macOS El Capitan
macOS El Capitan, initially known as OS X El Capitan, is the twelfth major release of macOS, Apple Inc.'s operating system for Mac computers. Named after the famous El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park, this version was announced at WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) on June 8, 2015, and officially released on September 30, 2015.
Key Features and Enhancements
- Performance Improvements: El Capitan introduced various under-the-hood enhancements to improve system performance, including faster app launching and switching, and smoother scrolling and animations.
- Metal API: This graphics technology, first introduced with iOS 8, was adapted for macOS, providing developers with tools to create more visually intensive apps with lower overhead for the CPU, allowing for higher frame rates and reduced energy consumption.
- System Integrity Protection (SIP): A security feature to prevent even users with administrative privileges from modifying system files, enhancing system security.
- Mission Control: Enhanced with new features like Spaces, allowing users to organize their workspaces more effectively.
- Notes App: Received a major update with new capabilities like checklists, sketches, and the ability to add images or maps directly into notes.
- Split View: A feature that lets users view two apps side by side in full screen mode without overlapping or layering.
- Safari Enhancements: Includes better performance, a new Pinned Sites feature, and improved security measures like site-specific plug-in blocking.
- Spotlight Search: Enhanced with natural language queries and new sources of information, making searches more intuitive and comprehensive.
- Photos: Building on the new Photos app introduced in OS X Yosemite, El Capitan added features like the ability to create Memories from photos, and improved photo editing capabilities.
Context and Reception
macOS El Capitan focused on refinement rather than introducing groundbreaking new features, aiming to enhance stability, performance, and user experience. It was well-received for its performance boosts and security enhancements but also drew criticism for not providing enough new features compared to its predecessor, OS X Yosemite.
El Capitan also marked the end of an era as it was the last macOS version to support 32-bit applications without any warnings. Starting with macOS Sierra, Apple began the transition to 64-bit applications.
Availability and Support
El Capitan was made available as a free update through the Mac App Store. Apple provided support for El Capitan until the release of macOS Catalina, when it ceased to receive security updates or patches.
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