Following the opening of the WWDC 2019, the next major update of macOS is now official and it is called Catalina. Like we had predicted, Apple announced the new macOS, with an array of new and simplified apps designed to replace the now dead iTunes.
The Catalina replaces iTunes with Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV to precisely “improve the way Mac users discover and enjoy their favourite music, TV shows, movies and podcasts.”
The Apple Music app for Mac has been made faster, with more fun and easier to use to help users discover great new music and allow them access to their entire music library – whether downloaded, purchased or ripped from a CD.
The Apple TV app for Mac features Apple TV channels, personalised recommendations and numerous movies and TV shows to browse, buy or rent. It features a Watch Now section which includes Up Next, where viewers can keep track of what they are currently watching and resume on any screen.
The Apple Podcasts app for Mac is to offer hundreds of thousands of shows in its catalog with the option to automatically be notified of new episodes as soon as they become available. Apple has added new categories, curated collections by editors around the world and advanced search tools that can find episodes by host, guest or even discussion topic.
Mirror the iPad on MacBook, use your voice
Apple is adding a new feature called Sidecar to the MacBook, as part of macOS Catalina, which will allow for the use of an iPad as a second screen for your MacBook. This way, the iPad can also be used as a tablet input for your Mac.
The new macOS is also coming with a full Voice Control feature, with everything in the OS now fully controllable using voice. The update does not leave behind other apps such as Photos, Notes, Reminders, Safari, as well as Screen Time support.
We expect macOS Catalina to ship at the close of the year, bu the first beta is already available.
