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OS X Yosemite Release & Feature Roundup

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The OS X Yosemite release date arrives this month as a free update for most Apple computers including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iMac and Mac Mini.

Apple delivers a new look for OS X Yosemite that is familiar but new and packs in a lot of new OS X Yosemite features that could change the way you use your Mac as well as your iPhone and iPad.

One reasons millions of users can’t wait for the OS X Yosemite release date is because it connects the iPhone and iPad to your computer in new ways. You can now answer a phone call on your Mac, respond to a text message and it’s easier to send files from iPhone to computer using AirDrop.

After using OS X Yosemite for several months on a MacBook Pro Retina along with iOS 8 on the iPhone 5s we’re certain that these features will convince many users to upgrade to both of these new updates from Apple.

Find out what's new in OS X Yosemite.

Find out what’s new in OS X Yosemite.

Apple revealed many of the new OS X Yosemite features in June at WWDC 2014, but it is possible that we’ll see a few new features revealed at the Apple Event on October 16th when we expect to hear Apple announce the missing OS X Yosemite details.

The October Apple Event starts at 10AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern on October 16th with a focus on new iPads and a new iMac Retina, but we also expect to see OS X Yosemite on stage and news about an iOS 8.1 update that enables all the connectivity between the two devices.

OS X Yosemite Release Date

Users can expect the OS X Yosemite release date on October 16th, but that is not confirmed. Last year the new OS X software update arrived on the same day as the event. It is very likely that Apple plans to announce the OS X Yosemite release date on this date and that users will be able to start downloading it later that day.

The OS X Yosemite release date may arrive on October 16th after the Apple event finishes.

The OS X Yosemite release date may arrive on October 16th after the Apple event finishes.

The OS X Yosemite release is close thanks to months of beta testing and a new OS X Yosemite GM Candidate 2 that arrived this week.

It’s clear Apple is working hard to iron out the bugs and get OS X Yosemite ready for a download on the Mac App Store.

There is always a chance that Apple will not hit the October 16th OS X Yosemite release date, but will announce a release date and time in the future.

OS X Yosemite Compatibility

If you are currently using OS X Mavericks you will likely be able to install OS X Yosemite. Although Apple did not announce a specific list of OS X Yosemite compatibility Ars Technica shares the following list of compatible machines.

  • iMac (Mid-2007 or later)
  • MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later), (15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later), (17-inch, Late 2007 or later)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
  • Mac Mini (Early 2009 or later)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

The list covers a wide array of Mac computers and goes back to 2007 in some cases. Users should investigate performance of OS X Yosemite on their older Mac before upgrading as aging machines may not handle the update well and not all features are available on the older devices.

OS X Yosemite Features

The OS X Yosemite walkthrough below shows off many of the new OS X Yosemite features that you’ll gain when you install OS X Yosemite on your Mac. On some older Macs without new Bluetooth LE connectivity the iOS 8 + Mac features will not work.

Here’s a look at the most exciting and important OS X Yosemite features that you’ll be able to use soon.

OS X Yosemite Release & Feature Roundup

New OS X Yosemite Design

New OS X Yosemite Design

The biggest change in OS X Yosemite is the new look and design. Similar to the visual upgrade the iPhone and iPad received last year this free OS X update brings a new, but familiar look to your Mac. 

Apple's new look for OS X Yosemite starts with redesigned buttons, windows and elements. You won't be lost when you open Yosemite, but you will notice a cleaner overall design. There are now translucent areas in some apps that show a blurred view of what's behind and the toolbars are now less cluttered and more useful.

Apple also changes the OS X Yosemite dock and system fonts to make OS X Yosemite look better on a Retina display. Notification Center and Spotlight are also new, which we cover in more detail below.  

The OS X Yosemite video above walks through the various changes to OS X Yosemite design. 

 

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