If you’re still using Yosemite, you might be wondering if it’s time to upgrade to High Sierra. Apple’s operating systems are known for their ease of use and innovative features, but each new version brings significant changes that may or may not be beneficial to your workflow. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Yosemite and High Sierra, helping you decide whether an upgrade is right for you.
Understanding Yosemite and High Sierra
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a brief look at both operating systems. Yosemite, also known as OS X 10.10, was released in 2014 and was a significant departure from its predecessor, Mavericks. It introduced a new design language, Continuity, and Handoff, which allowed for seamless integration between Apple devices.
High Sierra, on the other hand, is the successor to Sierra and was released in 2017. It built upon the features introduced in Sierra, with a focus on refining the user experience and introducing new technologies like APFS (Apple File System) and Metal 2.
Key Features of High Sierra
So, what does High Sierra offer that Yosemite doesn’t? Here are some of the key features you can expect:
- APFS (Apple File System): High Sierra introduces a new file system that’s designed to be faster, more secure, and more efficient. APFS replaces the aging HFS+ file system and offers improved performance, especially on solid-state drives (SSDs).
- Metal 2: Metal is Apple’s low-level graphics API, and Metal 2 is a significant update that offers improved performance, better multi-threading, and enhanced graphics capabilities.
- HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding): High Sierra introduces support for HEVC, a new video codec that offers better compression and quality than H.264.
- Improved Photos App: The Photos app in High Sierra has been revamped with new features like a more intuitive interface, improved editing tools, and better organization options.
- Enhanced Security: High Sierra includes several security enhancements, including improved encryption, better protection against malware, and more secure boot processes.
Should You Upgrade from Yosemite to High Sierra?
Now that we’ve covered the key features of High Sierra, let’s discuss whether an upgrade is right for you. Here are some points to consider:
- Hardware Compatibility: High Sierra requires a 64-bit processor and at least 2GB of RAM. If your Mac is from 2010 or earlier, it may not be compatible with High Sierra.
- Software Compatibility: If you rely on specific software applications for work or creative pursuits, you’ll want to ensure they’re compatible with High Sierra. Some older apps may not work properly or at all on the new operating system.
- Performance: High Sierra is optimized for newer hardware, so if you’re using an older Mac, you may not see significant performance improvements. In fact, you may experience slower performance due to the increased demands of the new operating system.
Who Should Upgrade to High Sierra?
Based on the points above, here are some scenarios where upgrading to High Sierra makes sense:
- You’re using a newer Mac: If you’re using a Mac from 2015 or later, you’ll likely see significant performance improvements and be able to take advantage of the new features in High Sierra.
- You need the latest security patches: High Sierra includes several security enhancements that are essential for protecting your Mac from malware and other threats.
- You want the latest features: If you’re eager to try out the new features in High Sierra, such as the improved Photos app or Metal 2, an upgrade may be worth considering.
Who Should Stick with Yosemite?
On the other hand, here are some scenarios where sticking with Yosemite might be the better option:
- You’re using older hardware: If you’re using a Mac from 2010 or earlier, you may not be able to upgrade to High Sierra, or you may experience performance issues.
- You rely on specific software applications: If you rely on older software applications that aren’t compatible with High Sierra, it may be better to stick with Yosemite.
- You’re happy with your current setup: If you’re happy with your current setup and don’t see a need for the new features in High Sierra, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade.
Upgrading from Yosemite to High Sierra: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided to upgrade to High Sierra, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Backup your data: Before you start the upgrade process, make sure to backup your important files and data. You can use Time Machine or a third-party backup solution to create a backup of your Mac.
- Check your hardware compatibility: Ensure your Mac meets the minimum system requirements for High Sierra. You can check Apple’s support page for more information.
- Download the High Sierra installer: You can download the High Sierra installer from Apple’s support page. Make sure to download the correct version for your Mac.
- Create a bootable installer: Create a bootable installer by following these steps:
- Open the Disk Utility app and select the USB drive or external hard drive you want to use as the bootable installer.
- Click the “Erase” button and select “Quick Erase.”
- Open the Terminal app and type the following command:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app --nointeraction - Replace “MyVolume” with the name of your USB drive or external hard drive.
- Boot from the installer: Restart your Mac and hold down the “Option” key while booting up. Select the bootable installer as the startup disk.
- Follow the installation prompts: Follow the installation prompts to complete the upgrade process. This may take several minutes or hours, depending on the speed of your Mac and the amount of data being transferred.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the upgrade process, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Slow installation: If the installation process is taking too long, try restarting your Mac and trying again.
- Compatibility issues: If you encounter compatibility issues with specific software applications, try updating the app to the latest version or searching for alternative solutions.
- Performance issues: If you experience performance issues after upgrading to High Sierra, try restarting your Mac, updating your software applications, or seeking help from Apple support.
Conclusion
Upgrading from Yosemite to High Sierra can be a great way to breathe new life into your Mac, but it’s essential to consider the potential risks and benefits before making the leap. By understanding the key features of High Sierra and evaluating your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that’s right for you. Remember to backup your data, check your hardware compatibility, and follow the step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth upgrade process.
What are the main differences between Yosemite and High Sierra?
The main differences between Yosemite and High Sierra lie in their performance, security, and features. High Sierra offers improved performance, thanks to its new file system, APFS, which replaces the traditional HFS+. This new file system provides faster data access, better security, and improved reliability. Additionally, High Sierra includes new features such as Metal 2, which provides improved graphics performance, and Core ML, which enables developers to integrate machine learning into their apps.
High Sierra also includes several security updates, including improved protection against ransomware and other types of malware. The operating system also includes new features such as Enhanced Spotlight, which provides more detailed information about files and folders, and a new Photos app, which includes improved editing tools and organization features. Overall, High Sierra offers several significant improvements over Yosemite, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many users.
Is my Mac compatible with High Sierra?
To determine if your Mac is compatible with High Sierra, you’ll need to check its specifications. High Sierra requires a Mac with a 64-bit processor, at least 2GB of RAM, and a minimum of 14.3GB of free disk space. Additionally, your Mac must be from 2010 or later, with the exception of the MacBook Air, which must be from 2012 or later. You can check your Mac’s specifications by clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen and selecting “About This Mac.”
If your Mac meets the system requirements, you can upgrade to High Sierra. However, if your Mac is older or doesn’t meet the requirements, you may need to consider purchasing a new Mac or sticking with Yosemite. It’s also worth noting that some features, such as Metal 2, may not be available on all Macs, even if they are compatible with High Sierra.
How do I upgrade from Yosemite to High Sierra?
Upgrading from Yosemite to High Sierra is a relatively straightforward process. First, make sure your Mac is connected to the internet and that you have a valid Apple ID. Then, click the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen and select “App Store.” From there, click the “Updates” tab and select “High Sierra” from the list of available updates. Follow the prompts to download and install the update.
Once the update is installed, your Mac will restart and begin the upgrade process. This may take several minutes, depending on the speed of your Mac and the amount of data that needs to be transferred. During the upgrade process, your Mac will automatically back up your data and transfer your settings to the new operating system. When the upgrade is complete, you’ll be prompted to log in and begin using High Sierra.
Will I lose any data or settings during the upgrade process?
In most cases, you won’t lose any data or settings during the upgrade process from Yosemite to High Sierra. The upgrade process is designed to automatically back up your data and transfer your settings to the new operating system. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your data manually before upgrading, just in case something goes wrong.
To back up your data, you can use Time Machine, which is built into Yosemite. Simply connect an external hard drive to your Mac and follow the prompts to set up Time Machine. You can also use third-party backup software or cloud storage services, such as iCloud or Google Drive. Additionally, you may want to make a note of your settings, such as your Wi-Fi password and email account information, in case you need to re-enter them after the upgrade.
Are there any potential downsides to upgrading to High Sierra?
While High Sierra offers several significant improvements over Yosemite, there are some potential downsides to consider. One of the main drawbacks is that High Sierra may not be compatible with all of your existing apps. Some apps may need to be updated or replaced in order to work with the new operating system. Additionally, some users have reported issues with High Sierra’s new file system, APFS, which can cause problems with certain types of files.
Another potential downside is that High Sierra may require more resources than Yosemite, which can cause performance issues on older Macs. Additionally, some users may not like the changes to the user interface and features in High Sierra, which can take some getting used to. However, overall, the benefits of upgrading to High Sierra far outweigh the potential drawbacks for most users.
Can I still use my existing apps with High Sierra?
In most cases, you can still use your existing apps with High Sierra. However, some apps may need to be updated or replaced in order to work with the new operating system. Apple has provided developers with tools and resources to help them update their apps for High Sierra, but some apps may not be compatible right away.
If you’re concerned about app compatibility, you can check the App Store or the developer’s website to see if an update is available. You can also try running your apps in compatibility mode, which can help them work with High Sierra. However, in some cases, you may need to replace an app with a newer version or find an alternative app that is compatible with High Sierra.
Is High Sierra more secure than Yosemite?
Yes, High Sierra is more secure than Yosemite. High Sierra includes several security updates and features that are designed to protect your Mac and your data. One of the main security features is the new file system, APFS, which provides improved protection against ransomware and other types of malware. High Sierra also includes improved sandboxing, which helps to prevent apps from accessing sensitive data without your permission.
Additionally, High Sierra includes several other security features, such as Gatekeeper, which helps to prevent malicious apps from being installed on your Mac, and XProtect, which scans apps for malware before they are installed. High Sierra also includes regular security updates, which help to protect your Mac against the latest threats. Overall, High Sierra provides a more secure environment for your Mac and your data than Yosemite.