flash memory]] and adopts several features found in modern file systems, such as [[Snapshot (computer storage)|snapshots]] and cloning, as well as native support for features that Apple already provides in [[HFS Plus#Criticisms|HFS Plus]] through supplementary software, such as file-system encryption and [[trim (computing)|TRIM]] support. The file system was released in macOS High Sierra.<ref>{{cite news|title=macOS High Sierra: You'll Hardly Notice You've Upgraded - The Mac Observer|url=https://www.macobserver.com/news/macos-high-sierra-youll-hardly-notice-youve-upgraded|access-date=May 10, 2018|work=The Mac Observer|date=October 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511013037/https://www.macobserver.com/news/macos-high-sierra-youll-hardly-notice-youve-upgraded|archive-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref>


====Night Shift====
====Night Shift====
{{See also|Night Shift (software)}}
{{See also|Night Shift (software)}}


Night Shift is new in macOS 10.12.4, with the same functionality as its iOS counterpart. Night Shift reduces blue light at night [[Effects of blue light technology|to aid sleep]]. This can be scheduled in the [[System Preferences]] app (in the Displays menu) and can be toggled on or off in the Notification Center or using Siri.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/03/27/apple-releases-macos-sierra-10-12-4|title=Apple Releases macOS Sierra 10.12.4 With New Night Shift Mode|last=Clover|first=Juli|access-date=2017-04-14|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401060730/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/03/27/apple-releases-macos-sierra-10-12-4|archive-date=2017-04-01}}</ref>
Night Shift is new in macOS 10.12.4, with the same functionality as its iOS counterpart. Night Shift reduces blue light at night [[Effects of blue light technology|to aid sleep]]. This can be scheduled in the [[System Preferences]] app (in the Displays menu) and can be toggled on or off in the Notification Center or using Siri.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/03/27/apple-releases-macos-sierra-10-12-4|title=Apple Releases macOS Sierra 10.12.4 With New Night Shift Mode|last=Clover|first=Juli|date=March 27, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401060730/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/03/27/apple-releases-macos-sierra-10-12-4|archive-date=April 1, 2017}}</ref>


Since this feature relies on the Metal framework,{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} Night Shift is not available on all systems that support macOS Sierra.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/night-shift-macos-sierra-10-12-4|title=How to Use Night Shift in macOS Sierra 10.12.4|access-date=2018-06-13|language=en|archive-date=2018-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613161129/https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/night-shift-macos-sierra-10-12-4/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Since this feature relies on the Metal framework,{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} Night Shift is not available on all systems that support macOS Sierra.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/night-shift-macos-sierra-10-12-4|title=How to Use Night Shift in macOS Sierra 10.12.4|access-date=June 13, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613161129/https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/night-shift-macos-sierra-10-12-4/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Application features===
===Application features===
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====Messages====
====Messages====
The Messages app adds aesthetic effects to messages, such as three times bigger [[emoji]]s and click back with hearts or thumbs-up on a message bubble.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-effects-macos-sierra|title=How to use Messages effects in macOS Sierra|newspaper=iMore|access-date=2016-11-22|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053103/http://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-effects-macos-sierra|archive-date=2016-11-23}}</ref> The ability to play [[YouTube]] videos and preview links in a conversation was introduced.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.imore.com/10-tiny-features-i-love-about-macos-sierra|title=10 tiny macOS Sierra features I love|newspaper=iMore|access-date=2016-12-30|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160452/http://www.imore.com/10-tiny-features-i-love-about-macos-sierra|archive-date=2016-12-30}}</ref> Users can view interactive content added to [[iMessage]] in iOS 10. The app also allows you to turn on or off read receipts on a conversation by conversation basis.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3122961/macs/7-hidden-features-in-macos-sierra-you-may-have-missed.html|title=7 hidden features in macOS Sierra you may have missed|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=2016-12-30|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230230646/http://www.macworld.com/article/3122961/macs/7-hidden-features-in-macos-sierra-you-may-have-missed.html|archive-date=2016-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/imessage-read-receipts-iphone-mac|title=How to Use Read Receipts on the iPhone and Mac|newspaper=TekRevue|language=en-US|access-date=2016-12-30|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160211/https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/imessage-read-receipts-iphone-mac|archive-date=2016-12-30}}</ref>
The Messages app adds aesthetic effects to messages, such as three times bigger [[emoji]]s and click back with hearts or thumbs-up on a message bubble.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-effects-macos-sierra|title=How to use Messages effects in macOS Sierra|newspaper=iMore|access-date=November 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053103/http://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-effects-macos-sierra|archive-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> The ability to play [[YouTube]] videos and preview links in a conversation was introduced.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.imore.com/10-tiny-features-i-love-about-macos-sierra|title=10 tiny macOS Sierra features I love|newspaper=iMore|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160452/http://www.imore.com/10-tiny-features-i-love-about-macos-sierra|archive-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref> Users can view interactive content added to [[iMessage]] in iOS 10. The app also allows you to turn on or off read receipts on a conversation by conversation basis.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3122961/macs/7-hidden-features-in-macos-sierra-you-may-have-missed.html|title=7 hidden features in macOS Sierra you may have missed|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230230646/http://www.macworld.com/article/3122961/macs/7-hidden-features-in-macos-sierra-you-may-have-missed.html|archive-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/imessage-read-receipts-iphone-mac|title=How to Use Read Receipts on the iPhone and Mac|newspaper=TekRevue|language=en-US|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160211/https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/imessage-read-receipts-iphone-mac|archive-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref>


====iTunes====
====iTunes====
Line 111: Line 113:


====Other changes====
====Other changes====
*[[Disk Utility]] regains the ability to format and manage [[RAID]] sets, after it was removed in El Capitan.<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3095835/storage/how-to-configure-a-software-raid-in-macos-sierra-s-disk-utility.html|title=How to configure a software RAID in macOS Sierra's Disk Utility|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=2017-01-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093537/http://www.macworld.com/article/3095835/storage/how-to-configure-a-software-raid-in-macos-sierra-s-disk-utility.html|archive-date=2017-01-08}}</ref>
*[[Disk Utility]] regains the ability to format and manage [[RAID]] sets, after it was removed in El Capitan.<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3095835/storage/how-to-configure-a-software-raid-in-macos-sierra-s-disk-utility.html|title=How to configure a software RAID in macOS Sierra's Disk Utility|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=January 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093537/http://www.macworld.com/article/3095835/storage/how-to-configure-a-software-raid-in-macos-sierra-s-disk-utility.html|archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref>
*Finder has an option to show folders always at the top of the view hierarchy, for instance in list views.<ref name=":0"/>
*Finder has an option to show folders always at the top of the view hierarchy, for instance in list views.<ref name=":0"/>
*[[Mail (Apple)|Mail]] adds a control to the top of [[email]] lists to quickly filter them, for instance, by read status or the presence of attachments.<ref name=":0"/>
*[[Mail (Apple)|Mail]] adds a control to the top of [[email]] lists to quickly filter them, for instance, by read status or the presence of attachments.<ref name=":0"/>
Line 126: Line 128:


====Directory permissions and sudo====
====Directory permissions and sudo====
The [[File system permissions|Unix permissions]] for writing to the/Volumes directory are now restricted to [[Superuser|root]] and no longer "world-writable".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/macos-sierras-volumes-folder-is-no-longer-world-writable|title=macOS Sierra's /Volumes folder is no longer world-writable|last=Trouton|first=Rich|date=September 21, 2016|website=Der Flounder|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008083553/https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/macos-sierras-volumes-folder-is-no-longer-world-writable|archive-date=October 8, 2016}}</ref> Apple expanded [[System Integrity Protection]] to {{mono|/Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://daringfireball.net/linked/2016/09/20/dropbox-macos-security|title=Dropbox's macOS Security Hack|last=Gruber|first=John|date=September 20, 2016|website=[[Daring Fireball]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001190246/http://daringfireball.net/linked/2016/09/20/dropbox-macos-security|archive-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref> a directory that contains a list of applications that are allowed to "control the computer", and restricts write access to programs which were signed with an Apple "private entitlement". The [[File hosting service|file-hosting service]] [[Dropbox (service)|Dropbox]] has been criticized for manipulating the directory to add their Dropbox application to the list, rather than asking the user to do it for them explicitly in System Preferences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/09/13/dropbox_mac_security|title=Dropbox apologies for clunky administrator account access on Macs|last=Pauli|first=Darren|date=September 13, 2016|website=[[The Register]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002054319/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/09/13/dropbox_mac_security|archive-date=October 2, 2016}}</ref>
The [[File system permissions|Unix permissions]] for writing to the /Volumes directory are now restricted to [[Superuser|root]] and no longer "world-writable".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/macos-sierras-volumes-folder-is-no-longer-world-writable|title=macOS Sierra's /Volumes folder is no longer world-writable|last=Trouton|first=Rich|date=September 21, 2016|website=Der Flounder|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008083553/https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/macos-sierras-volumes-folder-is-no-longer-world-writable|archive-date=October 8, 2016}}</ref> Apple expanded [[System Integrity Protection]] to {{mono|/Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://daringfireball.net/linked/2016/09/20/dropbox-macos-security|title=Dropbox's macOS Security Hack|last=Gruber|first=John|date=September 20, 2016|website=[[Daring Fireball]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001190246/http://daringfireball.net/linked/2016/09/20/dropbox-macos-security|archive-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref> a directory that contains a list of applications that are allowed to "control the computer", and restricts write access to programs which were signed with an Apple "private entitlement". The [[File hosting service|file-hosting service]] [[Dropbox (service)|Dropbox]] has been criticized for manipulating the directory to add their Dropbox application to the list, rather than asking the user to do it for them explicitly in System Preferences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/09/13/dropbox_mac_security|title=Dropbox apologies for clunky administrator account access on Macs|last=Pauli|first=Darren|date=September 13, 2016|website=[[The Register]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002054319/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/09/13/dropbox_mac_security|archive-date=October 2, 2016}}</ref>


The [[sudo]] [[Console application|command-line utility]] with which a user can execute a command as another user, typically as root, is configured with the "tty_tickets" flag by default, restricting the session timeout to the [[Computer terminal|terminal session]] (such as a window or tab) in which the user authenticated the program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/tty_tickets-option-now-on-by-default-for-macos-sierras-sudo-tool|title=tty_tickets option now on by default for macOS Sierra's sudo tool|last=Trouton|first=Rich|date=September 21, 2016|website=Der Flounder|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008083811/https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/tty_tickets-option-now-on-by-default-for-macos-sierras-sudo-tool|archive-date=October 8, 2016}}</ref>
The [[sudo]] [[Console application|command-line utility]] with which a user can execute a command as another user, typically as root, is configured with the "tty_tickets" flag by default, restricting the session timeout to the [[Computer terminal|terminal session]] (such as a window or tab) in which the user authenticated the program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/tty_tickets-option-now-on-by-default-for-macos-sierras-sudo-tool|title=tty_tickets option now on by default for macOS Sierra's sudo tool|last=Trouton|first=Rich|date=September 21, 2016|website=Der Flounder|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008083811/https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/tty_tickets-option-now-on-by-default-for-macos-sierras-sudo-tool|archive-date=October 8, 2016}}</ref>
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Apple removed native support for the [[Virtual private network|VPN]] protocol [[Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol|PPTP]] and made recommendations for alternatives that it considers more secure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/HT206844|title=Prepare for removal of PPTP VPN before you upgrade to iOS 10 and macOS Sierra|date=July 16, 2016|website=Apple Support|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927034418/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206844|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=September 29, 2016}}</ref>
Apple removed native support for the [[Virtual private network|VPN]] protocol [[Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol|PPTP]] and made recommendations for alternatives that it considers more secure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/HT206844|title=Prepare for removal of PPTP VPN before you upgrade to iOS 10 and macOS Sierra|date=July 16, 2016|website=Apple Support|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927034418/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206844|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=September 29, 2016}}</ref>


The "time remaining" estimate has been removed in the 10.12.2 update after complaints of the battery life of 2016 [[MacBook Pro]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/12/13/why-apple-is-removing-time-remaining-battery-life-estimates-macbook-pro|title=Why Apple is removing 'time remaining' battery life estimates following MacBook Pro complaints|last=Kahn|first=Jordan|date=2016-12-13|website=9to5Mac|access-date=2017-01-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093712/https://9to5mac.com/2016/12/13/why-apple-is-removing-time-remaining-battery-life-estimates-macbook-pro|archive-date=2017-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2016/12/14/macos-sierra-battery-time-remaining-removed|title=Apple's Sierra update 'fixes' Mac battery woes by removing 'time remaining' estimate|last=Schroeder|first=Stan|website=Mashable|date=14 December 2016|access-date=2017-01-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105052303/http://mashable.com/2016/12/14/macos-sierra-battery-time-remaining-removed|archive-date=2017-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13939278/apple-macos-sierra-new-macbook-pros-battery-life|title=Apple removes the 'time remaining' battery estimate in new macOS update|last=O'Kane|first=Sean|date=2016-12-13|website=The Verge|access-date=2017-01-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093929/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13939278/apple-macos-sierra-new-macbook-pros-battery-life|archive-date=2017-01-08}}</ref>
The battery's "time remaining" estimate was removed in the 10.12.2 update after complaints of the battery life of 2016 [[MacBook Pro]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/12/13/why-apple-is-removing-time-remaining-battery-life-estimates-macbook-pro|title=Why Apple is removing 'time remaining' battery life estimates following MacBook Pro complaints|last=Kahn|first=Jordan|date=December 13, 2016|website=9to5Mac|access-date=January 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093712/https://9to5mac.com/2016/12/13/why-apple-is-removing-time-remaining-battery-life-estimates-macbook-pro|archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2016/12/14/macos-sierra-battery-time-remaining-removed|title=Apple's Sierra update 'fixes' Mac battery woes by removing 'time remaining' estimate|last=Schroeder|first=Stan|website=Mashable|date=December 14, 2016|access-date=January 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105052303/http://mashable.com/2016/12/14/macos-sierra-battery-time-remaining-removed|archive-date=January 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13939278/apple-macos-sierra-new-macbook-pros-battery-life|title=Apple removes the 'time remaining' battery estimate in new macOS update|last=O'Kane|first=Sean|date=December 13, 2016|website=The Verge|access-date=January 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093929/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13939278/apple-macos-sierra-new-macbook-pros-battery-life|archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref>


The [[Game Center]] app has been removed.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-hidden-macos-sierra-features-you-need-to-know|title=10 hidden macOS Sierra features you need to know|first=Matt|last=Elliott|date=November 10, 2016|access-date=2018-06-09|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218064552/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-hidden-macos-sierra-features-you-need-to-know|archive-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> However, the service still exists.
The [[Game Center]] app has been removed.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-hidden-macos-sierra-features-you-need-to-know|title=10 hidden macOS Sierra features you need to know|first=Matt|last=Elliott|date=November 10, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218064552/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-hidden-macos-sierra-features-you-need-to-know|archive-date=February 18, 2017}}</ref> However, the service still exists.


===Reinstallation===
===Reinstallation===
Following the download of macOS Sierra (10.12) from the [[Mac App Store]], the installer does not show under a users' "Purchased" tab in the Mac App Store app. Users can still re-download the Sierra installer by visiting the macOS Sierra page on the Mac App Store.<ref name="Apple sierra reinstall 1">{{cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208202|title=How to download macOS Sierra|date=October 17, 2017|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107022446/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208202|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=live|access-date=November 1, 2017}}</ref>
Following the download of macOS Sierra (10.12) from the [[Mac App Store]], the installer does not show under a user's "Purchased" tab in the Mac App Store app. Users can still re-download the Sierra installer by visiting the macOS Sierra page on the Mac App Store.<ref name="Apple sierra reinstall 1">{{cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208202|title=How to download macOS Sierra|date=October 17, 2017|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107022446/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208202|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=November 1, 2017}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
macOS Sierra has received generally positive reviews. Users and critics have praised its functionality, including the addition of Siri and support for Apple Pay in Safari.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-macos-sierra-review|title=macOS Sierra review: Six big ways it's going to change your Apple experience|website=CNET|access-date=2017-01-14|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116185614/https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-macos-sierra-review|archive-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> [[Macworld]] gave it 4.5 stars out of 5.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3120857/macs/macos-sierra-review.html|title=macOS Sierra review: Mixing iOS with OS X to make a better Mac|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=2017-01-14|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116165107/http://www.macworld.com/article/3120857/macs/macos-sierra-review.html|archive-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> [[Engadget]] gave it a rating of 87 out of 100 praising the new features such as [[Siri]] integration, Universal Clipboard, and Apple Pay while criticizing the unreliability of Auto Unlock, that "Siri isn't always smart enough" and some of the Messages features are only available on iOS 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-review|title=macOS Sierra review: Mac users get a modest update this year|last=Wollman|first=Dana|date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218032632/https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-review|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=live|access-date=February 18, 2017}}</ref> Developers of apps that rely on the PDFKit library built into macOS have complained that radical changes to PDFKit introduced in Sierra are causing instability and potential data corruption.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tidbits.com/article/16966|title=Sierra PDF Problems Get Worse in 10.12.2|website=Tidbits|date=2 January 2017|access-date=2017-03-20|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233049/https://tidbits.com/article/16966|archive-date=2017-03-20}}</ref>
macOS Sierra has received generally positive reviews. Users and critics have praised its functionality, including the addition of Siri and support for Apple Pay in Safari.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-macos-sierra-review|title=macOS Sierra review: Six big ways it's going to change your Apple experience|website=CNET|access-date=January 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116185614/https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-macos-sierra-review|archive-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> [[Macworld]] gave it 4.5 stars out of 5.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3120857/macs/macos-sierra-review.html|title=macOS Sierra review: Mixing iOS with OS X to make a better Mac|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=January 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116165107/http://www.macworld.com/article/3120857/macs/macos-sierra-review.html|archive-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> [[Engadget]] gave it a rating of 87 out of 100 praising the new features such as [[Siri]] integration, Universal Clipboard, and Apple Pay while criticizing the unreliability of Auto Unlock, that "Siri isn't always smart enough", and that some of the Messages features are only available on iOS 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-review|title=macOS Sierra review: Mac users get a modest update this year|last=Wollman|first=Dana|date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218032632/https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-review|archive-date=February 18, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=February 18, 2017}}</ref> Developers of apps that rely on the PDFKit library built into macOS have complained that radical changes to PDFKit introduced in Sierra are causing instability and potential data corruption.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tidbits.com/article/16966|title=Sierra PDF Problems Get Worse in 10.12.2|website=Tidbits|date=January 2, 2017|access-date=March 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233049/https://tidbits.com/article/16966|archive-date=March 20, 2017}}</ref>


==Release history==
==Release history==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032643/http://www.apple.com/macos/sierra|date=August 30, 2017|title=macOS Sierra}} – official site
*{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032643/http://www.apple.com/macos/sierra|date=August 30, 2017|title=macOS 10.12 Sierra}} – official site
*[https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208202 macOS Sierra] download page at [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]
*[https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208202 macOS 10.12 Sierra] download page at [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]


{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
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[[Category:X86-64 operating systems]]
[[Category:X86-64 operating systems]]
[[Category:2016 software]]
[[Category:2016 software]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2016]]

Latest revision as of 15:21, 12 October 2024

"macOS 10.12" redirects here. For macOS 12, see macOS Monterey.

macOS Sierra
Version of the macOS operating system
macOS Sierra desktop
DeveloperApple Inc.
OS family
Source modelClosed, with open source components
General
availability		September 20, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-09-20)
Latest release10.12.6 (16G2136)[2] / September 26, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-09-26)
Update methodMac App Store
Platformsx86-64
Kernel typeHybrid (XNU)
LicenseAPSL and Apple EULA
Preceded byOS X El Capitan
Succeeded bymacOS High Sierra
Official websitemacOS - Apple at the Wayback Machine (archived August 30, 2017)
TaglineWhat can your Mac do now? Just ask.
Support status
Obsolete, unsupported as of September 2019. iTunes is no longer being updated, but is able to download driver updates to sync to newer devices.[3] Drops support for Macs released from mid 2007 to mid 2009.
Part of a series on
macOS
Features
Versions
Applications
Utilities
Related

macOS Sierra (version 10.12)[4] is the thirteenth major release of macOS (formerly known as OS X and Mac OS X), Apple Inc.'s desktop and server operating system for Macintosh computers. The name "macOS" stems from the intention to unify the operating system's name with that of iOS, watchOS and tvOS. Sierra is named after the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California and Nevada. Specifically, Lone Pine Peak is the location for macOS Sierra's default wallpaper.[5] Its major new features concern Continuity, iCloud, and windowing, as well as support for Apple Pay and Siri.

The first beta of macOS Sierra was released to developers shortly following the 2016 WWDC keynote on June 13, 2016. The first public-beta release followed on July 7, 2016. It was released to end users on September 20, 2016, as a free upgrade through the Mac App Store[6] and it was succeeded by macOS High Sierra on September 25, 2017.

System requirements

[edit]

macOS Sierra requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage space and is designed to run on the following products:[7]

Sierra dropped support for various Macs released from mid 2007 to mid 2009, the first version of macOS since OS X Mountain Lion, released in 2012, to do so.[8] Support for Xserve was also dropped in Sierra.

Workarounds for unsupported systems

[edit]

Developers have created workarounds to install macOS Sierra on some Mac computers that are no longer officially supported as long as they are packed with a CPU that supports SSE4.1.[9] This requires using a patch to modify the install image.[10]

Changes

[edit]

Default wallpaper

[edit]

The default desktop picture is an image of Lone Pine Peak.

System features

[edit]

Siri

[edit]
A demonstration of Siri on macOS Sierra Beta

The user can access the Siri intelligent assistant via the Dock, the menu bar or a keyboard shortcut and results are shown in a window in the upper-right corner.[11] Siri can send messages, search the web, find files and adjust settings. Results can be dropped into other applications or pinned to Notification Center.[11] For instance, pictures from search results can be dragged into a document.

iCloud Drive and Optimized Storage

[edit]
This image shows what the Optimized Storage suggestions are.

iCloud Drive can upload the user's documents and desktop directories and sync them to other devices. The System Information application has a new section that gives the user detailed information about space usage per application or file and provides tools and suggestions for freeing up space. For instance, the user can let the system upload old files to iCloud Drive and remove their local copies, keeping them available on-demand in Finder. It can also remove old files from trash automatically. iTunes can delete watched, purchased films and TV programs from its library.[12][13]

Auto Unlock and Universal Clipboard

[edit]

Building upon Continuity, an "umbrella term [for] features that facilitate the communication between [Apple devices]" using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, Sierra adds two features.[12] With Auto Unlock, the user can unlock their user account by holding a paired Apple Watch close to the device. Time of flight is used to prevent relay attacks. Auto Unlock requires a Mac that was introduced in 2013 or later. With Universal Clipboard, the user can share the clipboard for cut, copy and paste between macOS Sierra and iOS 10 devices, including text and rich content, such as pictures or videos.

Tabs and Picture-in-Picture

[edit]

Applications that support multiple windows can support multiple tabs within a single window, allowing the user to keep windows organized similarly to Safari.[14] With Picture-in-Picture, videos can be played in a window that follows the user across the system.[15]

Apple File System

[edit]

Apple released a preview of a new file system in Sierra, called Apple File System (APFS), to overcome the limitations of HFS Plus. APFS is intended for solid-state drives and flash memory and adopts several features found in modern file systems, such as snapshots and cloning, as well as native support for features that Apple already provides in HFS Plus through supplementary software, such as file-system encryption and TRIM support. The file system was released in macOS High Sierra.[16]

Night Shift

[edit]
See also: Night Shift (software)

Night Shift is new in macOS 10.12.4, with the same functionality as its iOS counterpart. Night Shift reduces blue light at night to aid sleep. This can be scheduled in the System Preferences app (in the Displays menu) and can be toggled on or off in the Notification Center or using Siri.[17]

Since this feature relies on the Metal framework,[citation needed] Night Shift is not available on all systems that support macOS Sierra.[18]

Application features

[edit]

Photos

[edit]

Apple says it has improved the face recognition of the Photos application, adding object and scene recognition. It groups similar pictures together using faces, locations and object recognition to create "memories". Memories contain picture slideshows with transitions and music selected by the algorithm, which can be modified to the user's liking. The "People" album organizes photos by the people in them, and Places shows all photos on a world map.

Safari and Apple Pay

[edit]

Safari provides an "extension point" which enables developers to bundle Safari extensions within their Cocoa applications and communicate with them directly from the applications.[19] Safari conceals the presence of installed "legacy" plug-ins, such as Adobe Flash Player, Java applets, Microsoft Silverlight, and QuickTime – from websites and requires the user to enable a specific plug-in on a per-use or per-website basis.[12]

Apple Pay allows vendors to embed an Apple Pay button on their websites. In Safari, users can click the Apple Pay button to check out, then complete a purchase using an iPhone or Apple Watch. Apple Pay requires a Mac that supports Continuity (2012 or later models) and either an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3.

Messages

[edit]

The Messages app adds aesthetic effects to messages, such as three times bigger emojis and click back with hearts or thumbs-up on a message bubble.[20] The ability to play YouTube videos and preview links in a conversation was introduced.[21] Users can view interactive content added to iMessage in iOS 10. The app also allows you to turn on or off read receipts on a conversation by conversation basis.[22][23]

iTunes

[edit]

Apple Music within iTunes has been redesigned, making it simpler to find favorite songs and discover new ones. A new "For You" tab has been added, which suggests new music the user might like (similar to the existing Genius).[citation needed] A refined MiniPlayer with the ability to view lyrics while listening has also been introduced.[24]

Notes

[edit]

The Notes app allows the user to share and collaborate on notes. This is done by clicking on a share button at the top of the window.[24]

Other changes

[edit]
  • Disk Utility regains the ability to format and manage RAID sets, after it was removed in El Capitan.[12][25]
  • Finder has an option to show folders always at the top of the view hierarchy, for instance in list views.[12]
  • Mail adds a control to the top of email lists to quickly filter them, for instance, by read status or the presence of attachments.[12]
  • 13 & 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros now default to integer scaled over nearest-neighbor scaled resolutions to fit more content.

Security improvements

[edit]

Gatekeeper

[edit]

macOS Sierra slightly changes the Gatekeeper user interface and adds two new mechanisms. A new default in System Preferences hides the "Anywhere" option which allows the user to disable the mechanism and execute programs from any source without needing to approve each new one individually.

The first new mechanism allows developers to code-sign disk images that can be verified as a unit by the system. This allows developers to guarantee the integrity of external files that are distributed alongside the application bundle on the same disk image. An attacker could infect these external files with malicious code and with them exploit a vulnerability in the application, without having to break the signature of the application bundle itself. By signing the disk image, the developer can prevent tampering and force an attacker to repackage the files onto a new disk image, requiring a valid developer certificate to pass Gatekeeper without a warning.[26]

The second new mechanism is "path randomization", which executes application bundles from a random, hidden path and prevents them from accessing external files relative to their location. To avoid this, the developer has to distribute the application bundle and its external files on a signed disk image or in a signed installer package. The user can avoid this mechanism by moving the application bundle without its external files to a new location.[26]

Directory permissions and sudo

[edit]

The Unix permissions for writing to the /Volumes directory are now restricted to root and no longer "world-writable".[27] Apple expanded System Integrity Protection to /Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC,[28] a directory that contains a list of applications that are allowed to "control the computer", and restricts write access to programs which were signed with an Apple "private entitlement". The file-hosting service Dropbox has been criticized for manipulating the directory to add their Dropbox application to the list, rather than asking the user to do it for them explicitly in System Preferences.[29]

The sudo command-line utility with which a user can execute a command as another user, typically as root, is configured with the "tty_tickets" flag by default, restricting the session timeout to the terminal session (such as a window or tab) in which the user authenticated the program.[30]

Removed functionality

[edit]

Sierra removes support for garbage collection from the Objective-C runtime,[31] a memory-management system that was added in Mac OS X Leopard (version 10.5) and declared deprecated in favor of Automatic Reference Counting in OS X Mountain Lion (version 10.8).[32][33] Applications that have been compiled with garbage collection will no longer run.

Apple removed native support for the VPN protocol PPTP and made recommendations for alternatives that it considers more secure.[34]

The battery's "time remaining" estimate was removed in the 10.12.2 update after complaints of the battery life of 2016 MacBook Pros.[35][36][37]

The Game Center app has been removed.[24] However, the service still exists.

Reinstallation

[edit]

Following the download of macOS Sierra (10.12) from the Mac App Store, the installer does not show under a user's "Purchased" tab in the Mac App Store app. Users can still re-download the Sierra installer by visiting the macOS Sierra page on the Mac App Store.[38]

Reception

[edit]

macOS Sierra has received generally positive reviews. Users and critics have praised its functionality, including the addition of Siri and support for Apple Pay in Safari.[39] Macworld gave it 4.5 stars out of 5.[40] Engadget gave it a rating of 87 out of 100 praising the new features such as Siri integration, Universal Clipboard, and Apple Pay while criticizing the unreliability of Auto Unlock, that "Siri isn't always smart enough", and that some of the Messages features are only available on iOS 10.[41] Developers of apps that rely on the PDFKit library built into macOS have complained that radical changes to PDFKit introduced in Sierra are causing instability and potential data corruption.[42]

Release history

[edit]
Version Build Release date Darwin version Release notes Standalone download
10.12 16A323 September 20, 2016 16.0.0 Original Mac App Store release —
10.12.1 16B2555 October 24, 2016 16.1.0 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.1 Update macOS Sierra 10.12.1 Update
16B2657 October 27, 2016
10.12.2 16C67 December 13, 2016 16.3.0 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Update macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Update
macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Combo Update
16C68 December 14, 2016
10.12.3 16D32 January 23, 2017 16.4.0 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Update macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Update
macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Combo Update
10.12.4 16E195 March 27, 2017 16.5.0 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Update macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Update
macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Combo Update
10.12.5 16F73 May 15, 2017 16.6.0 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Update macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Update
macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Combo Update
16F2073 June 5, 2017
10.12.6 16G29 July 19, 2017 16.7.0 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Update macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Update
macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Combo Update
16G1036 October 31, 2017 About the security content of Security Update 2017-001 Sierra Security Update 2017-001 Sierra
16G1114 December 6, 2017 About the security content of Security Update 2017-002 Sierra Security Update 2017-002 Sierra
16G1212 January 23, 2018 About the security content of Security Update 2018-001 Sierra Security Update 2018-001 Sierra
16G1314 March 29, 2018 About the security content of Security Update 2018-002 Sierra Security Update 2018-002 Sierra
16G1408 June 1, 2018 About the security content of Security Update 2018-003 Sierra Security Update 2018-003 Sierra
16G1510 July 9, 2018 About the security content of Security Update 2018-004 Sierra Security Update 2018-004 Sierra
16G1618 October 30, 2018 About the security content of Security Update 2018-005 Sierra Security Update 2018-005 Sierra
16G1710 December 5, 2018 About the security content of Security Update 2018-006 Sierra Security Update 2018-006 Sierra
16G1815 January 22, 2019 About the security content of Security Update 2019-001 Sierra Security Update 2019-001 Sierra
16G1917 March 25, 2019 About the security content of Security Update 2019-002 Sierra Security Update 2019-002 Sierra
16G1918 March 29, 2019 About the security content of Security Update 2019-002 Sierra Security Update 2019-002 Sierra
16G2016 May 14, 2019 About the security content of Security Update 2019-003 Sierra Security Update 2019-003 Sierra
16G2127 July 22, 2019 About the security content of Security Update 2019-004 Sierra Security Update 2019-004 Sierra
16G2128 July 29, 2019 About the security content of Security Update 2019-004 Sierra Security Update 2019-004 Sierra
16G2136 September 26, 2019 About the security content of Security Update 2019-005 Sierra Security Update 2019-005 Sierra

Timeline of Mac operating systems

[edit]
Timeline of Mac operating systems
ARM architecture familyx86PowerPC68kMacBook Air (Apple silicon)iMac ProRetina MacBook ProMacBook AirApple–Intel architecturePower Mac G5Power Mac G4iMac G3Power MacintoshMacintosh QuadraMacintosh PortableMacintosh SE/30Macintosh IIMacintosh PlusMacintosh 128KmacOS SequoiamacOS SonomamacOS VenturamacOS MontereymacOS Big SurmacOS CatalinamacOS MojavemacOS High SierramacOS SierraOS X El CapitanOS X YosemiteOS X MavericksOS X Mountain LionMac OS X LionMac OS X Snow LeopardMac OS X LeopardMac OS X TigerMac OS X PantherMac OS X 10.2Mac OS X 10.1Mac OS X 10.0Mac OS X Server 1.0Mac OS X Public BetaA/UXA/UXA/UXMacWorks XLMacWorks XLSun RemarketingMacWorks XLMac OS 9Mac OS 9Mac OS 9Mac OS 8Mac OS 8Mac OS 8Mac OS 8System 7System 7System 7System 7System 6Classic Mac OSClassic Mac OSClassic Mac OSClassic Mac OSSystem 1Finder (software)Finder (software)Finder (software)Finder (software)Finder (software)Finder (software)Finder (software)

References

[edit]
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[edit]
Preceded by macOS 10.12 (Sierra)
09/2016 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=MacOS_Sierra&oldid=1250794195"