macOSX High Sierra 10.13

macOS High Sierra 10.13: Peak Performance

Released on September 25, 2017, macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) followed the "High" naming tradition, signaling a focus on deep technical refinements over flashy visual changes. While it looked nearly identical to its predecessor, it introduced a new foundation for storage and media that still powers the modern Mac experience.

The New Apple File System (APFS)

The most significant change in 10.13 was the switch to APFS.

• Instant Cloning: Tasks like copying a large folder became nearly instantaneous.

• Modern Security: Built-in encryption and crash protection ensured your data was safer than ever.

• Storage Efficiency: Optimized for modern SSDs, it made your Mac feel faster and more responsive.

High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)

High Sierra introduced support for H.265 (HEVC). This standard allowed for high-quality video playback and streaming while using up to 40% less storage space than previous formats, a massive win for users with limited disk space on Chasms.com.

Graphics and Metal 2

• Metal 2: Apple’s graphics technology received a major boost, enabling external GPU (eGPU) support and making the Mac ready for VR (Virtual Reality) content creation.

• Photos Overhaul: The Photos app gained a persistent sidebar and advanced editing tools like "Curves" and "Selective Color," moving it closer to a professional editor.

Smarter Safari

Safari in 10.13 focused on user privacy and peace of mind:

• Autoplay Blocking: Finally, Safari could stop those annoying videos that played automatically when you landed on a website.

• Intelligent Tracking Prevention: It used machine learning to identify and remove tracking data used by advertisers, keeping your browsing habits private.