macOS 10.15 Catalina - Information about the Mac operating system 2019/20

At the keynote at the opening of Apple WWDC 2019, the technology giant from Cupertino has its new Mac operating system macOS 10.15 Catalina presented. With the name one says goodbye not only to the mountains (El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra) and the desert (Mojave), but completely to the mainland. So off the coast of California you will anchor at Santa Catalina Island from autumn 2019 (Wikipedia). What this means for the Mac, iMac and MacBook, what new features and changes there will be and what else you should know, I have summarized for you in the following. There are also innovations that the developers among you should address;)

Event summary: Report on the WWDC Keynote from Monday

iTunes is divided into: Music, Podcasts, TV and Finder

As previously announced or leaked by some media, with macOS 10.15 Catalina the iTunes Split app. Instead of packing even more content into the former "Rip, Mix and Burn" software of the Mac, Apple is thinning it out. The individual functions are divided as follows:

  • Apple Music - Play, buy and stream music
  • Apple podcasts - Play, download and stream podcast content
  • Apple TV - App for channels, series, films and multimedia content purchased in iTunes
  • MacOS Finder - Is responsible for iPhone synchronization from macOS 10.15 onwards
There are numerous innovations in Apple's macOS 10.15 Catalina as the operating system for Apple Mac, iMac and MacBook. Among other things, the iTunes functions are divided.
There are numerous innovations in Apple's macOS 10.15 Catalina as the operating system for Apple Mac, iMac and MacBook. Among other things, the iTunes functions are divided.

Operating aids and extensions: SideCar, Voice Control, FindMy, etc.

Also to Sidecar There were one or two leaks in advance, which were completely confirmed at the WWDC 2019 keynote: the iPad can be used as a second screen via cable or wirelessly and as a graphics tablet on the Mac with Apple Pencil. Especially on the go, the MacBook should help users to stay creative and productive. 

There is also more productivity and, for the first time, access to the use of Mac and iPhone Voice Control. Voice control of Apple devices is intended especially for physically handicapped people. In addition to commands for opening programs and files as well as for writing texts, messages and e-mails, there is also a number display to precisely select buttons, menu items and the like. A feature with which Apple has lagged behind Microsoft's Windows for many years. The innovation: in addition to the Mac, the operating help can also be used on the iPhone.

With FindMy Another leak is confirmed: namely that Find My Friends and Find My iPhone will be merged. But that's not all. For stolen or lost MacBooks (with T2 chip) in sleep mode, there are better ways to find them from macOS 10.15 onwards. Because they send out a signal via Bluetooth that is forwarded (anonymized and encrypted) by surrounding Apple devices such as iPhones and MacBooks. In this way, the MacBook can also be located without WLAN and without active operation.

This comes from the iPhone with iOS Screen time- or. Screen time-Feature on the Mac. After News, Home and Co., this is a further approximation of the mobile operating system and macOS. With the Screen Time app, users on the Apple computer can see how long they have used which applications and thus determine whether and how long they were productive or simply wasted time.

Project Catalyst - create macOS apps from iPad apps in just a few steps

There was great approval among the live viewers of the Apple WWDC 2019 Keynote when the Project Catalyst was presented. This is because apps designed for the iPad can be implemented for the Mac in just a few steps. Certainly there are currently numerous workshops and lectures in the context of Apple's World Wide Developers Conference in San Jose, which is still ongoing.

Thanks to Project Catalyst, you no longer need your own macOS development team, which should benefit young companies in particular. Adjustments for the control with mouse, keyboard, trackpad, etc. can be implemented quickly. As a testimonial, Robert Chatfield from Atlassian spoke about creating the Jira Cloud app within a few days. During the demonstration it was shown that theoretically you only have to tick “Mac” in Xcode to add those for “iPhone” and “iPad” and thus create a third app. 

More information and details about Project Catalyst: Apple's developer page

SwiftUI - New framework for Swift programming

With Swift, Apple launched a new programming language a few years ago that was based on old frameworks from the C era. With the SwiftUI Apple, according to its own statements, has now initiated a paradigm shift. Because now programs can be designed directly in the preview; Elements, texts and images brought in via drag and drop are converted directly into code. Conversely, code is converted to preview in real time. 

In addition, much less code is required for programs, so that writing is faster and easier. A live demo was presented on stage by Josh Shaffer, Apple Software Engineer. It was also shown that live tests can also be carried out in real time on the connected iPhone or iPad. In conjunction with Project Catalyst, SwiftUI is a good step for Apple to support developers - especially beginners and young teams. In addition, more people can become enthusiastic about programming with it.

The live demo of SwiftUI in Xcode. Perhaps uninteresting for the average consumer, but a big step for those interested in programming and developers.
The live demo of SwiftUI in Xcode. Perhaps uninteresting for the average consumer, but a big step for those interested in programming and developers.

More about SwiftUI in Xcode: Apple's developer site

Augmented Reality - ARKit 3 with RealityKit and Reality Composer

In the past few years the Augmented reality (AR) has become an important topic at Apple as well as on the keynotes. That is why new features and innovations were presented in this area at the WWDC 2019 keynote. By means of the ARKit 3 With RealityKit and Reality Composer, for example, it is now possible to create software that places people between AR levels and thus between 3D objects. People can thus be displayed even more immersively in real time in a virtual world.

There was a demonstration by two representatives from MOJANG. If that doesn't mean anything, their app should sound more familiar: Minecraft. With “Minecraft Earth”, MOJANG is launching its AR app this summer, with which Minecraft worlds can be located, edited and also accessed in the real world. Thanks to ARKit 3, players or people in front of the camera of the iPhones and iPads used for this can be integrated directly into the world of pixels and blocks - with layers in front of and behind them. 

Besides, it is now too Motion capturing possible in real time. This means that the movements of a person can be converted directly (or with a small delay) into movements of a virtual character. This should not only be advantageous for Minecraft Earth, but also especially for creative apps, for filmmakers and all creative people who cannot afford studio equipment, expensive software and the corresponding specialists. So an interesting step that could inspire creative people to come up with new masterpieces.

The demonstration of Minecraft Earth, which, thanks to ARKit 3, not only uses motion capturing, but can also place people in a 3D world between object levels.
The demonstration of Minecraft Earth, which, thanks to ARKit 3, not only uses motion capturing, but can also place people in a 3D world between object levels.

Info and pictures about Minecraft Earth: Official provider page

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10 comments on “macOS 10.15 Catalina – Information about the Mac operating system 2019/20”

  1. "...Rather than cram more content into the Mac's former "Rip, Mix and Burn" software, Apple is thinning it out...".

    You can of course also see it that way, unless you have built up the entire music usage of different platforms on iTunes. For me, the dissolution of the Mac software classic - which over the years has developed into an irreplaceable instrument for editing and managing my 16.000+ music files - is a slap in the face.

    The convenient option of editing albums or track information on the Mac mini, archiving it in individually created playlists and then transferring it via private sharing to the iTunes of my windows tablet, which in turn is connected to my Yamaha hi-fi system After the will of the increasingly customer-unfriendly Mac management, I will probably forget about it in the future.

    As an alternative, I have only two options:
    Either I trash the work of almost 10 years and start from scratch on both systems with completely new software ...
    ... or I can save myself the switch to macOS 10.15 Catalina and all future macOS successors.

    Neither variant makes me happy, but I will probably have to choose one if I want to continue indulging in my hobby music in connection with my beloved equipment in the usual way.

    1. Hello Oxid! In your case, I fully understand the annoyance. I hope, however, that Apple will also offer the option to import old iTunes content and playlists with the new Music app. At least that would be the best step not to scare away people who have maintained their iTunes library for years.
      Personally, I have rarely used iTunes and only listen to music as Internet radio or via the iPhone with Apple Music. Why iTunes became such a monster that not only manages music but also all mobile devices, films and whatever else has always been a mystery to me. So it's good that they tackled the one.

    2. Hi Oxide,
      I am with Jens there. Something would go wrong with Apple if they didn't implement a way to enable iTunes content, playlists, their transfer, etc.
      Basically, it only helps to wait and see how the new app looks like. Then there will certainly be support documents from Apple that describe the procedure for transferring the data. And if necessary, hard-working developers set out to design third-party solutions for a successful import.
      Or in short: I would be more optimistic about the future of macOS and not rush to paint the devil on the wall;)
      Best regards
      John

      1. As if the successors of Steve Jobs wanted to continue to support the possibility of a smooth exchange of music between Mac and Windows - as was possible via iTunes.

        The opposite is the case: For years, the company's policy has been to destroy the compatibilities with other platforms that Jobs have built up and only offer solutions that support the “all from one source” concept. In other words, devices that do not have an apple as a logo are cut off in terms of compatibility.

        The death of the traditional cross-platform software iTunes is just another logical step on this path.

  2. "Thank you very much" for deleting my answer, Mr. Domke.
    It is good to know that comments are being thrown away here that do not praise or paint the current Apple policy in the highest tones.
    So SIR APFELOT died for me as a competent information site. It's actually a shame, but at least now I know where I am.

    1. The comment was not deleted. In the blog, comments are just not activated and moderated immediately. For this reason, it can take 1-2 hours on Saturdays until I'm back at my Mac and approve comments. Of course, I allow any opinion as long as it is not offensive or unobjective. Unfortunately, there are quite a few spammers who post this kind of crap every now and then ... that's why I have to moderate and can't approve everything immediately.

      1. Okay, then it is more than appropriate on my part to defend my allegations regarding a deletion / or. Sorry for non-activation.

        Due to our COMPLETELY different attitudes on the subject, I had the short-term impression of being portrayed by Mr. Domke as a paranoid who prematurely paints the devil on the wall by daring to question the oh-so honorable and customer-friendly intentions of Apple.

        It was certainly an exaggerated reaction, but the current Apple policy - and I mean not only with regard to iTunes - meanwhile regularly causes irritated resentment in me ... especially when I think about how enthusiastic I am about the earlier Apple policy Steve Jobs was.

        1. Hello oxide! No problem. I think every time Apple does something, there's a group of people who aren't happy. That is in the nature of things when you have a customer base of many millions of people. And of course everyone is allowed to express their point of view here. Steve Jobs certainly had a different company policy, but he only experienced the Apple boom marginally. He still had time to annoy employees about the design of the calculator... I think that today Apple has so many construction sites going on at the same time that sometimes you just have to sweep with an "iron broom". Of course, that doesn't get everyone's approval... but let's see if Apple doesn't provide a few import tools for the iTunes successor. If not, you can always scold. :D

  3. By the way: The fact that the wireless HDMI dongle from ELEGIANT - a slim, inexpensive alternative to the Apple TV that you presented in September 2017 - was no longer available shortly after its introduction on Amazon and is no longer available today, is certainly just a coincidence and probably has nothing to do with Apple politics (click: irony issued). ????

    Joking aside: I am now considering whether I should order an Apple AirPort Express Station via ebay for this very reason.
    e.g. here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-pc-Apple-AirPort-Express-Base-Station-Wireless-N-Router-MC414B-A-A1392/163690951032
    The product, which is perfect for music fans, is unfortunately no longer produced in order to be able to sell the much more expensive Apple TV better. But since I have the TV and film download or. If you don't use stream functions at all, I don't see any point in paying extra for them.

    The only problem is that I could well imagine that Apple may have rewritten the AirPort utility program as early as Sierra - but maybe not until Catalina - in such a way that Apple AirPort Express stations are no longer recognized or are not compatible. What do you mean: Is that a fear that could be justified?

    1. I don't think you have to worry about that right now, but it could happen in 2-3 years. At the moment I don't see any reason why Apple should make the administration tool unusable.

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