macOS Sierra: Apple unveils new desktop OS featuring Siri, Apple Pay, Universal Clipboard and more

As expected Apple introduced its new desktop operating system for its Mac lineup dubbed macOS Sierra at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference that took place in San Francisco. A key highlight of the new macOs features, which has been rumoured so far, is Siri integration.

For developers, who wish to taste the pre-release Sierra software, Apple has rolled out a developer preview version of the software to Apple Developer Program members. In addition to that a public beta version would be available starting July, for which you need to sign up for the macOS Sierra Beta Program. The final version of the update is expected sometime this fall, the same time when Apple will seed the iOS 10 mobile operating system.

All the features of Siri that you have already enjoyed on other platforms, such as watchOS, tvOS and iOS, are now available for Mac along with some new capabilities designed for the desktop. With Siri, you can search for information, find files and send messages from your Mac.

Any file that is on your desktop and in the Document folder on you Mac will automatically get stored in the iCloud drive. This lets you access your documents on your iPhone and iPad and even on another Mac, in which the files are automatically saved in the desktop and in a document folder.

Another key element in Sierra is that you can have access to the content in your clipboard across all devices via iCloud. You can easily copy and paste text, images, photos and videos between Mac and your other iOS devices.

The tabs feature in Safari is now available for the apps on Mac that supports multiple windows such as Maps, Mail, Pages, Numbers, keynote, TextEdit and other third party apps. Additionally, the Picture in Picture feature that we saw in iOS 9.3 is now available in Sierra and lets you float videos from Safari or iTunes in a Window on your desktop, while you are on something else.

The Apple mobile payment system is now on Mac through Sierra. You can now pay on the web for the shopping you do using Apple Pay in Safari. All you need to do is complete your purchase with Touch ID on your iPhone or through Apple Watch.

Additional macOS features

Another feature is the Auto Unlocked that lets Apple watch owners access their locked Mac by simply walking up to the Mac.

The optimised storage feature frees up space when your Mac is full with infrequently used items and reminds you to delete used app installers and clear duplicate downloads, cache, logs and more.

The improved Messages app now allows you to preview web links and watch video clips within the app, post reactions like heart, thumbs up and more.

Finally, the redesigned Apple Music version available in iTunes helps you find new music and playlists. The browse section lets you see what is available on Apple Music such as exclusives, new releases to playlists and top charts.