Examine individual changes

'{{lowercase title}} {{Infobox OS version | Logo = macOS 10.12 Sierra | Name = macOS Sierra wordmark.svg | logo alt = | screenshot = MacOS Sierra Desktop.png | caption = macOS Sierra desktop | screenshot_size = 340px | screenshot_alt = | collapsible = | version of = [[macOS]] | developer = [[Apple Inc.]] | family = {{flat list| * [[Macintosh operating systems|Macintosh]] * [[Unix]]<ref name=sierra_unix_cert>{{cite web| url=http://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3627.htm| title=macOS version 10.12 Sierra on Intel-based Mac computers| publisher=The Open Group| accessdate=September 29, 2016| url-status=live| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002105135/http://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3627.htm| archivedate=October 2, 2016}}</ref> }} | working state = | source model = [[Closed source|Closed]], with [[open-source software|open source]] components | released = {{Start date and age|2016|9|20}} | discontinued = | RTM date = | GA date = | latest release version = 10.12.6 (16G2136)<ref>{{cite web|title=About the security content of macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update 2, Security Update 2019-005 High Sierra, and Security Update 2019-005 Sierra|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210589|website=Apple Support|date=September 26, 2019 |access-date=September 26, 2019}}</ref> | latest release date = {{Start date and age|2019|9|26}} | latest preview version = | latest preview date = | marketing target = | programmed in = | language = | update model = [[Mac App Store]] | package manager = | supported platforms = [[x86-64]] | kernel type = [[Hybrid kernel|Hybrid]] ([[XNU]]) | userland = | ui = | license = [[Apple Public Source License|APSL]] and Apple [[Software license agreement|EULA]] | preceded by = [[OS X El Capitan|OS X 10.11 El Capitan]] | succeeded by = [[macOS High Sierra|macOS 10.13 High Sierra]] | website = {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032643/www.apple.com/macos/sierra/ |date=August 30, 2017 |title=macOS - Apple }} | support status = Unsupported. Extended support ended in October 2019 and iTunes ends in August 2020. | other articles = }} {{macOS topics}} '''macOS Sierra''' (version 10.12)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/download/|website=Apple Developer|accessdate=16 June 2016|title=Download - Apple Developer}}</ref> is the thirteenth [[software versioning|major release]] of [[macOS]] (previously {{Nowrap|Mac OS X}} from 2001 to 2012 and {{Nowrap|OS X}} from 2012 to 2016), [[Apple Inc.]]'s desktop and [[server (computing)|server]] operating system for [[Macintosh]]. It was the first version of the operating system issued under the June 2016 rebranding as macOS. Sierra is named after the [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|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 |archiveurl=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 |archivedate=15 July 2016 }}</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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908200817/https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/07/wip-macos-sierra-will-be-released-on-september-20/|archivedate=8 September 2016}}</ref> and it was succeeded by [[macOS High Sierra]] on September 25, 2017. == System requirements == macOS Sierra requires at least 2 [[Gigabyte|GB]] of [[Random-access memory|RAM]] and 8 GB of storage space and will run on:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/ht201475|title=How to get macOS Sierra|website=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]|access-date=September 23, 2016}}</ref> * [[iMac (Intel-based)#Unibody iMac|iMac]]: Late 2009 or newer * [[MacBook]] and [[MacBook (12-inch)|MacBook 12-inch]]: Late 2009 or newer * [[MacBook Pro]]: Mid 2010 or newer * [[MacBook Air]]: Late 2010 or newer * [[Mac Mini]]: Mid 2010 or newer * [[Mac Pro]]: Mid 2010 or newer * [[Xserve]] is no longer compatible. Sierra is the first version of macOS since [[OS X 10.8|OS X Mountain Lion]], released in 2012, that does not run on all computers that the previous version supported.<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 | accessdate=16 June 2016 | author=Elliott, Matt | url-status=live | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616095526/http://www.cnet.com/how-to/see-which-macs-will-and-wont-work-with-macos/ | archivedate=16 June 2016 }}</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|access-date=2016-06-22|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616134930/http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-10-12-sierra-unsupported-macs-thread.1977128/|archivedate=2016-06-16}}</ref> It is possible to install Sierra on many older Macintosh computers that are not officially supported by Apple. This requires using a patch to modify the install image.<ref>[http://dosdude1.com/sierrapatch.html macOS Sierra Patcher Tool for Unsupported Macs]</ref> == Changes == The default desktop picture is an image of [[Lone Pine Peak]]. === System features === ==== Siri ==== [[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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005925/http://www.macworld.com/article/3088224/macs/how-to-use-siri-on-macos-sierra.html|archivedate=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. ==== iCloud Drive and Optimized Storage ==== [[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|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|last2=Hutchinson|first2=Lee|date=September 20, 2016|website=[[Ars Technica|Ars Technica UK]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925224854/http://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2016/09/macos-10-12-sierra-review-os-x/|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064701/http://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-optimize-storage/|archivedate=2016-11-26}}</ref> ==== Auto Unlock and Universal Clipboard ==== Building upon Continuity, an "umbrella term [for] features that facilitate the communication between [Apple devices]" using [[Bluetooth]] and [[Wi-Fi]], Sierra adds two features.<ref name=":0" /> 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 attack]]s. Auto Unlock requires a Mac that was introduced in 2013 or later. With Universal Clipboard, the user can share the [[Clipboard (computing)|clipboard]] for [[Cut, copy, and paste|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 ==== 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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070823/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-tabbed-windows/|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070739/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/20/macos-sierra-picture-in-picture-safari-itunes/|archivedate=2018-01-26}}</ref> ==== 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/|accessdate=10 May 2018|work=The Mac Observer|date=4 October 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511013037/https://www.macobserver.com/news/macos-high-sierra-youll-hardly-notice-youve-upgraded/|archivedate=11 May 2018}}</ref> ==== Night Shift ==== {{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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401060730/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/03/27/apple-releases-macos-sierra-10-12-4/|archivedate=2017-04-01}}</ref> Since this feature relies on the Metal framework,{{cn|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}}</ref> === Application features === ==== Photos ==== Apple says it has improved the face recognition of the [[Photos (Apple)|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 ==== Safari provides an "extension point" which enables developers to bundle Safari extensions within their [[Cocoa (API)|Cocoa]] applications and communicate with them directly from the applications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/content/documentation/NetworkingInternetWeb/Conceptual/SafariAppExtension_PG/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40017319|title=Safari App Extension Programming Guide: Safari App Extensions|website=[[Apple Developer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708223436/https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/content/documentation/NetworkingInternetWeb/Conceptual/SafariAppExtension_PG/index.html|archive-date=July 8, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Safari conceals the presence of installed "legacy" [[Plug-in (computing)|plug-ins]], such as [[Adobe Flash Player]], [[Java applet]]s, [[Microsoft Silverlight]], and [[QuickTime]] – from websites and requires the user to enable a specific plug-in on a per-use or per-website basis.<ref name=":0" /> [[Apple Pay]] allows vendors to embed an Apple Pay button on their [[Online shopping|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 ==== 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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053103/http://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-effects-macos-sierra|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160452/http://www.imore.com/10-tiny-features-i-love-about-macos-sierra|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230230646/http://www.macworld.com/article/3122961/macs/7-hidden-features-in-macos-sierra-you-may-have-missed.html|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160211/https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/imessage-read-receipts-iphone-mac/|archivedate=2016-12-30}}</ref> ==== iTunes ==== [[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|date=March 2017}} A refined MiniPlayer with the ability to view [[lyrics]] while listening has also been introduced.<ref name=":2" /> ==== Notes ==== The [[Notes (software)|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.<ref name=":2" /> ==== 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|archiveurl=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|archivedate=2017-01-08}}</ref> * 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" /> === Security improvements === ==== Gatekeeper ==== macOS Sierra slightly changes the [[Gatekeeper (macOS)|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 signing|code-sign]] [[disk image]]s 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 [[Bundle (macOS)|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.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2016/06/ios-10-macos-sierra-changes-raw-shooting-gatekeeper/|title=Some nerdy changes in macOS and iOS 10: RAW shooting, a harsher Gatekeeper, more|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|date=June 15, 2016|website=[[Ars Technica|Ars Technica UK]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616184734/http://arstechnica.co.uk/apple/2016/06/ios-10-macos-sierra-changes-raw-shooting-gatekeeper/|archive-date=June 16, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 17, 2016}}</ref> The second new mechanism is "path randomization", which executes [[Bundle (OS X)|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 [[Package (macOS)|installer package]]. The user can avoid this mechanism by moving the application bundle without its external files to a new location.<ref name=":1" /> ==== 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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008083553/https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/macos-sierras-volumes-folder-is-no-longer-world-writable/|archivedate=October 8, 2016}}</ref> Apple expanded [[System Integrity Protection]] to <tt>/Library/Application Support/com.apple.TCC</tt>,<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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001190246/http://daringfireball.net/linked/2016/09/20/dropbox-macos-security|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002054319/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/09/13/dropbox_mac_security/|archivedate=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|archiveurl=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/|archivedate=October 8, 2016}}</ref> === Removed functionality === Sierra removes support for [[Garbage collection (computer science)|garbage collection]] from the [[Objective-C]] [[Interpreter (computing)|runtime]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/releasenotes/DeveloperTools/RN-Xcode/Chapters/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40001051|title=Xcode Release Notes|at=Section "Xcode 8.3"|quote=OS X 10.11 was the last major release of macOS that supported the previously deprecated garbage collection runtime. Applications or features that depend upon garbage collection may not function properly or will not launch in macOS Sierra. Developers should use Automatic Reference Counting (ARC) or manual retain/release for memory management instead. (20589595)|date=May 29, 2018|website=Apple Developer|access-date=June 9, 2018}}</ref> a [[Memory management|memory-management]] system that was added in [[Mac OS X Leopard]] (version 10.5) and declared [[Deprecation|deprecated]] in favor of [[Automatic Reference Counting]] in [[OS X Mountain Lion]] (version 10.8). <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/2007/10/mac-os-x-10-5/11/|title=Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: the Ars Technica review|last=Siracusa|first=John|date=October 29, 2007|website=Ars Technica|at=At section "Objective-C 2.0"|access-date=November 17, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117211233/http://arstechnica.com/apple/2007/10/mac-os-x-10-5/11/|archivedate=November 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/07/os-x-10-8/17/#objective-c-enhancements|title=OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion: the Ars Technica review|last=Siracusa|first=John|date=July 25, 2012|at=At section "Objective-C enhancements"|access-date=November 17, 2016|work=Ars Technica|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117211236/http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/07/os-x-10-8/17/#objective-c-enhancements|archivedate=November 17, 2016}}</ref> Applications that have been compiled with garbage collection will no longer run. 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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093712/https://9to5mac.com/2016/12/13/why-apple-is-removing-time-remaining-battery-life-estimates-macbook-pro/|archivedate=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|access-date=2017-01-07|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105052303/http://mashable.com/2016/12/14/macos-sierra-battery-time-remaining-removed/|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093929/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13939278/apple-macos-sierra-new-macbook-pros-battery-life|archivedate=2017-01-08}}</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 |author=Matt Elliott |date=November 10, 2016 |accessdate=2018-06-09 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218064552/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-hidden-macos-sierra-features-you-need-to-know/ |archivedate=2017-02-18 }}</ref> However, the service still exists. === 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|accessdate=November 1, 2017}}</ref> == 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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116185614/https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-macos-sierra-review/|archivedate=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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116165107/http://www.macworld.com/article/3120857/macs/macos-sierra-review.html|archivedate=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|access-date=2017-03-20|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233049/https://tidbits.com/article/16966|archivedate=2017-03-20}}</ref> == Release history == {| class="wikitable" |- | style="background:#ff0000;"| | Unsupported |} {| class="wikitable" |- ! Version ! Build ! style="width: 128px;" |Release date ! [[Darwin (operating system)|Darwin]] ! Notes ! Standalone download |- ! style="background:#ff0000;" | 10.12 | 16A323 | September 20, 2016 | 16.0.0 | Original Mac App Store release | {{n/a}} |- ! style= "background:#ff0000;" rowspan="2" | 10.12.1 | 16B2555 | October 24, 2016 | rowspan="2" | 16.1.0 | rowspan="2" | [https://support.apple.com/HT206174 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.1 Update] | rowspan="2" | [https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1897 macOS Sierra 10.12.1 Update] |- | 16B2657 | October 27, 2016 |- ! style= "background:#ff0000;" rowspan="2" | 10.12.2 | 16C67 | December 13, 2016 | rowspan="2" | 16.3.0 | rowspan="2" | [https://support.apple.com/HT207307 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Update] | rowspan="2" | [https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1899 macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Update]<br/>[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1900 macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Combo Update] |- | 16C68 | December 14, 2016 |- ! style= "background:#ff0000;"| 10.12.3 | 16D32 | January 23, 2017 | 16.4.0 | [https://support.apple.com/HT207462 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Update] | [https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1906 macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Update]<br/>[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1905 macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Combo Update] |- ! style= "background:#ff0000;"| 10.12.4 | 16E195 | March 27, 2017 | 16.5.0 | [https://support.apple.com/HT207536 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Update] | [https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1911 macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Update]<br/>[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1910 macOS Sierra 10.12.4 Combo Update] |- ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ff0000;" |10.12.5 |16F73 |May 15, 2017 | rowspan="2" |16.6.0 | rowspan="2" |[https://support.apple.com/HT207706 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Update] | rowspan="2" |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1917 macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Update]<br/>[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1918 macOS Sierra 10.12.5 Combo Update] |- |16F2073 |June 5, 2017 |- ! rowspan="16" style="background:#ff0000;" |10.12.6 |16G29 |July 19, 2017 | rowspan="16" |16.7.0 | [https://support.apple.com/HT207835 About the macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Update] | [https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1930 macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Update]<br/>[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1931 macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Combo Update] |- |16G1036 |October 31, 2017 |[https://support.apple.com/HT208221 About the security content of Security Update 2017-001 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1940 Security Update 2017-001 Sierra] |- |16G1114 |December 6, 2017 |[https://support.apple.com/HT208331 About the security content of Security Update 2017-002 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1940 Security Update 2017-002 Sierra] |- |16G1212 |January 23, 2018 |[https://support.apple.com/HT208465 About the security content of Security Update 2018-001 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1956 Security Update 2018-001 Sierra] |- |16G1314 |March 29, 2018 |[https://support.apple.com/HT208692 About the security content of Security Update 2018-002 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1960 Security Update 2018-002 Sierra] |- |16G1408 |June 1, 2018 |[https://support.apple.com/HT208849 About the security content of Security Update 2018-003 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1968 Security Update 2018-003 Sierra] |- |16G1510 |July 9, 2018 |[https://support.apple.com/HT208937 About the security content of Security Update 2018-004 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1971 Security Update 2018-004 Sierra] |- |16G1618 |October 30, 2018 |[https://support.apple.com/HT209193 About the security content of Security Update 2018-005 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1980 Security Update 2018-005 Sierra] |- |16G1710 |December 5, 2018 |[https://support.apple.com/HT209341 About the security content of Security Update 2018-006 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1985 Security Update 2018-006 Sierra] |- |16G1815 |January 22, 2019 |[https://support.apple.com/HT209446 About the security content of Security Update 2019-001 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1990 Security Update 2019-001 Sierra] |- |16G1917 |March 25, 2019 |[https://support.apple.com/HT209600 About the security content of Security Update 2019-002 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1995 Security Update 2019-002 Sierra] |- |16G1918 |March 29, 2019 |[https://support.apple.com/HT209635 About the security content of Security Update 2019-002 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1995 Security Update 2019-002 Sierra] |- |16G2016 |May 14, 2019 |[https://support.apple.com/HT210119 About the security content of Security Update 2019-003 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2003 Security Update 2019-003 Sierra] |- |<s>16G2127</s> |July 22, 2019 |[https://support.apple.com/HT210348 About the security content of Security Update 2019-004 Sierra] |<s>[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2013 Security Update 2019-004 Sierra]</s> |- |16G2128 |July 29, 2019 |[https://support.apple.com/HT210348 About the security content of Security Update 2019-004 Sierra] |<s>[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2013 Security Update 2019-004 Sierra]</s> |- |16G2136 |September 26, 2019 |[https://support.apple.com/HT210589 About the security content of Security Update 2019-005 Sierra] |[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2013 Security Update 2019-005 Sierra] |} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032643/http://www.apple.com/macos/sierra |date=August 30, 2017 |title=Official website}} {{S-start}} {{S-bef|before=[[OS X El Capitan|OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)]]}} {{S-ttl|title=macOS 10.12 (Sierra)|years=09/2016}} {{S-aft|after=[[macOS High Sierra|macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)]]}} {{s-end}} {{macOS}} {{Apple Inc. operating systems}} {{Apple Inc.}} [[Category:MacOS versions|12]] [[Category:X86-64 operating systems]] [[Category:2016 software]] [[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2016]]'